TPM Editor’s Blog

Update Out of Maine

From TPM Reader-Legislator SB

I’m a state rep from Bangor, Maine, and I’m in the chamber of the state House of Representatives right now as we “debate” LD 1020, Maine’s marriage equality bill, which was passed by the senate last week.

I’m struck by how overwhelmingly the balance of representatives today have spoken in favor - on both sides. A Republican representative known for being a staunch conservative gave an exceptional and moving floor speech early on this morning in which he said he realized “this is not about me” and announced his support.

Yes, there’s the feeling of being a part of history, and yes, there’s the camaraderie of righteousness that comes from being on the right side of a pivotal issue - but the mood here very much feels like this movement is more inevitable than it was even a month ago.

It’s a nice feeling.

Steve Butterfield
House district 16, Bangor, ME

And the bill has now passed the state House.

Josh Marshall

Josh Marshall is editor and publisher of TalkingPointsMemo.com.

Editor & Publisher

Josh Marshall

Managing Editor

David Kurtz

Associate Editor

Nick Martin

Assistant Editor

Igor Bobic

Reporters

Brian Beutler

Sahil Kapur

Eric Lach

Hunter Walker

Frontpage Editor

Zoë Schlanger

News Writers

Tom Kludt

Video Editor

Michael Lester

General Manager & General Counsel

Millet Israeli

VP, Ad Sales

Bruce Ellerstein

Associate Publisher

Kyle Leighton

Assistant To The Publisher

Joe Ragazzo

Designer/Developer

Matthew Wozniak

Design Associate

Christopher O’Driscoll