Gov. Christie (R-NJ) Withdraws Marriage Equality Appeal

New Jersey Gets Marriage Equality...For Now

From USA Today:  

The state Supreme Court Friday turned down Republican Gov. Chris Christie's administration request to delay same-sex marriages, clearing the way for the weddings to begin Oct. 21.

A lower-court judge had earlier ruled that same-sex weddings must be allowed starting Monday, and the administration requested a stay.

The Christie administration has also appealed a lower court decision that the state should allow same-sex marriages, and the high court is expected to hear arguments and render a decision on the broader issue over the next three months.

The ruling by the justices against the motion was unanimous, a sign that the administration's prospects for the full appeal are bleak.

The Road to Overriding Chris Christie

 

From New Jersey.com:

The effort to override Christie is still an uphill battle: In the Assembly, advocates need 12 more lawmakers to vote for an override than those who voted for the original bill. Three more votes are needed in the Senate. 

And the clock is ticking, with the legislative session ending in January.

But with new pledges to vote for an override — and a lame-duck Legislative session approaching — there are signs the gap is shrinking.

State Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), a supporter of same-sex marriage, says he has been given commitments for enough votes in the Senate, and lawmakers and advocates are still pressing to find them in the Assembly.

In the lower house, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) missed the vote on the bill last year. He has committed to voting for an override.

Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R-Bergen), also absent during the vote, said she would vote in favor of an override, indicating she had been swayed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act.

Sen. Cruz Thinks Obama Might Defund Obamacare

The key remarks mentioned in the title are just after 4:45, but I recommend watching the whole clip.

Gov. Christie (R-NJ) Signs Ban on Reparative Therapy

From Huffington Post:

Republican Gov. Chris Christie signed a law on Monday barring licensed therapists from trying to turn gay teenagers straight, the latest example of the potential 2016 presidential candidate steering a moderate course.

The governor said the health risks of trying to change a child's sexual orientation, as identified by the American Psychological Association, trump concerns over the government setting limits on parental choice. "Government should tread carefully into this area," he said in the signing note, "and I do so here reluctantly."

The decision marked the third time this month that Christie has staked out a moderate position on a hot-button social issue as he seeks a second term in a Democratic-leaning state. It also offers more evidence that the popular governor is positioning himself as a pragmatist who shuns more conservative elements within his party.

~

Christie said on "issues of medical treatment for children we must look to experts in the field to determine the relative risks and rewards," citing a litany of potential ill effects of trying to change sexual orientation, including depression, drug abuse and suicide.

"I believe that exposing children to these health risks without clear evidence of benefits that outweigh these serious risks is not appropriate," he said.

Blue New Jersey Vs. Red Kentucky & Federal Spending

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)

From Politifact: 

The past week’s political sandbox match between Gov. Chris Christie and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul kicked up a lot of dust.

But after a week of increasingly insulting barbs between the two possible Republican presidential contenders for 2016, fueled by a disagreement about national security matters, there’s one claim that caught the Truth-O-Meter’s attention – and it’s not whether Christie is the "King of Bacon" when it comes to government spending, as Paul claimed July 30 during an interview on CNN. 

"In fact New Jersey is a donor state, we get 61 cents back on every dollar we send to Washington," Christie said July 30 in response to Rand’s claim that New Jersey has a ‘gimme, gimme, gimme’ attitude about federal spending. "And interestingly Kentucky gets $1.51 on every dollar they send to Washington." 

Kentucky receives more than double what New Jersey gets in federal funding? For this claim, Christie’s got the numbers on his side.

Studies have shown that many classically blue states are net donors while many classically conservative states are net takers. Of course on both sides of this there are exceptions. many conservatives would have you think that liberal/Democratic-led states are the ones who are spending all of the federal dollars (granted in the case of the article quoted above both politicians are Republicans, new Jersey is definitely a tried-and-true blue state). Yet again, the conservative stance is not backed by fact. If there is one thing that we can say about conservatives, it is that they never let the facts stand in their way.

Tweet of the Day: March 21, 2013

Banning Ex-Gay Therapy In New Jersey

NJ Seeks to Override Governor On Marriage Equality

Governor Chris Chrisrie (R-NJ)

From Think Progress:

In early 2012, lawmakers in New Jersey successfully passed marriage equality bill, but Gov. Chris Christie (R) vetoed it, claiming same-sex marriage was not an issue of “gay rights.” The legislature has until January 2014 to attempt to override that veto, and Democratic leaders in both chambers announced this week that they will attempt to do just that.

The bill originally passed the Senate with a 24-16 vote, so only three more votes are needed to reach a two-thirds majority for the override. In the Assembly, however, the bill only passed 42-33, so 12 more votes are needed. Lawmakers will likely wait until after the June elections to hold the vote so that Republicans are more willing to consider a controversial vote. LGBT activists have been lobbying for more support for an override since the bill’s passage last year, primarily because they are opposed to a referendum.

Chris Christie's "2nd-Class" Hypocrisy

Boehner Schedules Hurricane Sandy Aid Vote

Gov. Christie Responds to Boehner's Treachery

Conservatives Go Christie Bashing in Sandy's Wake

From Think Progress:

As New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) joined President Obama today to survey the devastated shores of the New Jersey coastline, conservative commentators launched into political attacks, calling him “fat and a fool,” and claiming that the tour of the damage was a shared campaign event.

Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, who normally reserves his derision for Democrats, went so far as to say of Christie: “He’s fat and a fool. Don’t listen to Governor Christie. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” But Limbaugh clinched the quote with his reasoning for being so vicious: “He makes fun of me all the time.”

A writer for the right-wing Daily Caller, Matt Lewis, hopped onto the anti-Christie bandwagon as well, in a post titled “What’s Chris Christie up to?” Lewis called Christie “a prop for Obama’s re-election” and speculated that there must be some kind of “Christie/Romney schism.”

I have posted some things about Chris Christie that show my disagreements with him in terms of policy and such (example: his handling of marriage equality). However, in terms of dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and giving President Obama his due credit, Christie is spot on. He is putting electoral politics aside and doing what needs to be done for his constituents, the people of New Jersey. And for that, he is getting bashed by the political right. I give Christie all of the credit in the world for doing the right thing. On the other hand, those who are lambasting him for not being a 100% partisan truly are the scum of the Earth.

Gov. Christie (R-NJ) Praises President Obama

Mike Brown, the architect of the disastrous response to Hurricane Katrina under President Bush as the head of FEMA, was actually saying that President Obama's response to Hurricane Sandy was too fast. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) is still talking about an alleged Benghazi cover-up. Other Romney surrogates are lambasting Obama because, oh I don't know, the sky is too blue. While they are doing all of that griping and belly-aching, the President is actually on the ground working with local officials, including Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) who is a Romney surrogate, to actually get the clean-up and recovery underway as expeditiously as possible. At least some people are putting politics aside in the face of a huge natural disaster that has affected millions of people.

Gov Brown (D-CA) Challenges Gov Christie (R-NJ)

This is what happens when people like Chris Christie shoot their mouths off, which he does quite often. Yet again, Christie bit off more than he could chew. You can read the article from Huffington Post HERE.

The Wrap-Up: March 13, 2012

Mitt liking grits may not be enough to pull off a couple of wins in the South from today's primaries.

Someone actually thinks that the super-rich don't have enough influence in politics. Guess who he's backing in the presidential race?

On the other hand, some progressive groups are attempting to diminish the influence of big donors and corporations in politics.

It's no surprise to me that in the South, President Obama's religion is still an issue. Things just change slowly there apparently.

Given all of the talk about SuperPAC's and Citizens United, you would think this GOP race was the most expensive one ever. About that...

Rick Santorum's brand of conservatism includes outlawing teleprompters. So much for less government and fewer regulations.

Chris Christie of all people is saying someone (an ex-Navy Seal no less) doesn't have the right to be a jerk. Hypocrisy much?

The grassroots effort to change the rating of "Bully" from R to PG-13 is getting support from some big names.

And lastly, Cracked.com has an epic take-down of One Million Moms Forty-Thousand Moms and the American "Family" Association.

The Wrap-Up: February 27, 2012

With Washington state likely to face a ballot measure on marriage equality in November, current polling is pretty tight.

That is one reason that organizations like/including NOM are trying stunts like this to confuse Washingtonians. Another reason being they're just plain unscrupulous.

Things that make Rick Santorum sick: separation of church and state. Things that make me sick: Rick Santorum.

Speaking of Rick, on yesterday's Meet the Press, David Gregory calls Santorum out on his constant talk of social issues as Santorum tries to have it both ways.

If you have some conservative friends, there are some questions you should ask them.

Sen. Sweeney (right) with Gov. Christie

The story of this Republican's change of heart is further proof that change is possible when we are ourselves openly and honestly.

When a presidential candidate is struggling in their home state of all places, they are REALLY in trouble.

Big banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc) have seen record numbers of people leaving. Now, churches are dumping them as well.

The President of the New Jersey state Senate has made a promise to Governor Chris Christie.

And lastly, some members of Congress have taken some special photographs.

The Wrap-Up: February 24, 2012

Gov. Bill Haslam (R-TN)

Homophobic politicians are finding it harder to get served, from a cafe owner in Tennessee to a hairstylist in New Mexico.

Speaking of Tennessee, its governor has something to say about that"Don't Say Gay" bill.

Another Texas politician is showing himself to be an ignorant idiot. When will Texas have enough of these clowns?

The Obama administration has made an awful call in regards to green card petitions for bi-national gay couples.

Most of what George W. Bush did as president was...terrible (that's the rated G version). However, appointing this federal judge was not so bad.

This kind of language is coming from the "statesman" that many Republicans want as their presidential candidate.

As some Washingtonians attempt to undo the state's recently passed marriage equality bill, the language they are using to do so has been called into question...by other marriage equality opponents.

If you thought the Bush tax cuts were bad (p.s. the WERE, and that's putting it lightly), wait until you see the Romney tax cuts.

Maryland is now a freer, fairer state.

And lastly, Jon Stewart REALLY wants to make a Santorum joke.

The Wrap-Up: February 20, 2012

Garden State Equality had an interesting response to Gov. Chris Christie's veto of marriage equality.

North Carolina's anti-equality amendment doesn't just affect marriage, it's effects are far more reaching and dangerous.

In other far-reaching legislation, several states are pushing back against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which allows for indefinite detention of Americans without trial AND allows for the U.S. military to operate within the United States.

To whom it may concern, THIS is how one makes up for saying something homophobic, instead of a half-assed "I'm sorry IF I offended anyone." Are you reading this athletes (not all, but they know who they are)?

New Mexico's version of DoMA (the so-called Defense of Marriage Act) is dead. My condolences (well...not really).

President John Adams

The Obama administration takes another pro-gay step  that we KNOW would not happen under a Republican president (and may be undone under one).

Speaking of Obama, he really can't catch a break with the GOP. Something bad happens and it's all his fault. Something good happens and it's a conspiracy. So much for giving props where props are due I suppose.

There is some interesting information on socialized medicine and health care mandates...from the 1700's...and passed/signed by the founders.

And lastly, got up early to get grilled on marriage equality. She's seriously spinning faster a windmill in a tornado.

Marriage: Making Progress

Gov. Gregoire at the signing ceremony

This past week had some major moves on marriage equality in several states. Most of the moves were good, but not all.

Last Monday, Governor Chris Gregoire of Washington signed the state’s marriage equality bill into law. Now that the bill has been signed, opponents of equality pretty much have the go-ahead to start gathering signatures to put a repeal on the ballot for this coming November. They have until July 6 to collect 150,577 signatures to do so.

 

Both houses of the New Jersey state legislature have passed that state’s marriage equality bill. Unfortunately, the bill hit a wall in the form of Governor Chris Christie and his veto. Given how the vote shook out in the legislature, they were pretty far short of the 2/3 majority needed to override the veto. That’s the bad news. The good news is that they have until the end of the legislative session (which is in 2014) to muster the votes. In the Senate, the need about 3 more votes, but the climb is steeper in the House. It’s an uphill battle, but at least there are almost two years to fight it.

I couldn't resist using this pic of Gov. O'Malley

In Maryland, the House of Delegates passed the state’s marriage equality bill. It now goes to the Senate where it is expected to pass (it passed the Senate last year but died in the House). The Senate is expected to vote this coming week. Governor Martin O’Malley has pledged his support and was one of the main movers of the bill, so is signature is pretty much a done deal. Should the bill pass and be signed, it is expected that equality opponents, like their counterparts in Washington, will try to get a repeal of the bill on the ballot for November. Luckily, support for marriage equality is at about 50% compared to the opposition being at about 44%. But remember, it’s all about turnout.