The National Organization of Marriage has four marriage equality-supporting Republican state lawmakers in its sights, according to New York Daily News. A billboard, for example, popped up in State Sen. Roy McDonald’s district.
Remaining targets include State Sens. Mark Grisanti (right) of Buffalo, Stephen Saland of Dutchess County and James Alesi of Monroe County, who all voted to legalize gay marriage in June.
“This is not going to end,” said NOM President Brian Brown.
Brown said NOM is spending around $40,000 to launch the billboard campaign. It’s the first step in an effort to defeat Alesi, Grisanti, McDonald and Saland in 2012 election and force a referendum on gay marriage.
A proposed state constitution amendment is dividing Minnesotans. An amendment going before voters in 2012, defines marriage as being between a man and woman, Pioneer Press reports.
Marriage’s “traditional” meaning is in Minnesota’s constitution. An amendment would insulate it from legislative or judicial action.
The amendment campaign has an estimated $5 million price tag, according to Minnesotans United for All Families’ Donald McFarland.
Minnesotans United for All Families is against the amendment. Minnesota for Marriage Spokesman Chuck Darrell claimed no knowledge of the amount.
Photo of Mark Grisanti courtesy of Grisanti
