Could marriage amendment hurt Allen?

Local, Marshall Newman Amendment, Politics, Race, Virginia 1 Minute

Such is the premise of an article in today’s Washington Times. In an effort to pass the so-called Marriage Amendment, reaching out to black churches has been a part of the plan. But will these voters go to the polls, vote yes on the amendment and also vote for Webb?

I think so. The black electorate had no reason to be energized in this election. The largest majority of black voters in Virginia are in the 3rd and 4th Congressional districts, neither of which have competitive races. George Allen – his black endorsements notwithstanding – has done nothing to endear himself to black voters. Jim Webb’s outreach has been lackluster, although a bit better in the last couple of weeks. What has been happening, though, is that supporters of the amendment have been working through the network of churches to spread the word. In doing so, they have awakened a group to go to the polls that may have otherwise stayed at home. And that group mostly votes for Democrats.

These amendments have been used to energize the base. In this case, I think they energized the Democratic base.

Wouldn’t it be sweet if the result is both a win for Webb and a loss for the amendment?

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3 thoughts on “Could marriage amendment hurt Allen?”

  1. Again with the radio ads… sorry. But I heard one today from the Commonwealth Coalition which was a conversation between two AA women. It was a great ad talking about a number of the unintended consequences. At the end one woman said something about how bad it was to write discrimination into the constitution and then finished her statement with something to the effect, “Coz you know, after they do this, who they’ll come after next.” While I’m 100% one who wants a win on this ballot question and considering the nutcases (Cobb) we are up against, I’m still not sure this is good to do. Hopefully, I misheard the ad. It was at the very end like I said. And the ad was very conversational and maybe that kicker at the end was meant to be funny? I dunno, maybe the thing “they” will come after next is reproductive choice. Have you heard the ad, Vivian?

  2. Yes, I have. (I’ll post a copy of it once I get time.) The ending was not meant to be funny. Don’t read anything into it other than what was said: that those who would deny rights to one group won’t hesitate to try it again for somebody else if they are successful.

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