Republicans United for Marriage
Today was an exciting day! We held a press conference with the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine announcing the launch of Republicans United for Marriage, a group of Republicans who have pledged their support for the freedom to marry, and have promised a "Yes" vote in November.
Republicans from across the state support the freedom to marry. The launch was held at the State House in Augusta.
"Allowing all loving, committed couples to marry isn't about political parties. Across Maine, Republicans, Democrats and Independents are working together to support the freedom to marry," said Matt McTighe, campaign manager for Mainers United for Marriage. "Our campaign is about talking to one another, building bridges and finding common ground. We're proud to welcome Republicans United for Marriage to our campaign."
Recent polling shows broad support for allowing same-sex couples to receive a marriage license. Through more than 112,000 one-on-one conversations, Maine voters are telling the campaign that they are changing their minds.
We were happy to have several guest speakers at the launch, including Rep. Stacey Fitts, R-Pittsfield, who has changed his mind about the freedom to marry.
“I voted against same-sex marriage in 2009, but I changed my mind,” said Rep. Stacey Fitts, a Pittsfield Republican. “I know some gay people and I’ve talked with them and my family, and I’ve thought about it a lot. As a husband and a father, I’ve come to believe that two people who love each other should have the freedom to get married.”
It's people like Stacey Fitts who let voters know that it is okay to change their minds. Other republican speakers drew on their own relationships as inspiration. For Dan Demeritt a, Republican consultant and former director of communications for Gov. Paul LePage, it was his relationship with his wife that helped him through good times and bad, convincing him to support the campaign.
“I support the freedom to marry because I want every person to have a chance at that kind of relationship, to be able to share the joys and obligations, and to help shoulder the troubles of life that we all face,” Demeritt said.
In addition to the speakers at the event, other prominent Republicans present included: Amy Abbott, Portland; Greg Boulos, Cape Elizabeth; Brenda Garrand, Portland; Jim Nicholson, Waterville; Ted O’Meara, South Portland; Rep. Dave Richardson, Carmel; James Shaffer, Cape Elizabeth; Gordon Smith, Winthrop; Betsy Tipper, Smithfield; and Karl Turner, Cumberland.
Rep. Stacey Fitts R-Pittsfield
Vote Yes on Question 1! Marriage matters to ALL Maine families!
