Welcome to my first diary entry.
I just read an article about the Wisconsin election. As some of you know, there is a close race for Governor (Doyle vs Green), but also an anti-gay marriage initiative.
As in every other state it has come up, sadly, the anti-gay initiative is leading in the polls. (Getting a little discouraging to be a gay man these days.) But more interesting to me, was some of the crosstabs (from wispolitics.com):
"Those labeling themselves liberal were strongly against the amendment, while those calling themselves conservatives were strongly in favor. Regular church-goers and those calling themselves "born again'' also were strongly in favor, polling data suggests. Black likely voters also appeared strongly in favor."
Now, here's a question and an item of some concern to me. African American voters have been among the most loyal Democrats around the last 40 years at least. A valuable part of the coalition, to be sure. Yet, poll after poll shows anti-gay sentiment in the black community runs high, as does support for the anti-gay marriage initiatives.
When we drive up turnout of "our" voters, is there an unintended consequence (enshrining discrimination into state constitutions, hurting another part of the coalition)? Does the greater "good" (electing Democrats) justify a "bad"?
This is especially salient in a state like Virginia, with a large African-American population, a close Senate race, and a virulently anti-gay ballot initiative.
I don't know the solution, or even if there can be a solution.