Delaware Right to Marry’s Mission to Shift as Broad Coalition Assembles

For Release -- January 7, 2013 --
In November 2010, a small group of activists and students met to establish the "Delaware Right to Marry Political Action Committee." They sought to represent an emerging grassroots constituency -- particularly Millennial and Gen X voters -- who believe Delaware should legalize civil marriage for same-gender couples. Younger voters needed a voice to represent their views, which have been the driving force in changing public opinion on this issue nationally in the past decade. The goal of the organization was to advocate publicly for full marriage equality in the state, at a time when many believed it was too far outside the realm of political possibility to happen this decade. In January 2011, Delaware Right to Marry published a poll of registered voters that showed Delawareans were already narrowly in favor of marriage equality for same-gender couples. Over the past two years, the PAC raised funds from small-dollar donors to mobilize a grassroots network of thousands to help pro-equality legislative candidates win their campaigns. In 2012, Delaware Right to Marry volunteers knocked on close to two thousand doors in the state and sent hundreds of candidate information letters to young voters, and our endorsed candidates had a winning record overall. We brought the message from the people of Delaware to the political establishment: It’s time for real marriage equality. The establishment is now answering back: They agree.

With state officials having declared their intentions in recent months to pursue marriage equality in the immediate future, it’s clear that Delaware Right to Marry has accomplished its original goal of pressing the issue into the political mainstream. Having begun as a political grassroots organizing vehicle rather than a lobbying group, Delaware Right to Marry – as a group – will not be directly involved in the policy discussions on the issue this year. However, the organization’s leaders, activists, and members will remain deeply involved in both legislative and political activities this year on the issue of marriage equality. While the PAC leadership takes the next few months to reorganize and adjust the group’s mission going forward, our statewide director, Bill Humphrey, will be taking a leave of absence to serve the cause in a new capacity as part of coalition efforts to educate on and advocate for the issue of marriage equality in Delaware. Our treasurer, Alexandra Nader, will manage the organization in the interim. After the 2013 legislative session, Delaware Right to Marry can be expected to return to its ongoing grassroots efforts to help elect candidates who will promote and protect civil marriage equality in the coming years, both in Delaware and in Congress.

Defining moment.

Last night was a huge triumph for the nation and a victory for our efforts right here in Delaware. Here's the score: 

• In the First State, a majority of Delaware Right to Marry's supported candidates for the legislature were elected or re-elected to the State House and State Senate. There were some disappointments, but on balance it was a good night. We could not have done this without your tireless efforts. 
• Next door, over 1.2 million of our neighbors in Maryland voted to pass same-gender marriage. 
• Further afield in Maine, voters there reversed a 2009 ballot initiative and legalized marriage equality. 
• Washington state also looks set to narrowly approve marriage equality but the votes are still being counted. 
• Over 1.5 million Minnesotans last night voted down a constitutional amendment that would have banned same-gender marriage.

After more than 30 consecutive defeats at the ballot box, supporters of equality have won four states in one historic night. The tide has turned. 

Please vote.

Well, it's been a long campaign all over this state. This is just a final reminder that Election Day is tomorrow (November 6th) from 7 AM to 8 PM.

Look up your polling place here: http://pollingplace.delaware.gov/

You can re-read our endorsements here.

Thank you for supporting marriage equality and thank you in advance for voting this Tuesday.

Sincerely,
Bill Humphrey
Statewide Director
Delaware Right to Marry PAC

Endorsement: Mike Mulrooney for Rep. Dist. 17

Delaware Right to Marry PAC will continue posting 2012 general election endorsements, as we finish interviewing candidates across the state about their positions on marriage equality and other LGBT issues. This post is the eighth such endorsement. Lack of any endorsement in a given district does not imply anything about a particular candidate or his/her positions, as we have not interviewed every candidate. Specific questions about the process should be sent to our director.

Mike Mulrooney is the State Representative for the 17th District (town of New Castle and surrounding areas). In 2011, he was one of the House co-sponsors of S.B. 30, the civil unions bill. If re-elected he will support legislation to legalize marriage equality for same-gender couples in Delaware.

Mike was first elected to the Delaware House in 1998, and he has served there ever since, rising to the position of Chair of the Natural Resources Committee. He also serves as Vice Chair on the Labor Committee and the Energy Committee, and he is a member of four others.

A graduate of John Dickinson High School, Mike studied as an apprentice for four years with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #313 in New Castle, with which he is still affiliated. Currently he teaches Electrical Trades at the Delaware Skills Center. Mike is also a member of the Penn Acres South and Pennwood Civic Associations.

Mike has spent many years advocating for regular Delawareans. Mike understands that same-gender couples deserve the same rights that he and his wife enjoy, including the right to be married in the eyes of the law. He will stand up for civil marriage equality and other LGBT rights in the Delaware Legislature.

If you're a 17th District voter, please consider voting to re-elect Rep. Mike Mulrooney on November 6th.

Bill Humphrey
Statewide Director
Delaware Right to Marry PAC

Reminder from the Dept. of Elections

The Delaware Department of Elections has posted this reminder to voters:

Delaware does not have a photo identification law. When you arrive at the polling place, you will be asked to show identification. If your name is on the poll list and you do not have identification with you, you may sign an affidavit affirming your identity.

If your name is not on the poll list, the Election Officer will contact the Dept. of Elections to confirm your registration and determine your correct polling place. If your address has changed, the Election Officer will direct you to the correct polling place where you may update your records and vote.

15 days to the election. Be sure to check out our list of endorsed candidates and look up your polling place.

Endorsement: Bryan Townsend for Senate Dist. 11

Delaware Right to Marry PAC will continue posting 2012 general election endorsements, as we finish interviewing candidates across the state about their positions on marriage equality and other LGBT issues. This post is the fifth such endorsement. Lack of any endorsement in a given district does not imply anything about a particular candidate or his/her positions, as we have not interviewed every candidate. Specific questions about the process should be sent to our director.

Bryan Townsend is the Democratic nominee for the 11th Senate District (Brookside/Newark south to the Pulaski Highway). Bryan is a life-long 11th district resident and a graduate of Glasgow High School and the University of Delaware. His father was a Newark police officer, his mother is a Delaware public school teacher, and his fiancée is also a public school teacher. Bryan recently completed a law degree at Yale, before returning to Delaware to begin a law career here.

Bryan Townsend (D-SD11)

This year Bryan ran a very successful primary campaign with a pledge to clean up Delaware politics and bring a new generation of leadership and ideas to Dover. His main priorities are strengthening public schools in Delaware, bringing back jobs to the district, and making Delaware government more transparent. As one of the vanguard members of a new generation of Delaware candidates, Bryan has come out very strongly in favor of LGBT equality including the right to marry. His campaign is credited as one of the reasons that several older Delaware officials announced their support for marriage equality this year after many years of opposition. Bryan has also been a long-time supporter of Delaware Right to Marry and has unofficially volunteered his legal talents to the development of various proposals for equality legislation.

In the community, Bryan has been an active volunteer with Special Olympics Delaware and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware for many years. Outside his corporate and commercial law work, he also provides legal assistance to children in the foster system, armed services veterans having trouble getting the benefits they've earned, and low-income families who need help with family law matters.

I first met Bryan while I was out campaigning for Chris Coons in November 2010 and happened to knock on his door. Bryan was then working with the Delaware Democratic Party to ensure all voters had a chance to exercise their right to vote without intimidation. Since then, Bryan has also worked with the leadership of the University of Delaware College Democrats to try to strengthen the role of the civic-minded Millennial Generation in the political process in Delaware. It has been great to work with Bryan over the past couple years, and the enthusiastic team of volunteers he mobilized to win the primary shows I'm not alone.

Bryan Townsend will be a solid advocate in Dover for marriage equality, transgender protections, and other LGBT civil rights. Bryan is an energetic and thoughtful candidate who will help usher in a more modern era in policymaking in Delaware's legislature, which will help Delaware compete better and retain jobs in the region. This November, he faces the right-hand man of Christine O'Donnell and his radically socially conservative supporters. The choice in the 11th Senate District could not be more clear. If you're an 11th District voter, please consider voting for Bryan Townsend on November 6th.

Bill Humphrey
Statewide Director
Delaware Right to Marry PAC

Endorsement: Paul Baumbach for Rep. Dist. 23

Delaware Right to Marry PAC will be posting 2012 general election endorsements on a rolling basis, as we continue to interview candidates across the state about their positions on marriage equality and other LGBT issues. This post is the fourth such endorsement. Lack of any endorsement in a given district does not imply anything about a particular candidate or his/her positions, as we have not interviewed every candidate. Specific questions about the process should be sent to our director.

Paul Baumbach is the Democratic nominee for State Representative in District 23 (northern Newark), the seat held by retiring Democratic Rep. Terry Schooley. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware and has been a Newark resident for over twenty years with his wife of 27 years, Pam. He is the founder of a small business in the community, Mallard Advisors, which has helped local Delawareans plan their retirements securely and affordably since 1996. Over 100 families have entrusted him with managing more than $100 million in savings and investments to secure their futures. At the end of 2010, Equality Delaware also entrusted him with the role of their Treasurer so he could help them effectively lead the fight for civil unions in Delaware. He has consistently supported marriage equality for same-gender Delaware couples, as well as a range of other LGBT equality issues, and he will continue to be a champion for the LGBT community in Dover.

Paul Baumbach (D-Newark)

Paul is an active member of his church, leading social justice efforts in both the community and more distant places like New Orleans. He has been an advocate for Delaware faith communities leading on environmental issues, homelessness, and equality.

Governor Jack Markell appointed Paul to the board of the Newark Housing Authority where he fought successfully to expand affordable housing options for lower-income fellow Newark residents. Paul also teaches free classes on savvy personal finance practices at the "Delaware Money School," which was established in 1999 when Markell was state treasurer.

Paul has been the head of the Progressive Democrats for Delaware organization since 2010. In that role, he has pushed government transparency and improved consumer protections and financial regulations both in Dover and Washington. He remains a voice for average Delawareans on these issues and many others, believing that good governance and policies that help the "Main Streets" of our state and our nation make us all stronger.

As State Representative, Paul Baumbach will continue that work directly in Legislative Hall. He is incredibly qualified and has been working hard to knock on thousands of doors across the district since the start of the summer. I have personally worked with Paul both at the UD College Democrats when I was there and at Delaware Right to Marry PAC, which he has supported since our establishment in 2010. If you're a 23rd District voter, I strongly encourage you to elect Paul Baumbach as your next state representative on November 6th.

Bill Humphrey
Statewide Director
Delaware Right to Marry PAC