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Diaz: Where Are Gov. Paterson's Gay Friends?
By
Ben Muessig
Published Feb 23, 2010
Modified Feb 23, 2010
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By
Ben Muessig
Published Feb 23, 2010
Modified Feb 23, 2010
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According to Pentecostal minister and state Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., Gov. Paterson's campaign isn't in trouble because he's unpopular and has no money. Diaz claims that the Governor is in trouble because of gay marriage. "Where is the gay community now that the Governor needs them?" asked Diaz, who did everything he could to defeat same-sex marriage legislation last year.
Diaz—who fought gay marriage even though he has two gay brothers—claims Paterson should have the support of gay voters because he pushed for marriage equality. In a statement published on his own website and reported on by the Observer, Diaz notes:
I remember back on Sunday May 17, 2009, I organized a demonstration of tens of thousands people in front of Governor David Paterson’s Manhattan office to protest his staunch support for gay marriage and the Governor stood by the gay community and didn’t waver ... I am not endorsing Governor Paterson but I admire his commitment to those whom he believes are his friends. My father used to say in Puerto Rico ‘My friends are my friends with their virtues and flaws.'
According to a new Sienna poll of Democratic voters, Paterson trails Attorney General Andrew Cuomo 22 percent to 64 percent. In a poll of all voters, Paterson trails Republican candidate Rick Lazio, 39 percent to 46 percent.
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