Gay-Marriage Surprises
2011-09-20 - by
Constitutional amendments banning gay marriage passed overwhelmingly in other Southern states, I’m told, so one is likely to pass here, too.
But think of the unintended consequences that may result.
Republicans apparently realized that a November 2012 referendum might bring out a group of anti-gay marriage voters the GOP doesn’t want to encourage: black evangelicals.
So they decided on May, with the Republican presidential primary. Which makes North Carolina a much more likely win for Rick Perry (unless he implodes and is replaced by another Tea Party candidate) than Mitt Romney.
It could also help conservative Republicans who mount a primary challenge to moderates – like, say, Pat McCrory. It could force McCrory to take a harder line on the amendment than a moderate-conservative Republican from Charlotte might want to take.
Even opponents of the amendment can find some reason for optimism. It’s a perfect issue to use to rally college students, an essential part of Obama’s coalition.
In 2008, Obama had to fight Hillary Clinton hard for North Carolina. That left him with a cadre of supporters and organizers here. They kept right on working, and they stunned the Republicans by winning in the fall.
The unintended consequences may go beyond politics. A business friend of mine wonders what the impact will be on recruiting jobs. How many companies that need smart and creative people will think twice about coming here or investing here?
“Why take that chance?” he asked.
Well, we’re taking it because the Chamber of Commerce Republicans are afraid of the Old Testament Republicans.
Gay-Marriage Surprises
2011-09-20/
Constitutional amendments banning gay marriage passed overwhelmingly in other Southern states, I’m told, so one is likely to pass here, too.
But think of the unintended consequences that may result.
Republicans apparently realized that a November 2012 referendum might bring out a group of anti-gay marriage voters the GOP doesn’t want to encourage: black evangelicals.
So they decided on May, with the Republican presidential primary. Which makes North Carolina a much more likely win for Rick Perry (unless he implodes and is replaced by another Tea Party candidate) than Mitt Romney.
It could also help conservative Republicans who mount a primary challenge to moderates – like, say, Pat McCrory. It could force McCrory to take a harder line on the amendment than a moderate-conservative Republican from Charlotte might want to take.
Even opponents of the amendment can find some reason for optimism. It’s a perfect issue to use to rally college students, an essential part of Obama’s coalition.
In 2008, Obama had to fight Hillary Clinton hard for North Carolina. That left him with a cadre of supporters and organizers here. They kept right on working, and they stunned the Republicans by winning in the fall.
The unintended consequences may go beyond politics. A business friend of mine wonders what the impact will be on recruiting jobs. How many companies that need smart and creative people will think twice about coming here or investing here?
“Why take that chance?” he asked.
Well, we’re taking it because the Chamber of Commerce Republicans are afraid of the Old Testament Republicans.