Washington United for Marriage, the lead group fighting for same-sex nuptials in the Evergreen State, has reserved $5 million in television advertising, with commercials expected to start “some time after Labor Day,” said spokesman Zach Silk.
The State Legislature and Governor Gregoire already approved a marriage-equality measure this year, but opponents managed to get a referendum on the ballot asking voters to approve or reject the law. One pro-marriage-equality ad that already ran during the Olympics featured former Republican Sen. Cheryl Pflug, who voted for the gay-marriage bill. (Above, Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland shares why she supports the referendum in a PSA.)
Washington United for Marriage has raised more than $6 million for its efforts, thanks in part to a massive $2.5 million contribution by Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, MacKenzie.
We don’t usually like to pick on the underdog, but Preserve Marriage—y’know, the group trying to deny gay Washingtonians their equality—has only racked up $471,000 to date. And that’s with carpetbagger staff from the National Organization for Marriage. NOM’s Christopher Plante, now deputy campaign manager for Preserve Marriage, says he’s confident the group will ultimately raise close to $4 million. “If we have enough money to get our message out, we will be victorious,” he told the AP.
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You just know they’re gonna lose and then blame the “elite” for stuffing Washingtons United for Marriage’s coffers.
The Real Mike in Asheville
While I certainly hope you are correct — “You just know they’re gonna lose…” — that’s the same as what the hare said to the tortoise.
Be ever vigilant; all gays/lesbians from the country need to send $$$ to Washington: when the first “by voters'” domino falls, many more will fall the next election. But, we so badly need that first domino to fall, and Washington State appears to be the best chance yet!
The Real Mike in Asheville
Hey Washington United: where the heck are your requests for donations on gay/lesbian blogs????
I check out Queerty, Joe My God, Towleroad, Kenneth in the 212, Wicked Gay Blog, Just a Jeep Guy every day — and while due to content I have seen requests to donate to Romney/Repugnantans, not a one from you. You’re missing important outreach and fundraising.
As I commented above, Washington State appears to be the best chance of winning a ballot box, and when we win our first state, more will follow. [No insult here to MA, IA, NY, CT, VT, NH, DC — your judicial and legislative wins are great wins, too.]
redcarpet
They are going to get big fat checks from the Mormon and Catholic churches, plus what ever NOM can scramble up, soon. Polling for marriage equality in WA isn’t looking as comfortable as we would like. Your overconfidence is not appreciated.
redcarpet
@The Real Mike in Asheville: They are saving up for September and October.
What should have you really pissed off is their focus on Seattle and Tacoma. If your not in King county good luck finding a place to volunteer on their website (you have to hunt for a facebook page for Olympia, the state fucking capital). It’s the same mistake the No on Prop 8 folks did, ignoring the conservative eastern counties in favor of the metropolitan areas that were already going to vote their way.