Pro-gay marriage PAC’s lure moderate Republicans
Over the last few years, proponents of same-sex marriage have seen their fundraising campaigns outpace their opponents significantly. As the Supreme Court hears arguments today about the Defense of Marriage Act, political action committees backed by some of the wealthiest Americans are preparing to unleash huge sums of money on Republican candidates in 2014. But only if they are willing to support gay marriage.
Robert Postic, a professor of political science at the University of Findlay and an Evangelical Christian, thinks the shift in public opinion on same-sex marriage is not the result of profound reflection but simply that more people know someone who is gay.
“And they are realizing, wait a second, these people who are gay or lesbian are just like me. Why have I been against that all along?” says Postic.
One recent poll suggested that two thirds of Americans, whether they support or oppose gay marriage, see it as inevitable.
“Even the most ardent opponent of marriage equality kind of looks at their pocketbook and wonders, why should I contribute to something, even if I’m opposed, that is going to happen,” says Fred Sainz, vice president of the pro-gay marriage organization Human Rights Campaign.
Republican hedge fund manager Paul Singer has spent millions in support of gay marriage. His own PAC, American Unity, is prepared to donate even more to Republicans who are willing to support it.
In the four states that voted on marriage equality in November, supporters raised $30 million. Opponents raised $10 million.
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