Gay Marriage Could Win In the State Senate
The Washington State Senate may have the voters to approve gay marriage. According to The Associated Press, who contacted all 49 state senators, the measure to make Washington the seventh state to permit same-sex marriage is leading by a margin of 22-18.
The bill is expected to be introduced today or tomorrow. Five Democrats say they are considering whether to support it, including two who are leaning in favor. Two Republicans, meanwhile, are behind the proposal that Gov. Chris Gregoire publicly endorsed for the first time last week. Two other first-term Republicans say there's still mulling it over and talking with constituents.
Democratic Sen. Ed Murray says he's "50 percent optimistic." Seattle gay lawmaker told The AP, "I can't declare victory. I don't think we'll know we have the votes until we actually vote."
The measure needs 25 votes to clear the Senate and is widely expected to have more than enough support in the House.
Two undecided Democrats -- Sens. Karen Fraser of Olympia and Rosmary McAuliffe of Bothell -- have given indication that they'll vote in the affirmative but are not willing to commit.
Attorney General and gubernatorial candiate Rob McKenna says the matter of gay marriage that should be something for the voters to decide -- not the Legislature.
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