VIDEOS: Marriage Equality Advocates Air Two New TV Ads // Del. Todd Schuler & Teacher Explain "Vote For" Question 6

Marylanders for Marriage Equality is up with two new ads urging voters to "vote for" Question 6. The first ad features former Del. Todd Schuler (D8 Dem), while the 2nd ad focuses on a teacher's rebuttal to the misleading school-focused ads from civil rights opponents. Watch both ads below:

MARRIAGE EQUALITY: New "Vote For 6" Radio Ad with Obama // PLUS: Rockville Councilmember Attacked for Lawnsigns

JUICE #1: NEW RADIO AD FEATURES OBAMA: Today Marylanders for Marriage Equality has released a new radio ad featuring President Barack Obama's endorsement of marriage equality earlier this year. Listen to the new spot below:



JUICE #2: CRAZY ANTI-MARIAGE TRUCK AD: A Maryland Juice reader forwarded us the image below of a crazy anti-marriage equality truck ad. See the image below and accompanying explanation:

READER: Saw this on I-270 this morning. The side said "Shame on America."

JUICE #3: LIMITED SUPPLY OF FREE "VOTE FOR 6" LAWNSIGNS: Thanks to a generous donor, Marylanders for Marriage Equality is now offering free "Vote for Question 6" lawnsigns to the first 1,000 people who request them. You can pick up signs from Marylanders for Marriage Equality offices in Silver Spring, Baltimore, Cumberland and Frederick.

[ CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A LAWNSIGN ]

JUICE #4: ROCKVILLE COUNCILMEMBER TOM MOORE UNDER SEIGE FOR PRO-MARRIAGE EQUALITY LAWNSIGNS: Last week, Maryland Juice reported that Rockville City Councilmember Tom Moore decided to print city-specific lawnsigns urging a "vote for" Question 6. Note: You can pick-up signs at his house 11 Forest Ave in Rockville starting next Monday, October 29. In any case, Moore's effort is now under attack from the opponents. See the update below:

TOM MOORE: This is not particularly a news item, but I thought you might enjoy it.   I'm not concerned that it will amount to anything, but man -- no good deed goes unpunished. Debra Daniel, for your reference, is Rockville's City Attorney.

On Oct 24, 2012, at 11:07 AM, xxxxx <xxxx@verizon.net> wrote:

Dear Ms. Daniel,

Once again, I find it necessary to question the recent  action of Councilmember Tom Moore. During Monday’s Council meeting, Mr. Moore displayed the image shown below. He announced that yard signs are available, and can be picked up at his house. It is my opinion he conflated the Council’s position on Question 5 with his personal position on Question 6.

The sign Mr. Moore displayed, and will distribute, gives the impression that the City, through the Mayor and Council, has taken a position on this issue. Who does Mr. Moore think he is, that he can speak for all of Rockville? Mr. Moore doesn’t seem to understand that as an elected official, when he uses such language as “Rockville Votes For”, he is representing our City, and goes far beyond expressing his personal views.

I am hereby requesting that Mr. Moore be told he cannot distribute or display the sign. The City did not approve this, does not take a position on the issue and Mr. Moore is not entitled to speak for all of Rockville.

I would like a timely response to my request, and what action, will be taken. If you feel that, as the City Attorney, you cannot respond directly to me, then I ask you direct your answer through the City Manager or the Mayor. If it is the decision of the City Attorney, City Manager or City Council that there is nothing wrong with Mr. Moore’s language, I would like an explanation as to why.

Sincerely,

XXXXXX

http://r4em.moores.org/

TV SPOTS: Dream Act & Marriage Equality Advocates Launch Ads Urging "VOTE FOR" Questions 4 & 6 // WATCH ONLINE

Maryland Juice has received videos and press statements announcing new television spots promoting the Dream Act and Marriage Equality. Marylanders for Marriage Equality has a new ad airing, and Educating Maryland Kids is up with million dollar ad buy featuring three new tv spots. The marriage equality ad (Question 6) features NAACP Chair Julian Bond, while the Dream Act ads (Question 4) feature dreamers, Republicans, and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown (watch below):

VOTE FOR QUESTION 6 (MARRIAGE EQUALITY) TV AD:

VOTE FOR QUESTION 4 (DREAM ACT) TV AD #1:

 
VOTE FOR QUESTION 4 (DREAM ACT) TV AD #2:



VOTE FOR QUESTION 4 (DREAM ACT) TV AD #3:

BOOK OF REVELATIONS: Reports Reveal Anti-Marriage Equality Donors // Ehrlich Robocall Consultant Cuts Big Checks

The latest campaign finance filings have been released regarding Maryland's marriage equality battle, and there are several newsworthy items in the disclosures. Below Maryland Juice provides comment from anonymous readers, as well as a press release from the Marylanders for Marriage Equality campaign:

REVELATION #1: EHRLICH'S VOTER SUPPRESSION GURU IS SINGLE-HANDEDLY FINANCING A GROUP OPPOSED TO MARRIAGE EQUALITY - The most interesting tidbit from the campaign finance reports is that a new anti-civil rights group called "Jump the Broom for Marriage" (aka JTBM) is receiving almost all of its financing from Julius Henson, who was recently convicted of voter suppression efforts for GOP Governor Bob Ehrlich. Indeed, $21,000 of the $21,881 raised by JTBM is from Mr. Henson. In 2010, Henson taped a robocall telling African American voters they didn't need to turn out for the  election. Now he is trying to mislead Maryland's voters (and cowboys) into thinking their children will somehow be harmed by the passage of marriage equality:

ANONYMOUS READER: You may have already followed up on this -- but see attached for the campaign finance report from Jump the Broom for Marriages. Of the $21,881 in contribution the campaign took in -- $21,000 were from Julius Henson (Ehrlich's robo call campaign flak). Henson also donated another $7k in-kind, so this "ballot committee" is really just a wholly owned hobby of Julius Henson.

I realize there are lots of other campaign finance stories today -- but just thought to follow up on this to show that along with Frank Schubert (the Karl Rove of marriage ballot initiatives), the folks who are working to defeat marriage equality are a compromised bunch. Harry Jackson, Derek McCoy and Julius Henson are all cut from the same cloth -- they have multiple judgments against them in the court system, mostly for failure to pay their debts, and they make a living spreading invective and lies. Birds of a feather, really.

REVELATION #2: LEADER OF MARYLAND'S BIGGEST ANTI-MARRIAGE EQUALITY GROUP DODGES TAXES - In yet another sign of moral hypocrisy from Maryland's preachy stone-throwers, The Washington Blade reported this week that the head of the Maryland Marriage Alliance (aka MMA) doesn't like to pay taxes. Derek McCoy is the leader of MMA, which is the main group organizing opposition to civil rights in Maryland. Marylander's anti-civil rights leaders recently placed a "curse" on The Washington Blade (good luck with that one). See an excerpt from the Blade's report below:

WASHINGTON BLADE: The Washngton Blade has learned that the Internal Revenue Service in 2011 filed a lien against the executive director of the group challenging Maryland’s same-sex marriage law for more than $32,000 in unpaid taxes.. The filing notes he had an unpaid balance of $22,940.32 for the tax period that ended on Dec. 31, 2002. The document further indicates that McCoy had an unpaid balance of $9,646.07 for the tax period that ended on Dec. 31, 2003.

McCoy, who is executive director of the Maryland Marriage Alliance, is an associate pastor at Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, the same congregation headed by Bishop  Harry Jackson who claimed late last month he placed a “curse” on the Blade two months before the newspaper’s parent company’s Nov. 2009 bankruptcy forced it to temporarily shut down.

REVELATION #3: MARRIAGE EQUALITY SUPPORTERS RAISE MONEY FROM THOUSANDS OF DONORS // OPPONENTS FUNDED BY HANDFUL OF RICH EXTREMISTS - A press release from Marylanders for Marriage Equality, the group pushing a "vote for" marriage equality (Question 6), shows a stark contrast between supporters and opponents of civil rights. The pro-marriage equality side counts over 9,000 donors, while the haters are being funded by a small group of 300 wealthy haters and religious extremists. See the press release below:

PRESS RELEASE

Campaign Filings Show Stark Differences Between Supporters, Foes of Question 6

BALTIMORE - Both sides of the Question 6 referendum in Maryland submitted their campaign funding reports yesterday, revealing a significant difference in the number of individual donors to the two camps. Marylanders for Marriage Equality, which raised $3.2 million to date, produced 950 pages of contributions in a report that includes over 9,000 donors. The Maryland Marriage Alliance raised $830,000 and filed a 40-page report including just 300 donors.

"We'll let the massive gap between our number of individual donors and theirs speak for itself," said Josh Levin. "Our opponents raised almost 80% of their funds from two secretive organizations that don't disclose their donors, yet we've still raised more from Maryland residents alone than they have overall. The campaign for marriage equality is powered by Marylanders who are giving their time and dollars to protect fairness and equality under the law.”

MMA's primary funding came from the National Organization for Marriage at $400,000, Knights of Columbus at $250,000, and MMA itself at $151,000 (in un-itemized funds raised before its ballot committee was established). These three account for $801,000 of the total 838,000 in contributions. The remaining $37,000 is from about 300 donors. Maryland Catholic Conference made about $11,500 in in-kind contributions.

The MMA’s Derek McCoy has frequently claimed Marylanders for Marriage Equality receives "millions" from "movie stars."

"The disclosure highlights a larger point: our opponents are misinforming - and sometimes outright lying to - voters,” said Levin.

Marylanders for Marriage Equality is the diverse coalition made up of 1199 SEIU of Maryland, NAACP Baltimore, ACLU of Maryland, Equality Maryland, the Human Rights Campaign and more working to protect marriage on the November ballot.

###

MORE ON MD'S BATTLE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS SOON!

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg Endorses Maryland Marriage Equality & Donates $250K to "Vote For" Question 6 Campaign

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Marylanders for Marriage Equality today highlighted a new endorsement from NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The independent politician is urging Marylanders to "vote for" Question 6. The LGBT oriented site Queerty also reports that Bloomberg donated $250,000 to Maryland's civil rights campaign. Read his email appeal below:

Juice -

Maryland will always hold a special place in my heart.  I went to college at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, and have remained active in the Hopkins community.  So when Governor O'Malley asked me to support Question 6, I didn’t hesitate. 

As a business leader and Mayor of New York City, I do not believe that government has any business telling one class of couples that they cannot marry.  The 14th Amendment guarantees us all equal protection under the law, and that's what Question 6 does -- it treats all citizens equally under the law, while protecting religious liberty at the same time.

Two years ago, I was proud to support the effort to pass marriage equality in the State of New York -- and the bi-partisan support it received resulted in one of our state’s great civil rights victories.

Around the country,  a few legislatures and state courts have taken action to extend marriage equality to all couples, regardless of gender.  But never before have voters affirmed marriage equality in a statewide referendum.  By voting “FOR” on Question 6, I believe Maryland will become the first state in the nation to affirm marriage equality at the ballot box.

On Tuesday, November 6th – Election Day – you will have an opportunity to make history.

The next great barrier to full equality under the law is marriage equality.  There is no doubt in my mind this barrier will fall, just as so many others have.  The question is not if, but when.  And it is my hope that you will answer that question for Maryland on Tuesday, November 6th.

Please join me and support Question 6.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg

WATCH ONLINE: First Pro-Marriage Equality TV Ad in Maryland // Baptist Reverend Urges "Vote For" Question 6

Marylanders for Marriage Equality is out with their first television ad for the November 6 election. The spot below encouraging a "vote for" Question 6 (marriage equality) is airing in the Baltimore market:

GAME ON: Marriage Equality Opponents Announce $2 Million Pledge to Block Civil Rights // TV Ad War Begins Monday

This morning Maryland Juice received an email blast from Marylanders for Marriage Equality announcing that a donor has pledged $2 million to the anti-civil rights opponents at the National Organization for Marriage (see below). Meanwhile, The Baltimore Sun's Annie Linskey reports that the television ad war over marriage equality (Question 6) is about to begin (excerpt below):

BALTIMORE SUN: Opponents of same-sex marriage will start their television ad campaign Monday morning, according to documents filed with the Federal Communications Commission. Two days later, the supporters will go up on television, papers show....

It's a safe bet that the Maryland Marriage Alliance, which opposes same-sex marriage, will put up an ad similar in tone to one that is now airing in Minnesota, another state with marriage on the ballot. The spot features a number of good looking and happy heterosexual couples while an female narrator notes the significance of marriage - particularly in child rearing.

Juice -

Here it comes. The National Organization for Marriage - which has provided most of our opponents' reported resources so far - announced they have a donor ready to give $2,000,000 to stop marriage equality.

If you think this money wont be directly used here in Maryland to "drive a wedge between blacks and gays" as their strategy document so infamously outlined, you're wrong.

It's a harsh reality, but we have Marylanders on our side.  People just like you, who care about fairness and equality in the Free State.  Will you donate $25, $100 or more today to ensure that when The National Organization for Marriage swoops in last minute, we have the funds to go head to head with them?

They said:

"A gracious pro-marriage supporter has just created an extremely generous matching grant fund to help the National Organization for Marriage demonstrate your commitment to marriage as the unique union of one man and one woman. This new $2 million matching grant challenge will help us compete even more effectively with Obama's billionaire gay marriage activists and wealthy Hollywood celebrities who are determined to impose homosexual marriage as the law of the land."

MORE ON THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY BATTLE SOON!

Polls Show Surge in African-American Support for Maryland Marriage Equality (Question 6)

Marylanders for Marriage Equality today touts the surge in African American support for a "vote for" Question 6. See the press release below:

PRESS RELEASE

Three New Polls Show Momentum for Question 6,
Surge in African-American Support

BALTIMORE - Three polls in the past week show more Marylanders support Question 6, the Civil Marriage Protection Act, than oppose it. Two of them reflect a surge of support among African-American voters compared to earlier in the year.

"The polls continue to show Marylanders believe in treating everyone fairly and equally under the law," said Josh Levin, campaign manager for Marylanders for Marriage Equality. "We can feel the momentum for Question Six, but take nothing for granted. Polls will tighten in the final weeks, so this remains a very close race."

Over the weekend, a Baltimore Sun poll showed more than half of African-American voters support marriage equality, with a quarter opposed. The Sun noted this is a "dramatic" and "profound" shift of 10 points among black voters compared to its poll done earlier in the year. A Gonzales Research poll also out last week found the same 10-point jump among black voters.

The Sun poll found 49% of all voters favor marriage equality, with 39% opposed. But Gonzales, and a third poll by The Mellman Group, indicated a majority of voters (51% to 43% in Gonzales, 54% to 30% in Mellman) would support Question 6. Both surveys asked the actual wording that will appear on the ballot. Hart Research also finds supporters up 54% to 40% when using the ballot language.

"In the coming days and weeks, we're bracing for an onslaught of misinformation from our opponents," said Levin, "which can easily take this thing in a different direction. So we're re-doubling our efforts to make sure voters know Question 6 is about fairness and equality under the law."

Marylanders for Marriage Equality is the diverse coalition made up of 1199 SEIU of Maryland, NAACP Baltimore, ACLU of Maryland, Equality Maryland, the Human Rights Campaign working to protect marriage on the November ballot.

###

VIDEOS: Samuel Jackson & Sarah Silverman on Romney & Voter Fraud // PLUS: O'Malley's Speech to Iowa Dems & More

Below Maryland Juice provides four videos related to the November 6th presidential election (and beyond). The first two film clips come from movie star Samuel Jackson and comedian Sarah Silverman. Both celebrities use humor to mock GOP "voter fraud" propaganda and Mitt Romney's agenda.

Below, we also include a video of Gov. Martin O'Malley's recent speech to Iowa Democrats. Notably, O'Malley is obviously interested in a 2016 White House run, and Senator Tom Harkin's Iowa "Steak Fry" has for decades been an early stop for presidential contenders.

We round out our series of videos with the latest web video from the Marylanders for Marriage Equality campaign. The message below features an interview with a Catholic couple who urge Free State voters to support a "vote for" marriage equality (Question 6) this November.

Note: some of the content below is "not safe for work" (aka NSFW). If you have an aversion to swearing, you've been warned!
 
VIDEO #1 - Samuel Jackson: Wake the F**K Up (NSFW)



  VIDEO #2 - Sarah Silverman: Let My People Vote 2012 (NSFW)



  VIDEO #3 - Gov. Martin O'Malley's Speech at Sen. Tom Harkin's Steak Fry



VIDEO #4 - Marylanders for Marriage Equality: The Nugent Family Story

Jesse Jackson Urges Marylanders to Support Marriage Equality // Civil Rights Leader & Reverend Urges Vote FOR Question 6

PLUS: GET READY FOR MISLEADING ADS FROM CIVIL RIGHTS OPPONENTS

Reverend Jesse Jackson

JESSE JACKSON ENDORSES MARYLAND MARRIAGE EQUALITY: The Huffington Post today reported that the Reverend Jesse Jackson is urging Maryland voters to vote for Question 6 this November. In a radio interview during last week's Democratic National Convention, Jackson called marriage equality "basic civil rights" (excerpt below):

HUFFINGTON POST: The Rev. Jackson Jackson is urging Maryland voters to vote in favor of a ballot measure this fall that would give marriage equality to gays and lesbians in the state....

“The culture has had to expand,” Jackson said.... "You know, you have a right not to agree with interracial marriage but no one should be denied rights under the law....”

“If you don’t believe in it, don’t engage in it. But don’t deny other people their basic civil rights.”

Ravens Player Brendon Ayanbadejo Doubles Down on Marriage Equality // PLUS: Bush Campaign Manager Calls It "Freedom"

PRO-MARRIAGE EQUALITY NFL PLAYER DOUBLES DOWN: Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo was at the center of a media firestorm in Maryland last week, after Delegate Emmett Burns Jr. tried to get the Ravens to censor the NFL player's marriage equality support. Burns, a Baltimore area Democratic lawmaker and self-proclaimed Ravens fan, sent a letter to the team's owner asking him to muzzle Ayanbadejo, but the team instead stood by Ayanbadejo's free speech rights.

Now the Ravens linebacker is doubling down on his support for marriage equality with the following email message sent through the Marylanders for Marriage Equality list. Ayanbadejo is one of a long line of spokespeople pushing a Vote FOR Question 6 this November:

Juice,

Monday night was a great way to kick-off the season in front of the national audience!

And even though I'm excited that we started the season off with a win, moving us closer to winning the Superbowl, football is just my job, it's not who I am. I am an American before anything. And just like every American I have the right to speak!

JUICEBLENDER: Marriage Equality Opponents Outed, Dream Activists Protest Tea Party Film, Frederick Mayor's Race & More!

Here's a random blend of political tidbits from recent news, starting with a few fascinating stories related to the upcoming marriage equality and Dream Act referenda:

JUICE #1: LGBT RESIDENTS FIND FAMILY MEMBERS' NAMES ON PETITION TO OVERTURN MARRIAGE EQUALITY - The local LGBT publication The Washington Blade recently publicly posted a list that outed all the Maryland residents who signed the petition to overturn marriage equality. The news site created a searchable database of the civil rights opponents, which we also provide at the bottom of this post. Already, local LGBT residents and activists are discovering that some of their neighbors and even family members signed the petition against civil rights. See one reaction that appeared in the Washington Blade (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON BLADE: Bernard Bundy Jr. had a bad feeling in his stomach the morning of July 25. Bundy, who lives in Alexandria but was raised in Maryland, was looking at a just-posted list of names of people who had signed a petition to force the recently passed Civil Marriage Protection Act, granting marriage equality to same-sex couples in Maryland, onto the state ballot for a November referendum....

To Bundy's disappointment, he found his mother's name on the petition....

In addition to his mother, Bundy also found an aunt and uncle, his godparents. Even more galling to Bundy, those godparents have an out gay son – Bundy's cousin – who has had a partner for more than 10 years....

''It was a rough day,'' he says. ''I didn't work much that day. I was there physically, but not mentally, just thinking how much it hurt to see that. I even told my boss, 'I'm losing faith in humanity.'...''

Kevin Nix, spokesman for the Marylanders for Marriage Equality coalition, distanced the campaign from the Blade's decision to publish the names, saying the campaign has been focused on winning in November....

JUICE #2: MOCO "DREAM ACT" SUPPORTERS PROTEST MARYLAND SCREENINGS OF ANTI-IMMIGRANT FILM - Tea Party and nativist activists around the nation are hosting screenings of an anti-immigrant film called They Come to America. So far, they have held two viewings, one in Westminster and one in Rockville, and both screenings have attracted protests from Dream Act supporters. See video footage and news coverage of the controversy below. The Potomac Tea Party Report announced the screenings last month and described the film as follows:

POTOMAC TEA PARTY REPORT: A documentary film on illegal immigration will be shown in Maryland next month!   Tell everyone you know!  Meet the filmmaker!

Dennis Lynch, director of They Come to America is traveling across the country showing his film that has been banned by Hollywood. Why?

This film shows the devastating effect illegal immigration has on the United States of America. And since our illustrious president and governor are doing their level best to get as many illegal immigrants into this country and state as possible AND we have a big vote in November on in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, it’s our duty to get the word out on this.

The Dream Act students involved with the #JSA Movement organized a protest against the screenings, including a Rockville showing of They Come to America earlier this week:

The Gazette's Alex Ruoff and Jeremy Arias covered the protest at the Rockville film screening:

GAZETTE: The kick-off rally by two groups opposing the Maryland Dream Act was met with protest from a group of Hispanic students in Rockville on Wednesday....

More than a dozen people showed up at the rally with orange tape covering their mouths to protest the airing of the film “They Come to America,” a documentary on illegal immigration by Dennis M. Lynch. About 70 people packed the room to see the film and attend the rally.

“A lot of films like this don’t give a voice to those who are featured in them,” said Paola Ramirez, 22, of Germantown. “We’re here to provide that voice.”

The groups Help Save Maryland and the Maryland Society of Patriots, organizations that worked to take the Dream act to referendum, are hoping to drum up support for the November vote to bring it down....

See video footage shot by protesters at the Westminster, Maryland screening of the film:



JUICE #3: DREAM ACT & MARRIAGE EQUALITY ACTIVISTS JOIN FORCES - While the mainstream media has been fixated on supposed racial divisions on the marriage equality issue, civil rights proponents are quietly joining forces to promote both the Dream Act & marriage equality campaigns this November. Last month, CASA de Maryland and Equality Maryland announced the united effort:

CASA/EQUALITY MARYLAND: Equality Maryland, the state’s LGBT civil rights organization, and CASA de Maryland, the state’s largest Latino and immigrant organization, have launched an exciting partnership to educate our communities about the importance of immigrant education and marriage equality in an exciting year when these issues will be front and center in our state.  We are seeking your help in recruiting volunteers!

CASA is recruiting Latino and Spanish-speaking LGBT families to speak out in the Latino community about their lives and the importance of family unity in the press, at festivals, and more.

Equality Maryland is recruiting LGBT DREAMers to help educate Maryland’s LGBT communities about the importance of immigrant education.

We need your help to recommend committed, excited volunteers to join the cause!

 The Washington Blade published the following coverage of the effort (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON BLADE: Three Latino and LGBT advocacy groups have teamed up to garner additional support for Maryland’s same-sex marriage law and in-state college tuition for undocumented immigrants....

“We have a lot of gays and lesbians in our community,” Gustavo Torres, executive director of CASA de Maryland, told the Blade as he spoke in support of nuptials for gays and lesbians. “We believe and it’s very clear that this is an essential civil rights issue and that’s why CASA is 100 percent behind [same-sex marriage.]”

An Arcus Foundation-funded survey that the National Council of La Raza and Social Science Research Solutions released in April shows that 54 percent of Latinos support marriage rights for same-sex couples.

This new alliance has caught the attention of Maryland Tea Partiers, who published the following alert (excerpt below):

POTOMAC TEA PARTY REPORT: Gay political groups are joining forces with illegal alien students who want their college tuition partially paid by taxpayers in hopes of defeating two of the initiatives conservatives and Tea Partiers successfully petitioned for inclusion on the Maryland ballot in November.

JUICE #4: 2013 FREDERICK MAYORAL CANDIDATES EMERGING - Gazette columnist Joe Volz has a roundup of potential candidates for Mayor of Frederick. The office is available for a new four-year term in 2013 (Primary Election - 9/10/13 & General Election - 11/5/13). See Volz's hypothetical line-up of candidates below (compilation courtesy of Juice), but note that some of these are dark horses. You'll have to read his full thoughts to see which of these candidates are more likely than others to run for Mayor:

POTENTIAL DEMOCRATS:

• Karen Young (Board of Aldermen)
• Jennifer Dougherty (former Mayor)

POTENTIAL REPUBLICANS:

• Randy McClement (incumbent Mayor)
• Shelley Aloi (Board of Aldermen)
• Jeff Holtzinger (former Mayor)

JUICE #5: WHO SIGNED THE PETITION AGAINST MARRIAGE EQUALITY? - Below, you can see The Washington Blade's published list of Maryland residents who signed the anti-LGBT petition. You can also search the document online. Civil Marriage Petition Signers July 12 2012

Maryland Marriage Equality Supporters Send Direct Mail Opposing Casino Expansion Plan // Turnout Dynamics in Flux

An anonymous reader has sent Maryland Juice news that a national LGBT rights organization is sending direct mail encouraging Free State residents to oppose a proposed gambling referendum this November. Our source points us to an article in the Towleroad blog discussing the contentious and unpredictable dynamics between the competing referenda (excerpt below):

TOWLEROAD: Two very different ballot issues, gambling and marriage equality, are finding their streams crossed in Maryland, where the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Action Fund Maryland Political Action Committee has sent a mailer to pro-equality voters asking them to vote "no" on a proposed ballot measure that would expand gambling in the Old Line State. Voters there will decide this fall whether to keep or toss a law allowing same-sex marriage....

Indeed, this November, Maryland voters could vote on up to four statewide referenda (marriage equality, Dream Act, redistricting, and gambling), along with possible local issue referenda. Legislators are meeting today to debate whether to put gambling expansion on the ballot in November. In a previous News Channel 8 appearance, Maryland Juice noted that LGBT activists were nervous about a gambling referendum driving up anti-LGBT turnout. Those worries were apparently real. The BuzzFeed website has a copy of the mail piece, along with commentary from a spokesperson at the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and from the Marylanders for Marriage Equality campaign (excerpts below):

Anti-gambling referendum mail piece. Source: BuzzFeed.

BUZZFEED: ...The Marylanders for Marriage Equality campaign took issue with the mailer, with campaign manager Josh Levin telling BuzzFeed, "Turnout in heavily Democratic Maryland will be determined by the presidential race – not any other issue, including gambling should it be on the ballot. Opponents of the gambling expansion are clearly using the marriage issue for their own political gain. What's important here, however, is that we remain focused on expanding our 14-point lead and growing the momentum for marriage in Maryland...."

The Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart reported recently that a supporter of the gambling measure, MGM Resorts International, provided polling that found the gambling measure's impact could even be a net benefit for supporters of the marriage equality law....

[The Task Force's communications director, Inga Sarda-Sorensen] tells BuzzFeed, "The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund believes an uncluttered ballot is the best ballot, and provides for the best chance for securing marriage equality in Maryland."

Indeed, The Washington Post recently published survey results commissioned by casino operator MGM arguing that a gambling referendum may be a net gain for marriage equality proponents (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: Pollsters also asked the “700 voters representing the likely 2012 Maryland electorate” how they would vote on a marriage-equality referendum. They found that supporters of gaming are also more likely to favor the marriage referendum.

Voters who plan to vote yes on the gaming amendment support the marriage referendum by a 63%-29% margin (a net 34 points in favor), while gaming amendment opponents oppose the marriage referendum by a 34%-54% margin (a net 20 points opposed).

“Thus,” the memo concludes, “fears that the gaming amendment will suppress support for the marriage referendum are unwarranted.”

Note that MGM is not a disinterested observer, given that they are planning on building a mega-casino at Prince George's County's National Harbor site.

More on the emerging referenda dynamics soon!

POLL RESULTS: 54% of Maryland Voters Support Marriage Equality // African-American Voter Support Holds Steady

Marylanders for Marriage Equality released poll results today showing that a majority of Free State voters continue to support civil rights for LGBT families. Moreover, the gains in African American voter support that we witnessed after Obama's endorsement of marriage equality are holding steady. Take that Chik-fil-a!

See the press release and poll summary below:

PRESS RELEASE

New Poll: 54% of Maryland Voters Would Protect Marriage Law

Lead for marriage equality advocates widens as African-American support grows

BALTIMORE – Marylanders for Marriage Equality today released a new poll showing voters approve of marriage for loving, committed gay and lesbian couples by a 14-point margin (54% to 40%). The poll was conducted by Hart Research last week.

Marriage Equality Battle: Fox News Baltimore's Anti-LGBT Robocall, Del. Parrott's $74K Bill for Marriage Repeal & More

A few interesting reports surrounding Maryland marriage equality have recently emerged. Below, Maryland Juice discusses a few of the notable developments, including fundraising updates and more details on Fox News Baltimore's campaign against LGBT rights. We begin with a video from members of SEIU's 1199 pledging to defend marriage equality:

UPDATE #1: SEIU 1199 RELEASES VIDEO DEFENDING MARRIAGE EQUALITY -





UPDATE #2: DETAILS ON FOX NEWS BALTIMORE'S ANTI-LGBT ROBOCALL - Several weeks ago, Maryland Juice wrote about a push-poll that Fox News Baltimore was conducting against Governor O'Malley and marriage equality. WBFF Fox 45 attempted to disguise their hit-piece as an opinion poll, but the call was obviously intending to promote a rightwing agenda. This is consistent with Fox News Baltimore's previous controversy where they placed a petition link on their homepage encouraging readers to help repeal marriage equality.

The Baltimore Sun's David Zurawik recently managed to dig up additional details about the source of their recent robocall, and it appears to be part of a national campaign against marriage equality (excerpt below):

BALTIMORE SUN: In May, I reported on Baltimore-area homes receiving mysterious robocalls voiced by WBFF anchorman Jeff Barnd asking residents a series of questions about Lyme disease, same-sex marriage and the alleged agenda of Gov. Martin O'Malley....

I have since been able to confirm that the name of the company is ccAdvertising, of Centreville, Va. And from its website, the firm appears to be heavily engaged in right-wing politics, including push polling in at least one state against same-sex ballot initiatives like the one Maryland is expected to have in the fall.

The firm's website lists among its clients Grover Norquist's American's for Tax Reform, the Alaska Republican Party and Answers in Genesis....

UPDATE #3: MARRIAGE EQUALITY SUPPORTERS RAISE FAR MORE IN-STATE MONEY THAN ANTI-LGBT GROUP - A source within the Marylanders for Marriage Equality campaign is highlighting the fact that they appear to be raising far more money from actual Marylanders than the anti-LGBT campaigners. Maryland Juice previously noted that almost all of the so-called "Maryland Marriage Alliance" money came from outside of Maryland, while 7 in 10 donors were non-Marylanders. The marriage equality proponents provide a quick update:

MARYLANDERS FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY: In just one day, we've raised more from Maryland citizens than our opponents did in the last month. We've seen a lot of energy and excitement around this, and could use help pushing this effort far and wide. MD's LGBT Caucus matched donations made this week. Join us to defend equality for all loving, committed families in Maryland. http://bit.ly/keepthemomentum

UPDATE #4: IS MARYLAND DEL. NEIL PARROTT PROFITING FROM ANTI-CIVIL RIGHTS EFFORT? - A couple of Maryland Juice readers pointed us to another story related to the finances of the anti-LGBT rights campaigners. In particular, they note that The Baltimore Sun's Annie Linskey reported that the so-called "Maryland Marriage Alliance" -- which is running the marriage equality repeal effort - is thousands of dollars in debt. Moreover, they owe over $74,000 to MDpetitions.com, the website run by Republican State Legislator Neil Parrott. See an excerpt from The Sun article below:

BALTIMORE SUN: ...The Maryland Marriage Alliance raised a mere $5,000 in the past month -- and owes $88,000 to various vendors. The biggest unpaid bill, $74,000, is to MDPetitions.com, the outfit run by Del. Neil Parrott. The group also owes about $5,000 in legal fees.

Dereck McCoy, the executive director of the Maryland Marriage Alliance, said he expects to clear up the bills shortly....

This article prompted some of our readers to wonder whether Delegate Parrott was profiting from his rightwing advocacy. Indeed, we will be curious to see whether MDpetitions.com spends the funds it raises on its campaigns, or whether those involved will enrich themselves by trying to gut civil rights protections in Maryland.

Race-Baiting Group Funds Anti-Marriage Equality Petitions // Baltimore Mayor Rawlings-Blake & Black Leaders Speak Out

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that anti-marriage equality advocates have announced they have gathered twice as many signatures as needed to subject civil rights to a majority vote this November. Marylanders for Marriage Equality has revealed, however, that the race-baiting organization "National Organization for Marriage" has financed most of this operation.

POLL RESULTS: 57% of Marylanders Support Marriage Equality // Surge in African American Support After Obama Endorsement

UPDATE: The release of the polling numbers today is making national waves. In an article titled "Did Obama Just Deliver Marriage Equality in Maryland?" Mother Jones magazine printed the following analysis (excerpt below):

MOTHER JONES: ...Understand that exploiting the divide between socially conservative but religiously liberal minority groups and social liberals was the linchpin of NOM's strategy in Maryland, which is a very blue state with a large black population. NOM simply can't win without winning black voters, and Obama may have made that impossible. Instead of black voters torpedoeing marriage equality in Maryland, as NOM had hoped, they now stand poised to secure it.

Marylanders for Marriage Equality has released a new poll showing a decisive majority of voters would now support same-sex marriage in November. One key shift is that African American voters have swung heavily in favor of marriage equality in the weeks following President Barack Obama's endorsement for the proposal. See the press release and full poll results below.



THIS IS WHY DEMOCRATIC LEADERS NEED TO BE GOOD ROLE MODELS    
PRESS RELEASE New Poll: 57% of Maryland Voters Would Vote ‘Yes’ on Marriage Referendum

African-American support for same-sex marriage has surged
BALTIMORE – A new Public Policy Poll of Maryland voters shows a decisive majority (57%) would vote in favor of same-sex marriage if it's on the ballot this fall, while 37% would vote against. This is a 12-point swing in support from two months earlier and is due to growing African-American support in Maryland since both President Obama and the NAACP endorsed same-sex marriage.

“Things are moving in Maryland,” said Josh Levin, campaign manager for Marylanders for Marriage Equality. “We’re approaching a supermajority who want to uphold the state’s new marriage law. The message of stronger families and greater fairness is resonating, and we’re confident Maryland will be the first state to win a ballot measure on marriage equality and religious freedom."

In a memo, PPP pollster Tom Jensen notes there has been a “major shift in opinion about gay marriage among black voters [in Maryland].” Fifty-five percent of African Americans now say they would vote for the law and only 36% oppose it. These numbers have essentially flipped since PPP conducted an identical poll in March.

"Those opposed to same-sex marriage have some ground to make up," added Levin.

The Maryland data are in line with recent national polls reflecting majority African-American support. Yesterday’s ABC News/Washington Post poll registered 59 percent of African-Americans who expressed support for same-sex marriage – an 18-point jump from polls taken before the President's announcement.

“The President’s backing of marriage equality has added to our momentum– and his being on the November ballot also helps us,” Levin said. “Younger voters, who are overwhelmingly supportive, are much more likely to turn out in a presidential year."

An overwhelming majority of Obama voters in Maryland and almost a third of Romney voters favor same-sex marriage.

The Civil Marriage Protection Act passed the Maryland legislature and was signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley. Committed gay and lesbian couples can get a marriage license from the courthouse beginning in January, should voters approve the law. Churches and other religious institutions do not have to marry a gay or lesbian couple if they don’t want to.

Today's PPP poll, commissioned by Marylanders for Marriage Equality, surveyed 852 likely voters, including an oversample of 398 African Americans between May 14 - 21. The overall margin of error is +/-3.4% and for African-Americans it is +/-4.9%.  The polling memo can be found here. 

Marylanders for Marriage Equality, the coalition working to defend Maryland’s new civil marriage law, is made up of 1199 SEIU, ACLU of Maryland, Equality Maryland, Human Rights Campaign, and others.



### Maryland Marriage Equality Poll - May 2012

MD High Court Upholds Out-Of-State Same-Sex Marriages // Sen. Mike Miller Questions Obama LGBT Marriage Endorsement

UPDATE: The Washington Post reports that the NAACP has endorsed marriage equality:

WASHINGTON POST: The NAACP’s board of directors voted Saturday to endorse same-sex marriage rights – adding the influential voice of the country’s leading black civil rights organization to a debate that has divided the African-American community....

The NAACP now presents itself as a counterbalance to the influence of the traditionally socially conservative black church. It can also help establish closer ties between blacks and gays, two of Obama’s most loyal constituencies....

Politicos Discuss Impact of President Barack Obama's Marriage Equality Endorsement on MD // PLUS: Obama in Baltimore 6/12

UPDATE: Maryland Juice has received further details on President Obama's upcoming visit to Baltimore on June 12th. El Presidente will be appearing at 1:15 pm at the Hyatt on Light St in Baltimore. RSVP: https://my.barackobama.com/June12BaltimoreReception?custom1=449618

HISTORY IS COMING QUICKER THAN YA'LL THOUGHT, EH? - Yesterday the nation's political consciousness received a kick in the pants from President Barack Obama's surprise endorsement of marriage equality. Indeed, Mr. Obama seems to have a decent read on the trajectory of history on this issue. But it should be obvious to everyone by now that marriage equality really is inevitable. There may be bumps along the road, but once again, the question for Democratic officials is: when it comes to change, are you going to be a shepherd or a gatekeeper? Last night, President Obama showed what kind of leader he hopes to be - *FIST BUMP* - How about you?

RETWEET

LAST WARNING TO OLD-SCHOOL DEMS: Last August, Maryland Juice noted that all of the 2014 Democratic candidates for Governor came out in favor of marriage equality. Indeed, we frequently note that within Maryland, being against marriage equality (or other civil rights measures) would likely hamper the careers of most candidates seeking statewide office. One day Maryland Juice may walk readers through the math of our State's political demography to illustrate this point.

It seems clear to me that Maryland is now a broadly liberal state (unusually so), and that many Democratic politicians outside of the big three jurisdictions (MoCo, PG, B'more) have not yet grappled with the opinion shifts within their own districts' primary electorates. The Lieberman effect (aka being more conservative than warranted by your district's partisanship) exists in many pockets of Maryland's Democratic Party. Maybe our elected officials watch too much Fox News or something. I dunno.

Dear public advocates: All of this means that in 2014 it'll be time to put some war paint on. As the generations shift and the demography continues to churn in The Free State, we will have to make our presence known through the Democratic Primaries. 2014 is as good a year as any to push this effort forward. Case in point: today, Maryland Reporter published a Maryland-centric discussion of Obama's marriage equality endorsement. Their piece noted some interesting dynamics for Democrats in the future:

MARYLAND REPORTER: According to Don Kettl, dean of the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, Obama’s support could galvanize opponents of same-sex marriage....

“This could be part of a much broader trend that might really separate the two candidates on social and economic issues that younger voters care about and begin to convince younger voters that maybe they ought to show up and vote at the polls after all,” Kettl said.

Obama’s confirmed support for same-sex marriage will likely have political ramifications into the future as well. With 2016 presidential buzz already surrounding O’Malley and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who have both successfully spearheaded same-sex marriage legislation, Kettl adds that this could be a “watershed moment” for the Democratic Party.

“It will be increasingly difficult for any major Democratic national figure to not back gay marriage,” Kettl said. “In all likelihood, nothing will be the same after this.”

Below Maryland Juice provides a few additional responses from politicos:

REP. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN: OBAMA DID THE RIGHT THING - The Daily Beast last night published a video interview with Rep. Chris Van Hollen. In the clip below, they capture his reaction to President Obama's marriage equality endorsement:

GOV. MARTIN O'MALLEY: MARYLAND AGREES WITH OBAMA - NBC News yesterday ran Martin O'Malley's response to the Obama endorsement:

GOV. O'MALLEY: Today, President Obama affirmed that for a people of many different faiths -- a people who are committed to the principle of religious freedom -- the way forward is always to be found through greater respect for the equal rights and human dignity of all.

In Maryland, we agree.

Ultimately, we all want the same thing for our children: to live in a loving, stable committed home protected equally under the law.

REP. BARNEY FRANK: OBAMA ENDORSEMENT HELPS MD  - The Baltimore Sun yesterday published comments from Rep. Barney Frank about the Obama endorsement:

BALTIMORE SUN: U.S. Rep. Barney Frank said Wednesday night that one place President Obama's change of position to open support of same-sex marriage could have a significant impact is Maryland.

Frank, a Massachusett Democrat who is perhaps the nation's best-known openly gay elected official, said on MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show that Obama's stand could be important in the state because the issue of same-sex marriage bill is expected to be a referendum question on the ballot in November.

Frank noted that Obama's former position -- favoring civil unions but opposing same-sex marriage -- was  used by opponents in 2008  in their succesful effort of reject gay marriage at the polls in California in 2008. Now, Frank said, opponents will be unable to use Obama's words against same-sex marriage in Maryland....

DC POLITICIANS APPLAUD OBAMA ENDORSEMENT - Even in neighboring Washington, DC (with its majority African American population - ahem), politicians praised President Obama's endorsement of marriage equality. [Sidebar: is the media feeding the GOP's narrative about racial divisions on this issue?]  DCist reported:

DCIST: In a tweet, Mayor Vince Gray thanked Obama and said that "bigotry should never be enshrined in our law."

In a statement, Councilmember David Catania (I-At Large), who is gay and quit the Republican Party in 2004 over its stance on marriage equality, thanked Obama while recognizing that his evolution on the issue was much like that experienced by other Americans....

Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) also joined in, saying that a "just society must provide equal protection to all of its citizens....

PRESIDENT OBAMA IN BALTIMORE ON JUNE 12TH - If you want to show President Obama some love for his re-election effort, you will have two opportunities to see him next month. The President's campaign arm, Obama for America, sent the following email invitation:

Juice –

I’ve got some exciting news to share: President Obama is coming to Maryland! On Tuesday, June 12th, he’ll be in Baltimore for two fundraisers for the campaign. This will probably be the only fundraiser the President does in MD for the entire election. If you’re planning on showing support to our President, THIS is the time to do it! Ticket prices range from $250 to $10,000. I hope you’ll be able to attend one or the other. And if you are interested in becoming a host for either event, please let me know and I can help set that up.

Get your tickets now – THIS WILL SELL OUT!

Reception with President Obama  
WHAT:                  Obama Victory Fund Reception with President Obama
WHERE:                Exact location TBD | Baltimore, MD
WHEN:                  Tuesday, June 12 | Exact time TBD
TICKETS:              $250 per person general admission | $1,000 per person includes premium section | $10,000 per person contribute/raise includes two premium reception tickets and photo
RSVP: https://my.barackobama.com/June12BaltimoreReception?custom1=449618

Lunch with President Obama
WHAT:                  Obama Victory Fund Lunch with President Obama
WHERE:                Home of Genine & Josh Fidler | Baltimore, MD
WHEN:                  Tuesday, June 12 | Exact time TBD
TICKETS:              $10,000 per person includes lunch & photo | $50,000 per person contribute/raise includes VIP clutch, lunch and photo
RSVP: https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/o2012-June12BaltimoreLunch?custom1=449618

Thank you for all you do to support our President.

Jason Waskey
Maryland State Director
Obama for America

MORE ON MARYLAND MARRIAGE EQUALITY SOON!

New Poll: 52% of Maryland Voters Support Marriage Equality

PRESS RELEASE
Poll: 52% of Maryland Voters Support New Marriage Law
BALTIMORE – Today Marylanders for Marriage Equality released a new poll showing 52% of voters would support the Civil Marriage Protection Act if the election were held today –and 44% would oppose it. The campaign commissioned the statewide survey by Public Policy Polling of 600 Maryland voters March 5-7.

“This is good news for thousands of families and their children all over the state,” said Penny Nicholas, a straight African-American mother who testified last month before the Maryland legislature on behalf of her lesbian daughter. “A majority of voters realize that committed, loving gay and lesbian couples want the best for their children—which means making sure their kids are treated equally under the law.”

PPP asked, “The state legislature recently approved a law allowing gay and lesbian couples to legally marry in Maryland, and there is likely to be a statewide referendum in the November election on whether to keep the law. If the election were held today, do you think you would vote for or vote against the recently-approved law allowing gay and lesbian couples to legally marry?”

The poll’s margin of error is +/- 4 percentage points.

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