As Democrats push the pro-gay/pro-abortion issue as Supreme criteria, they push more voters away. But they have no choice, having boxed themselves into a corner. The abortion, gay, and environmental lobbies and unions are their only remaining financial supporters....
Leading Senate Judiciary Democrat Charles Schumer said Sunday that he intends to make gay marriage an issue in the upcoming confirmation battle over President Bush's pick to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
"All questions are legitimate," Schumer told ABC's "This Week." "What is your view on Roe vs. Wade? What is your view on gay marriage?"...
The top Democrat's mention of same-sex marriage in the same breath as his party's primary litmus test issue, abortion, raised a few eyebrows....
[Read complete story on page 2. Source: Newsmax.com, 7-5-05.]
Charles Schumer: Gay Marriage a Supreme Issue
Newsmax.com
July 5, 2005
Leading Senate Judiciary Democrat Charles Schumer said Sunday that he intends to make gay marriage an issue in the upcoming confirmation battle over President Bush's pick to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
"All questions are legitimate," Schumer told ABC's "This Week." "What is your view on Roe vs. Wade? What is your view on gay marriage?"
"They are going to try to get away with the idea that we're not going to know their views," Schumer complained. "But that's not going to work."
The top Democrat's mention of same-sex marriage in the same breath as his party's primary litmus test issue, abortion, raised a few eyebrows.
"How does he suddenly have the chutzpah to ask that as a litmus question when he himself opposes it?" WABC Radio host Curtis Sliwa wondered Tuesday morning.
Schumer came out against gay marriage in 2004, after New Paltz, N.Y., Mayor Jason West performed nearly two dozen same-sex unions.
As a congressman in 1996, Schumer voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, which authorizes states not to recognize same-sex unions from other jurisdictions.