ROCHESTER AREA REPUBLICAN SENATOR JIM ALESI STANDS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY

Rochester, N.Y. -- There has been a lot of media speculation of late surrounding Republican Senator Jim Alesi’s courageous marriage equality vote and his political future, most of it warped and nonsensical.

Truth be told, Tom Cook and the local Conservative Party overestimate their relevance and sound very much like bitter, spoiled children now that Alesi is voting “with his heart.”  In an interview with YNN Rochester, Cook called Alesi "toast."

The Conservative Party did enjoy a bump in voter turnout in 2010, but that will always be the case when a Democrat wins the White House in the previous Presidential election. And, at the same time, more voters in Alesi’s district are more inclined to support him and the equal marriage bill than the Conservative Party could ever conjure up. He now should have the support of most Blanks, Independent and some Democratic voters-- that doubles the Conservative voting power in the 55th Senate District.  Plus, Alesi has made the labor movement much happier-- a constituency he must have to win re-election.  Additionally, the labor community has ten times the number of voters than the Conservative Party.

Here is what we mean:

As of June 1, 2011, according to the Monroe County Board of Elections, there are only 3,374 Conservative Party registered voters in the 55th District. That is compared to 67,797 Democrats, 65,653 Republicans, 44,515 Blanks, and 8,281 Independence Party voters. You do the math.  It's also important to understand that some pissed off anti-Obama Republicans no doubt voted on the Conservative line in 2008 and 2010, with Alesi pulling in a combined total of 7,762 in 2008.

According to a poll by ESPA, well over 55 percent of Alesi’s 55th District support equality for LGBT residents, unlike the divisive, “producer versus parasite” tax paradigm mentality of the Conservative Party. What is even more interesting is how low the disapproval rating is-- near 34 percent.  That puts the disparity ratio over 20 points.  Mr. Cook’s remarks about Alesi’s political future are hollow threats-- comments that have no lasting value or political significance. His bark has no bite.

Here is what we mean:

The Conservatives exacted no revenge after making similar warnings prior to passage of the state’s gay rights law (SONDA) in 2002. Alesi is mindful of his district-- the Conservative Party almost lost its ballot line just a few short years ago because of a lack of voters.

Independent polling suggests that a small number of Conservative Party endorsed senators could cast a pro-equality vote without facing re-election risk. Alesi just happens to be one of those senators. In most scenarios, the impact of a conservative backlash on a Republican voting yes on this bill is minimal at best. Even if the Conservative Party tries to primary Alesi, most pundits would agree that kind of effort would be a huge waste of resources and time for those "extreme" candidates.

The exclusionary policies of the Conservative Party are yesterday's news.  Marriage equality will be the law of land-- if not in a couple of days, then certainly in the near future-- and there is nothing the Conservative Party can do or say that will change that reality.

Alesi’s vote reassures the labor community

Another factor that Mr. Cook overlooks is that almost every major labor organization in New York State, for that matter the nation, support the right of same-sex couples to marry. Without labor's support on the ground during GOTV efforts, it's very hard to get elected to statewide office here in New York state. At a press conference on June 9, labor leaders from the Rochester area reaffirmed their support for marriage equality. The fact is, right now the Conservative Party is on the wrong side of history on this issue.

Alesi now stands on the side of equality

Alesi’s position has not evolved that much since two years ago, when a gay marriage bill was narrowly defeated. “Two years ago, I voted against a marriage equality bill, and it was a very anguishing vote for me,” Alesi said, adding that he has since apologized to advocates for his vote.

He added, “I believe that if you live in America and you expect equality and freedom for yourself that you should extend it to other people.”

On a personal note, it is so un-Albany-like and rare for a civil rights bill to be introduced on its own merit.  This is what is happening today in the people's house.  This is what true democracy looks like.

-Ove Overmyer