Towleroad Election '09 Live Coverage and Chat (Starts 7:30 PM EDT)

Discussion continues in the open thread comments for this post.

There are links throughout the replay for those hunting information on different contests. Have a skim through. It was great to see some old friends and meet some sharp new ones, though all would have been fine with less drama and more conclusive results in our favor. Thanks to all who attended and participated in the live discussion. And i'm sure many more will find the replay interesting. We had 12,054 participants over the 5 hours, many more than last year in spite of the arguably more promotable election. We publish 500 of your comments (only 25% of the total submitted, though a great many great minds were thinking alike. ) Special thanks of course to my business partner Andy and Towleroad's Political Director, Corey Johnson, who were as usual prolific and inspiring hosts. Special thanks as well to Michelangelo Signorile, David Mixner, Richard Socarides, Scptt McCoy, and all the rest of you who shared your thoughts and made us part of your election night. It's certainly not over. We'll be back tomorrow and the next. For all of us Towleroad Live, thanks again. --Michael Goff, 10:30 pm PDT,

Towleroad Election '09

(11/03/2009)

  

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7:12	Andy Towle:  Hi folks we're just getting started here - be with you in just a minute - welcome to our liveblog - feel free to sign in and send us constructive comments if you'd like - it may take us just a bit to get accustomed to this software again. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:12 Andy Towle

7:18	Andy Towle:  Polls have closed in Virginia - McDonnell is at 67% with Deeds at 33% with 1% reporting Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:18 Andy Towle

7:18	Andy Towle:  Results won't arrive for Maine for a while. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:18 Andy Towle

7:18	Corey Johnson:  Welcome to Towleroad's Election 2009 convention coverage -- I'll be here all night with Andy providing analysis, insights and reports from all of the races across the country. Let us know if you have any questions or feedback. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:18 Corey Johnson

7:21	[Comment From DanielDaniel: ]  We are here in Palm Beach County hoping for good results for the side of equality. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:21 Daniel

7:21	Andy Towle:  Comments will be moderated - can't promise every one will get published but will try to do what we can. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:21 Andy Towle

7:23	[Comment From SergioSergio: ]  Question 1 early results? Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:23 Sergio

7:23	Corey Johnson:  Results on Question 1 in Maine will start arriving at 8 PM EST -- we will begin providing numbers as soon as we get any. Stay with us. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:23 Corey Johnson

7:23	[Comment From Lavi SolowayLavi Soloway: ]  It looks like reports from Maine are that turnout was much higher than expected, though I'm not sure who that helps. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:23 Lavi Soloway

7:24	Andy Towle:  Yes Maine was reportedly over 50% turnout Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:24 Andy Towle

7:24	Andy Towle:  Supposedly that is good for the pro-gay side, from what I've heard Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:24 Andy Towle

7:25	Corey Johnson:  Turn-out was reportedly high in Bangor (one of the major cities in Maine) which could portend well for gay and lesbian Mainers. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:25 Corey Johnson

7:27	[Comment From EsurnirEsurnir: ]  http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=293823&ac=PHnws Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:27 Esurnir

7:29	Andy Towle:  The link above (thanks Esurnir) has some info on voter turnout in Maine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:29 Andy Towle

7:30	[Comment From GregGreg: ]  Greg here from Kalamazoo, Michigan, where we did our part. It was uphill, so we'll see. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:30 Greg

7:31	Corey Johnson:  Thanks Greg -- we'll be reporting on the measure in Kalamazoo tonight as well once we start getting results. Polls close in Michigan at 8 PM EST. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:31 Corey Johnson

7:31	[Comment From TristinTristin: ]  Polls closes at 8 or 9 in Maine? Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:31 Tristin

7:32	Corey Johnson:  8 PM in Maine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:32 Corey Johnson

7:35	Corey Johnson:  In non-related LGBT news -- the polls have closed in Atlanta where there's a mayoral race -- the frontrunner Mary Norwood could be the first white candidate to become Mayor in 36 years. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:35 Corey Johnson

7:36	[Comment From MattMatt: ]  We in Maine really appreciate the coverage and awareness that Towleroad has brought us. Even if it doesn't get posted here in the feeds, just wanted to send my heartfelt thanks! Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:36 Matt

7:36	[Comment From MeeMee: ]  Isn't there a lesbian mayoral candidate somewhere in Texas? Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:36 Mee

7:36	Andy Towle:  Yes, Annise Parker - Houston. The election is so tight there it's supposed to go to a run-off. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:36 Andy Towle

7:37	[Comment From MattMatt: ]  http://www.bangordailynews.com/electionresults.html Results are starting to show up! Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:37 Matt

7:38	Corey Johnson:  Thanks Matt -- there's a good link from the Bangor Daily News that will be updating the votes as they come in tonight. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:38 Corey Johnson

7:38	[Comment From andrewandrew: ]  how about texas what time do the polls close ? Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:38 andrew

7:38	Corey Johnson:  Polls close in Texas at 8 PM EST. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:38 Corey Johnson

7:38	[Comment From Gregg KatzGregg Katz: ]  What time do WA polls close? Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:38 Gregg Katz

7:39	Andy Towle:  I went to vote in the NYC mayoral race at about 4 pm and there were 3 people there. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:39 Andy Towle

7:39	Corey Johnson:  Polls close at 11 PM EST time in Washington State -- but a lot of the results are mail-in ballots so we may not have a result tonight if it's close. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:39 Corey Johnson

7:39	Andy Towle:  New Jersey and Maine are closing in 20 minutes. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:39 Andy Towle

7:40	[Comment From PeterPeter: ]  How is the Bangor Daily News posting results already if the polls haven't even closed? Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:40 Peter

7:40	[Comment From Jason BelliniJason Bellini: ]  Watching you guys from Singapore... if the amendment is rejected, who from the gay community do you think deserves the most credit? Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:40 Jason Bellini

7:41	Corey Johnson:  I'm not completely sure about those early results but I think it may be absentee ballots that are being tallied early. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:41 Corey Johnson

7:41	Andy Towle:  Hi Jason - which amendment are you speaking of? Maine? Washington? Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:41 Andy Towle

7:41	[Comment From Jason BelliniJason Bellini: ]  oh...sorry Maine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:41 Jason Bellini

7:43

Corey Johnson:  Jason -- it's technically not an amendment but in Maine it's called a 'people's veto' of legislation that was passed and signed by the Governor. Any measure can be put on the ballot with a requisite number of signatures -- which is what our opponents did. As for who gets the most credit -- I think Betsy Smith, Jesse Connolly and the folks at GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders) deserve enormous credit for putting together a great strategy and well-funded campaign that responded quickly and nimbly. Polls close in 16 minutes! Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:43 Corey Johnson

7:44

Andy Towle:  On Maine, I think it's hard to say - no doubt there will be much finger pointing if voters approve it. From what I've heard, the people on the ground there are impressed with the way the No on 1 campaign was run. On the other hand, the support from the Obama administration has been criticized - Obama refused to mention Question 1 in Maine by name, and Eric Holder said that he didn't have enough info to comment on it, which is a bunch of BS. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:44 Andy Towle

7:44

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  From the Bangor site it seems like the 51 votes that have been counted are coming from Monhegan plantation which is a small fishing village on an island in the southern part of the state. If rural areas keep coming up in this bodes well for No on 1.. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:44 Matt

7:45	Corey Johnson:  That's interesting Matt -- let's hope that it keeps heading that way. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:45 Corey Johnson

7:46	[Comment From Chris FrenchChris French: ]  @JasonBellini -- I think Jesse Connelley at Maine for Equality, and Julia Rosen at the Courage Campaign -- will take major credit. They followed the grass-roots model used in the 2008 presidential election. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:46 Chris French

7:47	[Comment From TannerTanner: ]  If the measure is rejected I give full credit to the in-state leader Jesse connolly. He knew his fellow citizens. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:47 Tanner

7:47	[Comment From DesDes: ]  Neither of them are really amendments, though--they're just referenda to to voters. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:47 Des

7:47	noon1maine:  You have less than 15min left to get to the polls! Then come to the party, go to our website, or watch Jesse on Rachel Maddow at 9:15 EST. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:47 noon1maine

7:48

Corey Johnson:  Jesse Connolly ran the campaign in 2005 in Maine which also went through the same process (people's veto -- put on the ballot for ratification). That measure was to allow protections for LGBT Mainers in employment. He won that race and he ran a great race this time. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:48 Corey Johnson

7:48	[Comment From empire1guyempire1guy: ]  I am watching Maine closely. I have two friends in their 70's who are hoping to marry in Maine. They have been together for over 30 years. Approve love, deny hate. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:48 empire1guy

7:49	Corey Johnson:  11 minutes left for voting in Maine. Let's hope your friends in their 70's get to realize their dream. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:49 Corey Johnson

7:51	Corey Johnson:  Polls closed at 7:30 PM in North Carolina -- where there are two big mayoral races -- Charlotte and Chapel Hill. Obama won North Carolina in 2008 and there's a big Senate race there next year. It will be interesting to see what happens. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:51 Corey Johnson

7:51

[Comment From TimTim: ]  Obama and the other players in the administration have not been the "fierce advocates" they promised to be. Obama can't get from the rhetoric to the action. I'm in NYC but contributed to No on 1. We have to stop the domino effect on defeat at the ballot box on marriage equality. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:51 Tim

7:51	[Comment From NoahNoah: ]  Did you know that Maine allows people to register to vote on the day-of? That probably helps us, right? Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:51 Noah

7:52	Corey Johnson:  Yes -- that does help us especially in college towns which the No on Question 1 folks have focused heavily on. Minnesota also has same day election registration and that's how Jesse Ventura was elected Governor in 1998! Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:52 Corey Johnson

7:55	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Interestingly the two Republican senators from Maine refuse to say how they voted. Wonder why? Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:55 Guest

7:56

Corey Johnson:  Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, to my knowledge, did not speak on Question 1 in Maine but they did vote against the Federal Marriage Amendment and both of them recently voted in favor of the hate crimes legislation. It was disappointing to see them not be on record against this hateful measure. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:56 Corey Johnson

7:57	[Comment From TimTim: ]  Do you expect to be covering the question in Kalamazoo, MI? Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:57 Tim

7:57	Corey Johnson:  Yes -- we will be covering the question in Kalamazoo as well. We're still waiting for polls to close and to start looking at the numbers. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:57 Corey Johnson

7:58	[Comment From Jason BelliniJason Bellini: ]  Senator Olympia Snowe would have voted for sames sex marriage... but only if there was a trigger mechanism. Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:58 Jason Bellini

7:58	Corey Johnson:  Jason -- I always knew you were a political satirist! Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:58 Corey Johnson

7:59	[Comment From CJWashBladeCJWashBlade: ]  Susan Collins is on the record as having no position on the Maine marriage referendum Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:59 CJWashBlade

7:59	Corey Johnson:  Thanks for the correction -- I didn't see this anywhere -- do you have a link? Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:59 Corey Johnson

8:00	Andy Towle:  CNN projecting McDonnell the winner in Virginia with 64% of the vote over Creigh Deeds - Republican win. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:00 Andy Towle

8:00	[Comment From AGuyNamedWayneAGuyNamedWayne: ]  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/03/snowe-collins-refuse-to-s_n_344088.html Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:00 AGuyNamedWayne

8:01	Andy Towle:  Thanks Wayne Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:01 Andy Towle

8:01	Corey Johnson:  McDonnell has a rabidly anti-gay past in Virginia which is disappointing but Creigh Deeds ran a pretty awful race. It's going to be hard to see much legislative movement in VA over the next four years with McDonnell in that seat. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:01 Corey Johnson

8:01	[Comment From CJWashBladeCJWashBlade: ]  http://www.washblade.com/2009/8-14/news/national/15015.cfm Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:01 CJWashBlade

8:01	Andy Towle:  The Republicans will be trumpeting that the McDonnell win is a referendum on Obama. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:01 Andy Towle

8:01	[Comment From CalebCaleb: ]  I bet Snowe and Collins voted no on 1 but wont say so publicly in order to keep the GOP base in the dark. Cowardly, but politics is exactly that. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:01 Caleb

8:01	[Comment From ChrisChris: ]  NBC is calling for McDonnell as well Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:01 Chris

8:02	Andy Towle:  Looks like a pretty solid win for McDonnell in Virginia. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:02 Andy Towle

8:02	[Comment From JoelJoel: ]  Did Obama ever state his position on the Maine referendum? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:02 Joel

8:03	Corey Johnson:  Obama never spoke publicly on it but the White House released a statement saying that the President opposed both referendums in WA and ME. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:03 Corey Johnson

8:03	[Comment From DanielDaniel: ]  The past 9 Governor's races in VA in a row have gone to the opposite party of the current President's party. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:03 Daniel

8:04	[Comment From PeterPeter: ]  Exit polls show that 55% of Virginai voters said their vote in the Governor's race was NOT about Obama Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:04 Peter

8:04	Corey Johnson:  Yes -- a fun fact! Mark Warner won in 2001, Tim Kaine won in 2005 both when George W. Bush was in office. Now Bob McDonnell wins in 2009. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:04 Corey Johnson

8:05	[Comment From JonJon: ]  Creigh Deeds ran like a Republican, and the voters chose the real Republican. It doesn't prove anything about Virginia. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:05 Jon

8:06	Corey Johnson:  Jon -- I couldn't agree more with you. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:06 Corey Johnson

8:07	[Comment From ToddMTToddMT: ]  WNYC is reporting light turn out in NJ election, but heavier turn out in Republican/Independent districts... sorta nervewracking Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:07 ToddMT

8:07	Corey Johnson:  That's not good news for Jon Corzine -- we'll have to see what the numbers out of Newark and Northern New Jersey are. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:07 Corey Johnson

8:09	[Comment From PenderPender: ]  Corzine is at 50% on Intrade, which has been all over the place tonight. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:09 Pender

8:10	[Comment From Adam SankAdam Sank: ]  Hey, Corey. How do the larger cities in Maine break down, politically speaking? Do they all lean progressive? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:10 Adam Sank

8:11

Corey Johnson:  Adam -- Portland has the largest population and turnout is supposedly at close to 60% which looks good for our side. It's considered very progressive. Bangor comes in next population wise and also favors us. Augusta -- the capital -- is the third largest city and it's more moderate than both Portland and Bangor. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:11 Corey Johnson

8:11

Andy Towle:  Republican Ken Cucinelli has been projected to win in Virginia as lieutenant governor. Here's what Cucinelli thinks about gays. "My view is that homosexual acts, not homosexuality, but homosexual acts are wrong. They’re intrinsically wrong. And I think in a natural law based country it’s appropriate to have policies that reflect that. ... They don’t comport with natural law. I happen to think that it represents (to put it politely; I need my thesaurus to be polite) behavior that is not healthy to an individual and in aggregate is not healthy to society." Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:11 Andy Towle

8:11	[Comment From DanielNYCDanielNYC: ]  Cory, I know this is totally unrelated to the current race .. but since you seem to have a no BS political insight .. do you think there's a chance for UAFA to pass before next summer? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:11 DanielNYC

8:12	Corey Johnson:  Republicans swept all three statewide offices in Virginia. Three very conservative, anti-gay candidates. Virginia is NOT for (gay) lovers! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:12 Corey Johnson

8:12	[Comment From BriceBrice: ]  Is there a website where the results will be posted as they come in for Maine? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:12 Brice

8:12	Andy Towle:  YEs http://www.bangordailynews.com/electionresults.html Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:12 Andy Towle

8:13	[Comment From Jim McKennaJim McKenna: ]  Any exit polls reporting yet out of Maine? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:13 Jim McKenna

8:13	Andy Towle:  Not yet 1% reporting in Maine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:13 Andy Towle

8:13

Corey Johnson:  Daniel -- the Uniting American Families Act does not have a good shot as a stand alone bill in the Congress but what is possible is UAFA being attached to the larger immigration reform bill. That's our best chance -- keep an eye on when the larger immigration bill starts to rev up in the Congress. I hope that helps. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:13 Corey Johnson

8:14	[Comment From JonJon: ]  Cuccinelli was elected as Attorney General, which is worse than having a homophobe as Lt. Governor. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:14 Jon

8:15	Andy Towle:  Sorry, my mistake on the Cucinelli info. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:15 Andy Towle

8:15	Corey Johnson:  I agree with you Jon -- McDonnell was AG before he resigned to run for Governor. This is a real embarrassment and shame for Virginians. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:15 Corey Johnson

8:15	[Comment From Michael JensenMichael Jensen: ]  This is brilliant, Andy. Thanks for hosting. Waiting is agonizing and appreciate the info. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:15 Michael Jensen

8:16	Corey Johnson:  We're having fun -- keep the great comments and questions coming our way! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:16 Corey Johnson

8:16	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Maybe this is cynical of me, but did we really think anything pro-gay was going to happen in Virginia in the next 4 years one way or the other? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:16 Guest

8:18

Corey Johnson:  I won't get into if it's cynical or not but Democrats took over the State Senate in the last cycle and there's pro-gay leadership there. Adam Ebbin is an openly delegate in the Assembly in Virginia and earlier this year it looked like Democrats could pick up seats there and get closer to a majority -- that clearly isn't happening as we see the results tonight. There was hope after Obama winning Virginia and Jim Webb beating George Allen in the Senate contest that Democrats were on their way up in Virginia. Virginia is a true purple state and Democrats were hobbled by a bad candidate at the top of the ticket as well as the Republican candidate running a pretty smooth campaign. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:18 Corey Johnson

8:19	[Comment From JulianaJuliana: ]  A race that is not getting much attention is the Washington domestic partnership initiative...any information on how that's going? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:19 Juliana

8:19	Corey Johnson:  We won't start getting results until after 11 PM EST -- we'll report back later on that. Thanks. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:19 Corey Johnson

8:19	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Michael Steele getting tesy w Campbell on CNN...SHOCKING! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:19 Guest

8:19	Andy Towle:  Totally unrelated, but apparently T-Mobile is having a nationwide outage that isn't supposed to be fixed for hours. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:19 Andy Towle

8:19	Andy Towle:  Steele is such an ass. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:19 Andy Towle

8:20	[Comment From BriceBrice: ]  Corey - If DOMA is repealed what will the effects be on states with constitutional bans on same sex marriage, particularly concerning the full faith and credit clause in the const. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:20 Brice

8:20	Modern_Tonic:  Modern Tonic music news PLUS new releases AND free downloads: http://bit.ly/3Xtge8 #towleroad #music Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:20 Modern_Tonic

8:20	photolarry:  RT @davidology: #Obama Signs Ryan White Act, Lifts HIV Travel & Immigration Ban #towleroad #News #gay http://tinyurl.com/yd288co Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:20 photolarry

8:20	MRTriplett:  #tlrd #joemygod #nlgja #bilericoproject #TheAdvocateMag #nprnews #PamsHouseBlend #nlgja Mazels of the Week http://bit.ly/3LOCgu Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:20 MRTriplett

8:21

Corey Johnson:  I'm not a lawyer or constitutional expert but it would put a lot of those amendments in legal limbo. It's a complex and complicated question. I think Lambda Legal may have a report on that but I don't want to pretend that I know more than I do. I don't think this will happen anytime in the near future -- but we'll see what happens with the Prop 8 Boies/Olson lawsuit in CA. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:21 Corey Johnson

8:22	oliviameursault:  the polls are officially closed. hopefully enough people voted in favor of equality! thank you @NoOn1Maine for hosting us! #VoteNoOn1 Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:22 oliviameursault

8:22	[Comment From Andrew SperosAndrew Speros: ]  Any results out of the Atlanta mayoral race? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:22 Andrew Speros

8:22	Corey Johnson:  No results in Atlanta yet on the mayoral race -- when we have them -- we'll post them. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:22 Corey Johnson

8:22	[Comment From David MixnerDavid Mixner: ]  Amazing coverage you guys....will watch you all night. Thank you Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:22 David Mixner

8:23	Corey Johnson:  David -- we're so happy you're here. You've been doing great work on your blog -- everyone should check out -- www.davidmixner.com Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:23 Corey Johnson

8:23	[Comment From DougDoug: ]  Corey - when does the Boies/Olson lawsuit move forward? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:23 Doug

8:24	Andy Towle:  1% of precincts reporting in Maine - Question 1 No 1550 73.46% Yes 560 26.54% Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:24 Andy Towle

8:24

Corey Johnson:  It's currently at the District Court level in San Francisco. Preliminary arguments have been made and Judge Walker did not allow the anti-gay side to try to dismiss the case and also asked pretty tough questions. We're at the very beginning of this process. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:24 Corey Johnson

8:24	[Comment From SchauerSchauer: ]  St Petersburg Fl just elected an out gay man to city council! Steve Kornell Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:24 Schauer

8:24	Corey Johnson:  Congratulations to Steve Kornell -- another win the Victory Fund! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:24 Corey Johnson

8:24	[Comment From BenBen: ]  First precincts reporting in Maine are from PORTLAND Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:24 Ben

8:24	[Comment From HughHysellHughHysell: ]  when does maine close? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:24 HughHysell

8:25	Corey Johnson:  Maine closed at 8 PM. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:25 Corey Johnson

8:25	cindymariej:  Waiting on the returns from the @NoOn1Maine campaign #MarryME Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:25 cindymariej

8:25	[Comment From Tanner EfingerTanner Efinger: ]  I'm with D Mixner... watching this like it's my job Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:25 Tanner Efinger

8:25	[Comment From Samuel HawkSamuel Hawk: ]  Early returns from Houston have Annise Parker at 28.7 vs Gene Locke at 28.8. Low voter turnout. http://www.chron.com/ Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:25 Samuel Hawk

8:25	Corey Johnson:  Tanner -- we're glad you're here. Great job on everything you did on the National Equality March. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:25 Corey Johnson

8:26	[Comment From Cyd ZeiglerCyd Zeigler: ]  Thanks for this guys, love it! Just talked to my parents. The TV stations in Maine aren't even showing election results! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:26 Cyd Zeigler

8:27	Corey Johnson:  Cyd -- tell your parents to tune into Towleroad.com! We're glad you're here. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:27 Corey Johnson

8:27	[Comment From Lewis PaytonLewis Payton: ]  I'm watching from my hotel room in Barcelona, GLUED to the screen! Great job guys!! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:27 Lewis Payton

8:27	Andy Towle:  Hi Lewis! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:27 Andy Towle

8:28	[Comment From ConorConor: ]  Hey Corey. Any news on NY 23? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:28 Conor

8:28	michael goff:  Any callers further than Lewis? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:28 michael goff

8:28	Corey Johnson:  The New York Congressional race is not over yet. Polls close at 9 PM and we will report on Doug Hoffman versus Bill Owens. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:28 Corey Johnson

8:28

[Video file]

YouTube: GrEbJBFWIPk  Play Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:28

8:28	noon1maine:  We'll be updating here as soon as we have numbers. In the meantime, bangordailynews.com is also posting results. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:28 noon1maine

8:28	Andy Towle:  This never gets old. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:28 Andy Towle

8:30	Corey Johnson:  This is the link for results out of Houston -- you can check out the mayoral race numbers there -- Annise Parker is looking tied right now -- if no one gets over 50 percent it goes to a December run-off which appears likely tonight. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:30 Corey Johnson

8:31	[Comment From Michael FlemingMichael Fleming: ]  You are providing the most current information about Maine. Where are the "major media"? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:31 Michael Fleming

8:31	[Comment From Lewis PaytonLewis Payton: ]  Hey Andy! And Michael! And Corey! This is worth staying up for. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:31 Lewis Payton

8:31	[Comment From David MixnerDavid Mixner: ]  Christ, we have the entire blogging community tuned to Towleroad.... Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:31 David Mixner

8:31

Corey Johnson:  Michael -- it's great to have you here and thank you for all of the work you do with the Bohnett Foundation -- we're doing the best we can. The cable networks haven't even really mentioned Maine yet. I wonder what local coverage is like there. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:31 Corey Johnson

8:31	Andy Towle:  Hi David! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:31 Andy Towle

8:32	David Mixner:  2% of precincts....72% No and 28% yes....these kind of stats from urban areas help overcome big margins in rural areas..good sign Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:32 David Mixner

8:33	[Comment From DennisDennis: ]  Hey Andy and Corey, I'm watching from Perth Western Australia. Great Job. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:33 Dennis

8:33	Corey Johnson:  G'day mate! I love Oz but have never been to Perth. Glad to have people from all over the globe tuning in. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:33 Corey Johnson

8:34	[Comment From GrrrGrrr: ]  Mixner my hero! Thanks for all your hard work David. I hope you are well. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:34 Grrr

8:34	[Comment From AndrewAndrew: ]  Hey guys, currently on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, thanks for the good updates. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:34 Andrew

8:34	Corey Johnson:  Hi Costa Ricans! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:34 Corey Johnson

8:34	[Comment From Lewis PaytonLewis Payton: ]  Well, I'm from Perth (and will be there next week)! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:34 Lewis Payton

8:35	[Comment From tony smithtony smith: ]  repeal of DOMA has no impact on the state constitutional amendments because DOMA just constrains the feds from recognizing same sex marriages - the Bois Olson lawsuit on the otherhand would wipe them out if successfull Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:35 tony smith

8:35	Corey Johnson:  Thanks Tony for the keen insight. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:35 Corey Johnson

8:35	[Comment From LoveMobyLoveMoby: ]  I'm hearing Corzine has lost in NJ Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:35 LoveMoby

8:35	[Comment From Joe M (innerJoeJoe)Joe M (innerJoeJoe): ]  Pretty sure the gay blogosphere knows who the top dog is... of course we're all tuned to Towleroad. (btw, hello from North Dakota) Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:35 Joe M (innerJoeJoe)

8:35	PressHerald:  With more than 14,000 votes counted, 73% vote on on Question 1: http://ow.ly/z1Vb #maine #yeson1 #noon1 Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:35 PressHerald

8:35	Andy Towle:  1% precincts reporting in NJ - Christie 51% , Corzine 40% Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:35 Andy Towle

8:35	NancyEH:  RT @Lynne4Governor . Major press setting up at #NOon1 #mevote09 #memarriage Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:35 NancyEH

8:36	michael goff:  Looks like there actually is some mainstream media in Maine Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:36 michael goff

8:36	Andy Towle:  We're integrating some Twitter feeds and hashtags folks - that's what you're seeing. Will try not to make it too annoying. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:36 Andy Towle

8:36	Corey Johnson:  Here's a good link for results and information coming out of Kalamazoo, Michigan -- http://iqreport.usfreedomring.com/?p=810 Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:36 Corey Johnson

8:37	[Comment From DavidDavid: ]  Should Christie win, any chance the NJ senate will pass a marriage bill for Corzine to sign before his term ends? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:37 David

8:38	Corey Johnson:  Yes -- it's possible that the bill could pass during a lame-duck session and Corzine has said he'd sign the bill. Let's hope he doesn't lose tonight. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:38 Corey Johnson

8:38	David Mixner:  6% reporting adn it %50.7% Yes and 49.3% No Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:38 David Mixner

8:39	noon1maine:  Thank to everyone for your #VoteNoOn1. Great work today! We are still waiting for results to come in. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:39 noon1maine

8:39	Corey Johnson:  Folks -- let's not freak out about Maine yet -- these are very early numbers and I don't believe the major cities have fully reported yet. Take a deep breath and relax -- it's going to be a long night! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:39 Corey Johnson

8:40	David Mixner:  7% reporting: 54.7% Yes and 45% No Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:40 David Mixner

8:40	Corey Johnson:  Jeffrey Toobin is now discussing Maine and Washington on CNN -- let's see how he does. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:40 Corey Johnson

8:40	[Comment From ConorConor: ]  corey - how politically viable is a lame duck passage of such a controversial bill? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:40 Conor

8:41	Corey Johnson:  It's been discussed with a lot of the gay groups -- I don't know if it will happen but it's a clear possibility. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:41 Corey Johnson

8:41	kennyjacobs:  RT @PressHerald: S. Portland ran out of ballots today & had to use photocopies http://ow.ly/z1j8 #maine #noon1 Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:41 kennyjacobs

8:41	[Comment From MattMatt: ]  smaller counties are going to report first they have less to count and will lean right Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:41 Matt

8:41	Corey Johnson:  Matt - I hope you're right! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:41 Corey Johnson

8:41	allisonkilkenny:  Results coming in faster now:ME 50.67% vote NO on Prop 1 so far http://www.bangordailynews.com/electionresults.html #VoteNoOn1 #MarryME #p2 Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:41 allisonkilkenny

8:42	Corey Johnson:  Everyone expected this race to be a real squeaker -- it's sure looking that way. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:42 Corey Johnson

8:42	David Mixner:  Christie has promised a constitutional admendment if they pass on lame duck session..put to a vote Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:42 David Mixner

8:43

[Comment From Christopher ConstantChristopher Constant: ]  Here is just a bit of analysis. According to the Bangor Daily News, 8:37 PM on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. 16 of 605 (3 %) of precincts have been reported. 67149 of 942825 ( 7%) . With only 3% of precints reporting, 7% of registered voters have shown up. This scenario provides preliminary evidence that high turnout is favoring NO. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:43 Christopher Constant

8:44	[Comment From Jon LevineJon Levine: ]  if Christie wins marriage is dead in NJ for at least 4 years Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:44 Jon Levine

8:45	Andy Towle:  yes, unfortunately Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:45 Andy Towle

8:47	[Comment From Hugh ElliottHugh Elliott: ]  i get confused. we're NO in maine, right? (yeah, i'm dizzy) Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:47 Hugh Elliott

8:47	Corey Johnson:  Yes - NO on Question 1 is the pro-gay position. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:47 Corey Johnson

8:48	[Comment From Cyd ZeiglerCyd Zeigler: ]  Interesting to see the Maine precincts not yet reporting. The key places where we should see support are Portland, Bangor, and Lewiston/Auburn. As far as I can tell, none of those precincts have yet reported. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:48 Cyd Zeigler

8:48	Corey Johnson:  Thanks Cyd -- that's helpful. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:48 Corey Johnson

8:48	[Comment From GregGreg: ]  Liveblogging in Kalamazoo says still not one result... BTW in case you guys want to abbreviate, we call it Kazoo here :) Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:48 Greg

8:48	[Comment From Jason StullJason Stull: ]  942,825 is the total number of registered voters in the whole state of Maine! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:48 Jason Stull

8:49	Corey Johnson:  Pretty amazing -- that's about the population of San Diego, CA. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:49 Corey Johnson

8:49	Guest:  almost all the votes are from out Maine areas....just checking town by town..small towns reporting Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:49 Guest

8:49	maineroots:  RT @priyamaine: People--only 1% of the votes have been counted. Prediction already? As a math teacher, I must object. #MarryME Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:49 maineroots

8:50	[Comment From GrrrGrrr: ]  In the "down time, " let me thank you for your Great site, Andy. I laugh, I cry, I get pissed off, etc. Thanks. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:50 Grrr

8:50	Andy Towle:  you're welcome - Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:50 Andy Towle

8:52	[Comment From StevenFrostStevenFrost: ]  Lewiston.. home of Bates College and Unv of Southern Maine has not reported yet. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:52 StevenFrost

8:52	Corey Johnson:  That's good to know -- thanks Steven. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:52 Corey Johnson

8:52	[Comment From Mark SidanyczMark Sidanycz: ]  Andy, thanks for providing such a great source of news for us, and especially tonight. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:52 Mark Sidanycz

8:53	Andy Towle:  Hey folks - sorry about not everyone's messages getting through - there are so many we must moderate them, otherwise it's just a mess Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:53 Andy Towle

8:53	[Comment From David MixnerDavid Mixner: ]  anyone know what county portland and bangor are in? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:53 David Mixner

8:54	Corey Johnson:  Here's a link to the Houston Chronicle's political coverage and current number -- looking close in Houston -- there will be a run-off in December and it looks like Annise Parker will be in it -- http://www.chron.com/news/politics/ Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:54 Corey Johnson

8:54	Corey Johnson:  Portland is Cumberland County and Bangor is Penobscot. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:54 Corey Johnson

8:54	[Comment From Derek HartleyDerek Hartley: ]  Finally some results from Kazoo: Yes 110, No 117. 1 of 19 prescints reporting. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:54 Derek Hartley

8:55	Andy Towle:  Thanks Derek! Love your show! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:55 Andy Towle

8:55	Corey Johnson:  Derek -- we can call in later to talk results if you'd like -- let us know. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:55 Corey Johnson

8:55	Signorile:  We're at 54% no, with 5 percent, so it's turned around a bit. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:55 Signorile

8:56

[Comment From Kevin BKevin B: ]  Hey, Andy--Kevin here. Openleft.com has some great updates with precinct population details, i.e. heavily Catholic district in Lewis-Auburn is nearly all in and is running 58 NO 42 YES. http://openleft.com/diary/15823/maine-election-results-thread Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:56 Kevin B

8:56

[Comment From Matt WalkerMatt Walker: ]  results from Saco in York county, Maine (from the Saco No on 1 office)... Precinct 2: 302y, 415n Precinct 3: 297y, 351n Precinct 4: 406y, 421n Precinct 5: 382y, 415n Precinct 6: 232y, 348n... this is the southernmost county and very conservative... these numbers are fantastic for such a small town Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:56 Matt Walker

8:56	[Comment From GregGreg: ]  Kazoo: First results for 1856. 110 yes 116 no Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:56 Greg

8:57	[Comment From SchauerSchauer: ]  Steve Korell, a gay man won City Council in St Petersburg Florida. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:57 Schauer

8:57	[Comment From Jeremy BraudJeremy Braud: ]  Andy & Corey, you guys are providing a great service to the LGBT community. Keep up the good work. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:57 Jeremy Braud

8:57	[Comment From Cyd ZeiglerCyd Zeigler: ]  Two precincts in Portland reported and the numbers went WAY in our favor. Two of 15. That's good news! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:57 Cyd Zeigler

8:57	[Comment From GregGreg: ]  KALAMAZOO COUNTY: Gay Rights Ordinance: Yes- 48% | No- 52% | Reporting: 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:57 Greg

8:57

[Comment From James Duke MasonJames Duke Mason: ]  Hi there Corey and Andy! You featured a video of my Mom, Belinda Carlisle, endorsing the NO ON 1 effort not too long ago, and have featured videos of mine on here before! Thank you for all the work you do! I'm a big fan of the blog! Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:57 James Duke Mason

8:58

[Comment From ChrisMonsosChrisMonsos: ]  Just over two hours until ballot collection locations close in Washington State. 38 of the 39 Washington counties vote entirely by mail. The King County (Seattle's county) Executive race is another one with all eyes on it here... local news anchor Susan Hutchinson has been seen as "the next Sarah Palin" -- many WA residents want to make sure her political career stops before it starts. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:58 ChrisMonsos

8:59	[Comment From James MikulaJames Mikula: ]  Is there a link to where Kalamazoo results are being updated? Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:59 James Mikula

8:59	Corey Johnson:  We're searching for it -- if anyone has it -- please post. Thanks. Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:59 Corey Johnson

8:59	[Comment From tony smithtony smith: ]  hey James Duke Mason you and your Mom both rock - thx for being high profile Tuesday November 3, 2009 8:59 tony smith

9:00	[Comment From WilliamWilliam: ]  http://iqreport.usfreedomring.com/?p=810 is showing the ordinance is passed 65-35 Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:00 William

9:01	Corey Johnson:  Chris Christie is leading Corzine 52 to 42 with Daggett at 6 percent. Not promising but the race still hasn't been called. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:01 Corey Johnson

9:01	Andy Towle:  From One Kalamazoo: "UPDATE 9:00 ET: According to OneKalamazoo field director, Trystan Reese, unofficial results are that the Ordinance passed 65-35. Hold on while this is confirmed with state elections officials… -Phil Reese" Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:01 Andy Towle

9:01	[Comment From GregGreg: ]  I am using the Grand Rapids live blogging on WOOD-TV - here - http://www.woodtv.com/ Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:01 Greg

9:02

[Comment From Christopher HarrisChristopher Harris: ]  From http://iqreport.usfreedomring.com/?p=810UPDATE 9:00 ET: According to OneKalamazoo field director, Trystan Reese, unofficial results are that the Ordinance passed 65-35. Hold on while this is confirmed with state elections officials… -Phil Reese Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:02 Christopher Harris

9:03

[Comment From BrynBryn: ]  Another note on Washington: It's the first time we've voted by mail so everyone's waiting until the last minute. King County (Seattle's county) is still hoping for a 56% turnout, but only got 20% as of Sat. Unfortunately, there will be only one tally of the county tonight, at 8:15 p.m. our time. If Ref. 71 is close, we may have to wait until tomorrow to know for sure. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:03 Bryn

9:04	Corey Johnson:  It's looking good in Kalamazoo -- fingers crossed there. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:04 Corey Johnson

9:05	Corey Johnson:  Polls just closed in New York. We'll soon get results on the Mayor's race and the Congressional race in Upstate New York. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:05 Corey Johnson

9:05	Andy Towle:  Bangor Daily News reports 5% precincts reporting: No 14988 54.48% Yes 12524 45.52% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:05 Andy Towle

9:06	Corey Johnson:  Yes in Kazoo is pro-gay -- we want YES! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:06 Corey Johnson

9:06	[Comment From Nathan ManskeNathan Manske: ]  Executive Director of Equality Maine is speaking live now: http://www.protectmaineequality.org/ Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:06 Nathan Manske

9:06	christineoleary:  RT. We are feeling good at #NoOn1. Live state updating comn now. Until we dance Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:06 christineoleary

9:07	[Comment From KdawgKdawg: ]  Live Stream from Maine: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/no-on-1-protect-maine-equality Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:07 Kdawg

9:07	[Comment From greggreg: ]  No worries about not letting my message through- I love your site just thought I'd pass on some feedback. Yeah, No on 1 is turning around. What is going on in Kalamazoo? Hadn't heard of that one. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:07 greg

9:07	mainelife:  Getting ready to watch Jesse Connolly on @maddow in a minute or two. #noon1 Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:07 mainelife

9:07	[Live Video] USTREAM:  Play Live Video Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:07

9:07	Corey Johnson:  Things are looking good in Kazoo and Maine -- nothing is final yet though. We won't get numbers in Washington until after 11 PM tonight. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:07 Corey Johnson

9:08	michael goff:  click the X and get rid of the ad Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:08 michael goff

9:08	Corey Johnson:  That is Betsy Smith the head of Equality Maine speaking now -- she's been fighting the fight in Maine for years now and is a real hero. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:08 Corey Johnson

9:09	Andy Towle:  New update from Kalamazoo: "UPDATE 9:08 ET: With 5% reporting, 1856 is behind 48% for 52% against. -Phil Reese" Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:09 Andy Towle

9:09	Corey Johnson:  Not good news in Kazoo -- still early though. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:09 Corey Johnson

9:09	Andy Towle:  That's not good, folks. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:09 Andy Towle

9:12	[Comment From RyanRyan: ]  New England Cable News reported that the Catholic Church gave half a million to the Yes campaign. I'm guessing that could have fed a lot of hungry people at Catholic food banks across the state... Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:12 Ryan

9:12	Corey Johnson:  Ryan -- here, here! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:12 Corey Johnson

9:12

[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  Thanks Andy & Corey for all your hard work. I head here first in the am. My husband and I are logged in from San Diego. We're one of the 18,000 legally married couples in CA. Your site gets us the news and info we need. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:12 Jim Gallagher

9:12	[Comment From david mixnerdavid mixner: ]  With close to 30% in New Jersey Corzine trails by 8% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:12 david mixner

9:13	Corey Johnson:  A lot of the heavy Democratic areas haven't reported yet -- so there's still hope for Corzine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:13 Corey Johnson

9:13	[Comment From JusticeDemonJusticeDemon: ]  Seriously, without Towleroad I'd be lost Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:13 JusticeDemon

9:13	[Comment From Kirk EnstromKirk Enstrom: ]  Catholic Church should have their tax-exempt status revoked for engaging in political activities. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:13 Kirk Enstrom

9:13	[Comment From Matthew MurphyMatthew Murphy: ]  Andy, will you be keeping an eye on he Houston mayoral race? Hoping Annise Parker can win there... Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:13 Matthew Murphy

9:13	Corey Johnson:  We're updating on Houston -- no new results yet -- there will likely be a run-off in December and Annise will be in it. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:13 Corey Johnson

9:14	[Comment From Kevin BKevin B: ]  Openleft.com reporting huge win (61% to 39%) for us in Kennebunkport, home of George & Barbara Bush. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:14 Kevin B

9:14	[Comment From RyanRyan: ]  Hi guys, I've been watching from Canada but I need to run now. Huge thanks to Andy and Corey for all their work on this site and for this coverage. Everyone who has a stake in this will be in my thoughts and prayers tonight. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:14 Ryan

9:14

michael goff:  Happy to have more than 3500 of you participating so far to the Towleroad's second annual live election chat. (not counting twitter and feeds) The night is young and that's almost half the audience we pulled the entire night last year. Thanks for participating.. And Ryan i have the Sarah Silverman's Sell the Vatican cued up... Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:14 michael goff

9:15	Andy Towle:  New Jersey governor race update -- 29% reporting Christie 50% Corzine 43% Daggett 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:15 Andy Towle

9:15	[Comment From JonJon: ]  What's going on in Washington? If you don't mind me asking! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:15 Jon

9:16	Corey Johnson:  No news in Washington yet -- we won't know until after 11 PM EST. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:16 Corey Johnson

9:16

Andy Towle:  NYT: Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages? Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Answer Party Votes Pct. No — 22,304 51.1% Yes — 21,324 48.9 Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:16 Andy Towle

9:17	[Comment From lennylenny: ]  Rachel Maddow talking about Ref 1. Cleve Jones on after the break Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:17 lenny

9:17

Signorile:  I'm watching the results on the Bangor Daily News site and it ways only 20% of registered voters participated in this election. Is this accurate? The secy of state revised his prediction from 35% to 50%. This has got to be wrong, and I hope it is, as higher turnout favored us. Perhaps Jesse Connoley will clear it up on Maddow. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:17 Signorile

9:17	[Comment From TroubletownTroubletown: ]  OneKalamazoo email sent out declaring victory??? Anyone else get this? Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:17 Troubletown

9:18	Andy Towle:  Houston mayoral update via the Houston Chronicle: Houston Mayor early Gene Locke 29.0% Annise Parker 28.1% Peter Brown 25.3% Roy Morales 15.4% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:18 Andy Towle

9:18	Andy Towle:  Turnout low in Houston - 11% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:18 Andy Towle

9:18	[Comment From markatlgamarkatlga: ]  Atlanta Mayoral numbers are starting to come in...Georgia Equality endorsed candidate Lisa Borders is not doing well thus far. http://www.ajc.com/news/election-minute-by-minute-184202.html Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:18 markatlga

9:18	Corey Johnson:  Two top vote getters in Houston move on to a December run-off relection. Parker's chances are good against Locke. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:18 Corey Johnson

9:19	[Comment From anthonycatalinoanthonycatalino: ]  HRCbackstory quoting victory fund saying ordinance passes in kazoo... Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:19 anthonycatalino

9:19	[Comment From KeithBostonKeithBoston: ]  just posted by a friend on FB: "We won BIG in Kalamazoo. 65%-35% with only absentees not counted...and they can't make up the difference" Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:19 KeithBoston

9:19	Corey Johnson:  Jesse Connolly from NO on Question 1 is live on MSNBC speaking to Rachel Maddow. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:19 Corey Johnson

9:19

[Comment From TroubletownTroubletown: ]  ONE KALAMAZOO DECLARES VICTORY IN BALLOT FIGHT Kalamazoo residents approve nondiscrimination ordinance “Our campaign started with a very basic idea, and today voters confirmed that we are One Kalamazoo,” said Campaign Manager, Jon Hoadley. With only absentee ballots outstanding, 65 percent of Kalamazoo voters have approved Ordinance 1856 by a vote of 6,463 to 3,527, adding protections for gay and transgender people to the city’s nondiscrimination ordinance. This margin is larger than the number of outstanding absentee ballots that are currently being counted. “I am elated with the outcome of the election,” says Yes on Ordinance 1856/One Kalamazoo Steering Committee member and local resident Janice Brown. “This vote reinforces what our campaign set out to prove – that our fellow residents of Kalamazoo share the belief that all people should be treated fairly and equally, including gay and transgender people.” The outcome of today’s vote confirmed that all hardworking people in Kalamazoo should have the chance to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families without fear of being fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance... Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:19 Troubletown

9:20	[Comment From DominicDominic: ]  For NJ watchers Nate Silver tweets this: Corzine looks to be projecting to 45-48 percent of the vote statewide. And thanks to Towleroad for hosting. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:20 Dominic

9:20	Signorile:  They have now revised the turnout on Bangor Daily News: 45% of registered voters turned out. Phew! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:20 Signorile

9:21	[Comment From Greg in Vancouver, CanadaGreg in Vancouver, Canada: ]  Andy, if Christie ends up with a plurality (of, say 49%) would that equal him winning as governor? (No run-off?) Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:21 Greg in Vancouver, Canada

9:22	Corey Johnson:  There's no run-off -- it's solely a plurality. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:22 Corey Johnson

9:23	[Comment From GlennGlenn: ]  Chapel Hill NC: Gay candidate Mark Kleinschmidt leads for mayor. His partner, Mike Nelson, was mayor of nearby town Carrboro earlier this decade. http://www.newsobserver.com/home/story/173407.html Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:23 Glenn

9:23	Andy Towle:  Kalamazoo http://iqreport.usfreedomring.com/ Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:23 Andy Towle

9:23	Corey Johnson:  Good news out of Chapel Hill in North Carolina. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:23 Corey Johnson

9:25	[Comment From FrankFrank: ]  The best election results are right here on Towleroad. I've been patrolling the web sites, but you're doing the best. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:25 Frank

9:25	Andy Towle:  Washington state polls close at 11 ET Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:25 Andy Towle

9:26	Andy Towle:  Question 1 in Maine via Bangor Daily News: 14% reporting No 32670 52.49% Yes 29575 47.51% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:26 Andy Towle

9:26

Corey Johnson:  14% reporting Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages? Answer Party Votes Pct. No — 33,955 52.3% Yes — 31,014 47.7 Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:26 Corey Johnson

9:27	Corey Johnson:  That's from the New York Times. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:27 Corey Johnson

9:27	Corey Johnson:  Cleve Jones just finished up with Rachel Maddow on MSNBC. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:27 Corey Johnson

9:28	Andy Towle:  Here are some results from that crazy district in upstate New Yor, with just 1% reporting: N.Y. District 23 N.Y. District 23 Candidate Party Votes Pct. Bill Owens Dem. 37 56.9% Doug Hoffman Con. 25 38.5 Dede Scozzafava Rep. 3 4.6 Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:28 Andy Towle

9:28	[Comment From MitchellMitchell: ]  I can't tell you how excited I am to have Andy and Corey and Michael and Michelangelo reporting here Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:28 Mitchell

9:29	Corey Johnson:  We're happy to be doing it tonight -- we're all keeping our fingers crossed. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:29 Corey Johnson

9:29	[Comment From Justin FosterJustin Foster: ]  Great to have the live coverage... Thanks guys Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:29 Justin Foster

9:29

Signorile:  David Gergen actually said on CNN earlier winning Maine is not significant -- responding to Jeff Toobin saying a Maine win would mean the culture is changing. Gergen said, "Well, it's Maine," as if Maine means nothing. And then said, there's a long way to go. Screw him! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:29 Signorile

9:30	[Comment From Curtis AtkissonCurtis Atkisson: ]  And it is very exciting to see Mixner too. Great to be in the presence of so many people who are so good in our community. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:30 Curtis Atkisson

9:30	DoreenatDMS:  Louisiana Interracial Marriage-Refusing Judge Keith Bardwell Quits http://viigo.im/1njV Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:30 DoreenatDMS

9:30	[Comment From ToddMTToddMT: ]  NJ's Sussex County is 2nd 100% counted and called for Corzine, now race stands at 44.1% Corzine, 49.3% Christie, with 44.3% reporting in total Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:30 ToddMT

9:30	[Comment From david mixnerdavid mixner: ]  Remember that the Democrat Owens in NY 23rd is also against marriage equality Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:30 david mixner

9:30	[Comment From Jim FraenkelJim Fraenkel: ]  Rock on Corey! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:30 Jim Fraenkel

9:30

[Comment From Mike FischerMike Fischer: ]  One year ago tonight, I was logged onto Towleroad, discussing Prop 8's incoming results. It was a difficult night, and one that was not eased by being one of the 18,000 couples who retained their right to be married. I am so hopeful for Maine, so very hopeful. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:30 Mike Fischer

9:31	kate_sheppard:  RT @daveweigel This could be 2008 in reverse--Dems lose everything EXCEPT gay marriage. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:31 kate_sheppard

9:31

Andy Towle:  St. Petersburg, Florida has elected its first gay city council member, via the Victory Fund: "Victory Fund-endorsed candidate Steve Kornell has won his groundbreaking race for a seat on the St. Petersburg City Council. The first-time candidate is a social worker in local schools and the latest in a growing number of LGBT Floridians seeking local office in a state with virtually no statewide protections for the LGBT community. Kornell’s candidacy follows by a year that of Kevin Beckner, a Victory Fund candidate who in 2008 won a seat on the Hillsborough County, Fla. Commission, beating an anti-gay incumbent." Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:31 Andy Towle

9:32	[Comment From Tim WilsonTim Wilson: ]  Thanks so much for this live coverage as our community comes together. And it doesn't hurt that our Andy wins in the hottie contest Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:32 Tim Wilson

9:32	Andy Towle:  I did not post that. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:32 Andy Towle

9:32	Andy Towle:  but thanks Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:32 Andy Towle

9:33	[Comment From Brandon JonesBrandon Jones: ]  I just hope Kalamazoo comes through... it's my hometown. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:33 Brandon Jones

9:33	[Comment From Gregg KatzGregg Katz: ]  According to Kazoo gazette: "Despite some tweets, the anti-discrimination ordinance is not final yet. Reply to us for any questions you may have. ' Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:33 Gregg Katz

9:33	Corey Johnson:  We won in Kazoo. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:33 Corey Johnson

9:33	[Comment From david mixnerdavid mixner: ]  Corzine is closing the gap Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:33 david mixner

9:33	Corey Johnson:  Yeah -- more Democratic areas are reporting in NJ and it's closing. It's going to be close. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:33 Corey Johnson

9:35	Corey Johnson:  The Maine Question will be discussed on Larry King Live after the next commercial break -- his guests are James Carville, Ben Stein and Jesse Ventura. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:35 Corey Johnson

9:35	Andy Towle:  More news from Houston according to the Chronicle: 13% reporting Houston Mayor Annise Parker 28.9% Gene Locke 27.1% Peter Brown 24.8% Roy Morales 17.1% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:35 Andy Towle

9:35

[Comment From Alan DraperAlan Draper: ]  Message from Equal Rights Washington: 90,000 votes came in through the mail today in King County alone. Good news: King County could swing this election our way. Bad news: initial results announced tonight will not include these numbers. Final results could take up to a week to be called. Stay tuned. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:35 Alan Draper

9:35

[Comment From ChrisMonsosChrisMonsos: ]  Even though ballot drop-off locations close at 8:00PM local time, Washington Residents can mail their ballots so long as they are postmarked by midnight. The Riverton Heights post office in SeaTac is open until 11:58PM according to usps.com Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:35 ChrisMonsos

9:36	[Comment From TristinTristin: ]  NBC News just called NYC for Bloomberg. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:36 Tristin

9:36	[Comment From JCJC: ]  So I have a question. We want a no vote in Maine? But a yes vote in Washington? Am I correct? What is the language of the two bills? Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:36 JC

9:36	Corey Johnson:  Yes - we want a No vote in Maine and a Yes vote in Washington -- confusing but that's what we want. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:36 Corey Johnson

9:36	[Comment From Frank SelvaggiFrank Selvaggi: ]  Hey Andy and Corey - Great coverage! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:36 Frank Selvaggi

9:37	Corey Johnson:  Thanks Frank -- let's hope that New York State will follow and that we'll have marriage here in the next month or so. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:37 Corey Johnson

9:37	Andy Towle:  New Jersey media reporting on Corzine - Christie with 53% reporting Christie 49%, Corzine 45% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:37 Andy Towle

9:38	Corey Johnson:  New York Times 16% reportingAtlanta Candidate Party Votes Pct. Mary Norwood — 3,183 52.4% Kasim Reed — 1,865 30.7 Lisa Borders — 853 14.0 Jesse Spikes — 128 2.1 Kyle Keyser — 39 0.6 Peter Brownlowe — 7 0.1 Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:38 Corey Johnson

9:38	[Comment From david mixnerdavid mixner: ]  Hell, all of us gathering at Towleroad reminds of an old courthouse waiting for the results with your neighbors..thanks Andy and Corey Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:38 david mixner

9:38	Corey Johnson:  That's very funny - you just made Andy and I laugh! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:38 Corey Johnson

9:38	[Comment From Curtis AtkissonCurtis Atkisson: ]  Lost in Augusta, ME: 47-53% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:38 Curtis Atkisson

9:38	Corey Johnson:  Mary Norwood is the could be the first white candidate in 30 years to win the mayoralty in Atlanta. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:38 Corey Johnson

9:39	Corey Johnson:  Sorry for the jumbled sentence -- I can't think this fast! Too many websites to check and races to keep up on. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:39 Corey Johnson

9:39	[Comment From Frank SelvaggiFrank Selvaggi: ]  hey corey - it should be next week! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:39 Frank Selvaggi

9:39	Corey Johnson:  Frank -- I really hope you're right! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:39 Corey Johnson

9:39	[Comment From Richard SocaridesRichard Socarides: ]  Hey guys thanks for your great Towleroad coverage tonight. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:39 Richard Socarides

9:40	Corey Johnson:  Hi Richard! Great to have you here. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:40 Corey Johnson

9:40	[Comment From david mixnerdavid mixner: ]  17% i of the vote is in ....N0 is at 51% and Yes is at 49% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:40 david mixner

9:41	Andy Towle:  Bangor Daily News on Question 1 - 17% reporting No 37801 51.30% Yes 35892 48.70% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:41 Andy Towle

9:41	Andy Towle:  It's a squeaker in Maine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:41 Andy Towle

9:42	Corey Johnson:  New York Times Pittsburgh Candidate Party Votes Pct. Winner: Luke RavenstahlLuke Ravenstahl Dem. 13,633 56.0% Incumbent Kevin Acklin Ind. 5,892 24.2 Franco Dok Harris Ind. 4,836 19.9 Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:42 Corey Johnson

9:43	Signorile:  Yes it is a sqeaker -- 45% turnout is great, but it's not the over 50% that the secy of state later predicted. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:43 Signorile

9:43	Corey Johnson:  Luke Ravenstahl is 29 years old and became Mayor at 26 when the incumbent Mayor died in office. Keep an eye on him in future races in PA. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:43 Corey Johnson

9:43	[Comment From Bill McDermottBill McDermott: ]  Corey and Andy thank you...great coverage tonight! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:43 Bill McDermott

9:44	Corey Johnson:  Thanks Bill -- it's great to have you here. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:44 Corey Johnson

9:44	[Comment From MattMatt: ]  NYT calls NYC for Bloomberg Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:44 Matt

9:44	Corey Johnson:  Bloomberg has been declared the victor in the New York City Mayor's race. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:44 Corey Johnson

9:44	Andy Towle:  Yes, looks like Bangor reset to 5% reporting - very strange. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:44 Andy Towle

9:44	[Comment From EsurnirEsurnir: ]  Don't be too down Signorile,it's not 50 but it's certainly not the 20 / 30 % first predicted! that's great news! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:44 Esurnir

9:44	[Comment From Curtis AtkissonCurtis Atkisson: ]  Final % in from the city of Portland itself, largest city in the state and a heavy base vote area- No 71%, Yes 29%, without absentees. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:44 Curtis Atkisson

9:45	[Comment From WayneWayne: ]  The Banger reset must be ACORN! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:45 Wayne

9:45	Andy Towle:  lol Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:45 Andy Towle

9:45	[Comment From Scott ArnoldScott Arnold: ]  Sorry, do we want Maine to vote YES or NO? I'm confused after this Prop 8 thing in California... Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:45 Scott Arnold

9:45	Corey Johnson:  We want a NO vote in Maine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:45 Corey Johnson

9:45	[Comment From T.J.T.J.: ]  N.J. is 58% reporting- 50% Christie and 44% Corzine Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:45 T.J.

9:45	Corey Johnson:  This is not a good trend line for Corzine in NJ. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:45 Corey Johnson

9:46	[Comment From Keith OrrKeith Orr: ]  wow, great numbers out of Portland. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:46 Keith Orr

9:46	Corey Johnson:  Yes, very good numbers out of Portland so far. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:46 Corey Johnson

9:46	[Comment From Nathan ManskeNathan Manske: ]  Nate Silver at www.fivethirtyeight.com is predicting a 71% probability of a NO vote in Maine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:46 Nathan Manske

9:46	[Comment From Jonathan LoveJonathan Love: ]  Thanks for the great coverage TOWLEROAD! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:46 Jonathan Love

9:46	Signorile:  So far every thing Obama backed and campaigned for has lost, and the one thing he did't back -- marriage equality -- is winning. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:46 Signorile

9:46	ccrainato:  You still have time to vote in Washington! Approve Referendum 71! #approve71 Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:46 ccrainato

9:46

[Comment From Alex RivlinAlex Rivlin: ]  Thank you to everyone involved for continuing to be the very best in LGBT media coverage. Coming from an area where such media is nonexistant, I've read all around and you do everything that all the glossy magazines and LOGO properties do, but so much better! Thanks for the thorough and well-rounded coverage! Keep up the good work! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:46 Alex Rivlin

9:47	michael goff:  thanks Alex Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:47 michael goff

9:47	Corey Johnson:  With 158 of 169 precincts reporting, Democrat Anthony Foxx has a 52-48 lead in the Charlotte mayor's race. A Republican previously held this seat and it would be considered a major win for Democrats in North Carolina. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:47 Corey Johnson

9:47	[Comment From MitchellMitchell: ]  Corey--did you say Bloomberg has been declared "victor" or "dowager empress" in New York City's race? Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:47 Mitchell

9:47	Corey Johnson:  Mitchell -- both! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:47 Corey Johnson

9:48	Corey Johnson:  U.S. House - District 23 - Special General 10 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 2% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 1,045 54% Hoffman, Doug Con 890 46% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 15 1% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:48 Corey Johnson

9:49	[Comment From Marty ReichertMarty Reichert: ]  Ditto to Alex's comment. This Midwesterern gets his news here. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:49 Marty Reichert

9:49	[Comment From George BeschenGeorge Beschen: ]  Enthusiastically endorse ... Alex's comment! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:49 George Beschen

9:49	[Comment From James Duke MasonJames Duke Mason: ]  Nate Silver is predicting that the Washington domestic partnership bill has a 91% chance of passing Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:49 James Duke Mason

9:49	[Comment From roeroe: ]  thanks for doing this guys. a lot of us really appreciate it. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:49 roe

9:50	[Comment From David S.David S.: ]  If Question 1 in Maine yields the "No" vote that preserves marriage equality, will it be the first time marriage equality has survived a popular vote? Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:50 David S.

9:50	Corey Johnson:  Yes -- except for Arizona which rejected the ban on DP benefits in 2006 -- the right wing came back in 2008 and ended up re-working it and it passed. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:50 Corey Johnson

9:50	[Comment From Nathan ManskeNathan Manske: ]  Parker pulling ahead in Houston! i know it'll be a runoff, but still exciting: HOUSTON MAYOR IN: 25% Annise Parker 29.4% Gene Locke 26.4% Peter Brown 24.3% Roy Morales 17.9% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:50 Nathan Manske

9:51	Corey Johnson:  Great news for Annise Parker -- Locke is an easier candidate than Brown in the run-off for her. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:51 Corey Johnson

9:51	[Comment From Jeff RobinsonJeff Robinson: ]  Andy, Corey, you guys rock. Thank you for being so dedicated and thorough. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:51 Jeff Robinson

9:51	[Comment From David MixnerDavid Mixner: ]  Silver is also predicting a 57% chance of Christie winning Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:51 David Mixner

9:51	[Comment From Bob CassidyBob Cassidy: ]  this live election coverage is awesome. thanks Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:51 Bob Cassidy

9:51	[Comment From john simpsonjohn simpson: ]  regarding NY politics, is gay marriage still coming up for a vote in Albany? Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:51 john simpson

9:52	Corey Johnson:  As for New York politics -- we still don't know yet -- but folks think a vote may happen next week. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:52 Corey Johnson

9:52

Andy Towle:  NYT - 18% reporting in Maine: Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages? Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Answer Party Votes Pct. No — 46,871 51.5% Yes — 44,093 48.5 Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:52 Andy Towle

9:52	Signorile:  This is so weird with Bangor Daily News back to saying only 5% of vote is in. They also took down the percentage of turnout. Before they did, they'd revised it and it said 54% turnout, which is great. But what's going on now? Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:52 Signorile

9:52

[Comment From Keith OrrKeith Orr: ]  We're very lucky to have had two candidates for Mayor here in Boston who fell over themselves to court the LGBT community. In the end, incumbent Mayor Tom Menino goes into a 5th term with 57% vs. City Councilor Michael Flaherty's 43%. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:52 Keith Orr

9:52	Andy Towle:  I think the Bangor site crashed. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:52 Andy Towle

9:52	[Comment From GrrrGrrr: ]  Anybody watching Kathy Griffin with their other eye? Not her best but she looks great! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:52 Grrr

9:52	Corey Johnson:  Pro-gay Mayor Tom Menino apparently wins in Boston. This is a record fifth term. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:52 Corey Johnson

9:53	Andy Towle:  Thanks for the Kathy Griffin update. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:53 Andy Towle

9:53	Corey Johnson:  I wonder what Kathy is doing tonight?! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:53 Corey Johnson

9:53	Signorile:  Corzine looks done. Most suburbs and cities look to be in. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:53 Signorile

9:54	[Comment From frank selvaggifrank selvaggi: ]  http://www.wmtw.com/politics/feature.html Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:54 frank selvaggi

9:54	Andy Towle:  Looks like Annise Parker is pullin ahead in Houston: Houston Mayor In: 25% Annise Parker 29.4% Gene Locke 26.4% Peter Brown 24.3% Roy Morales 17.9% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:54 Andy Towle

9:54	Corey Johnson:  Thanks Frank. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:54 Corey Johnson

9:54	[Comment From Jeff and RyanJeff and Ryan: ]  on a very related note: Andy marry us! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:54 Jeff and Ryan

9:54	Corey Johnson:  I will ask Andy for you and try to convince him! Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:54 Corey Johnson

9:55	Corey Johnson:  U.S. House - District 23 - Special General 73 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 12% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 8,697 49% Hoffman, Doug Con 8,052 46% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 938 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:55 Corey Johnson

9:56	[Comment From David MixnerDavid Mixner: ]  If by some mircle (and the hard work of hundreds of thousands) we win all three, I sure wish we were on the ballot in California in 2010 given the momentum Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:56 David Mixner

9:57

Corey Johnson:  New York Times 22% reporting Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages? Answer Party Votes Pct. No — 58,748 51.0% Yes — 56,515 49.0 Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:57 Corey Johnson

9:59	[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  @David Mixner--the qualification process for 2010 in CA has just started. We're not off the ballot yet. EQ CA (iirc) has taken out the initial papers to qualify, with deadlines that go well into next year. Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:59 Jim Gallagher

9:59	[Comment From Gregg KatzGregg Katz: ]  NBC reversed their call on Bloomberg Tuesday November 3, 2009 9:59 Gregg Katz

10:00

Corey Johnson:  Interesting -- we'll check in on that. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:00 Corey Johnson

10:01

Corey Johnson:  From SwingStateProject.com 7 pm ET/4 pm PT Georgia: Atlanta mayor, several legislative special elections South Carolina: HD-48 Virginia: Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, all House of Delegates seats 7:30 pm ET/4 pm PT North Carolina: Charlotte mayor, Chapel Hill mayor Ohio: Issue 3 (to allow casino gambling) 8 pm ET/5 pm PT Alabama: HD-65 Connecticut: Stamford mayor Florida: St. Petersburg mayor, Miami mayor Maine: Question 1 (to repeal gay marriage), Question 4 (to limit taxes) Massachusetts: Boston mayor Michigan: Detroit mayor, SD-19 Missouri: HD-73 New Jersey: Governor, all Assembly seats Pennsylvania: Supreme Court (1 seat), Philadelphia DA, Pittsburgh mayor, Harrisburg mayor, Allentown mayor Texas: Houston mayor 9 pm ET/6 pm PT Colorado: the town of Breckinridge (popu. 2,500) is voting whether or not to legalize marijuana Minnesota: Minneapolis mayor New York: NY-23, New York City mayor, Nassau Co. Executive, Westchester Co. Executive 11 pm ET/8 pm PT California: CA-10 ??? * Washington: R-71 (to keep expanded domestic partnership), I-1033 (to limit taxes), Seattle mayor, King County Executive, HD-16 (* = Washington's historic closing time is 11 pm ET/8 pm PT, but this is an [almost] all-mail election and ballots only need to be postmarked on Tuesday, so close races may not be finalized for several days) Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:01 Corey Johnson

10:01

Signorile:  With 32% of vote in Bloomberg is at 49, Thompson at 48. Even if Bloomberg wins, that shows all the undecideds went for Thompson. 10% were undecided and Bloomberg was leading by 12 in polls. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:01 Signorile

10:02

Corey Johnson:  U.S. House - District 23 - Special General 92 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 15% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 11,431 51% Hoffman, Doug Con 9,759 44% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 1,103 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:02 Corey Johnson

10:03

Corey Johnson:  That's the Upstate New York Congressional race -- Hoffman is an arch-conservative, Bill Owens is a conservative Dem that doesn't support marriage equality -- neither does Hoffman. Dede Scozzafava dropped out of the race over the weekend and is an Assemblymember who voted for the marriage equality bill in the Assembly. She endorsed Owens yesterday. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:03 Corey Johnson

10:03

[Comment From David MixnerDavid Mixner: ]  Think Corzine is toast Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:03 David Mixner

10:03

Corey Johnson:  I sure hope not David. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:03 Corey Johnson

10:03

With what party do you identify? Democrat  ( 71% ) Republican  ( 2% ) Independent  ( 18% ) Libertarian  ( 5% ) Green  ( 2% ) Tupperware  ( 2% ) Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:03

10:04

[Comment From TimTim: ]  Charles Pugh in Detroit (an openly gay candidate) is poised to be elected to the City Council and looks like he'll be the City Council President as the highest vote getter. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:04 Tim

10:04

Signorile:  I think so too David. There are few cities/ suburbs left. Corzine's done. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:04 Signorile

10:06

Corey Johnson:  New York Times - Detroit Mayor Candidate Party Votes Pct. Winner: Dave Bing — 64,416 58.0% Incumbent Tom Barrow — 46,557 42.0 Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:06 Corey Johnson

10:06

Corey Johnson:  The incumbent wins in Detroit. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:06 Corey Johnson

10:07

[Comment From JKJK: ]  From Sydney Australia I thank you for all your efforts and information. Your blog is a daily must read and this live feed puts US politics into perspective for us here in Oz with our Conservative Christian Centre-Left Prime Minister who rejects same-sex rights. You guys are great. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:07 JK

10:07

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  That NY-23 race is at 18% now, and Owens is ahead by 8. Boy, if that little area can knock back Palin etc...how sweet, even if he's not for 'us'. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:07 Guest

10:07

[Comment From David MixnerDavid Mixner: ]  Most of the outstanding votes in NJ are in Christie strongholds Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:07 David Mixner

10:08

[Comment From Gregg KatzGregg Katz: ]  Open left just reported 57% No, 43% Yes so far. Unsure how reliable it is Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:08 Gregg Katz

10:08

[Comment From BrandonBrandon: ]  Which party are you a member of, Corey? Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:08 Brandon

10:08

Signorile:  AP has called Christie winner, Corzine has lost. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:08 Signorile

10:08

Corey Johnson:  I'm a Democrat. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:08 Corey Johnson

10:08

[Comment From Erik BottcherErik Bottcher: ]  Marriage Equality in NJ is toast Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:08 Erik Bottcher

10:08

[Comment From David MixnerDavid Mixner: ]  Checking the map of NYC most of Thompson's strongholds are reporting at much higher % than Bloomberg strong holds.... Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:08 David Mixner

10:08

Corey Johnson:  Very bad news in New Jersey with Jon Corzine losing. Republicans pick up both governorships tonight. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:08 Corey Johnson

10:09

Corey Johnson:  It could be passed in a lame-duck session by the legislature and signed by Corzine. I'm not sure how likely that is. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:09 Corey Johnson

10:09

[Comment From James Duke MasonJames Duke Mason: ]  hopefully he'll still be able to pass the marriage bill in time though. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:09 James Duke Mason

10:10

Andy Towle:  Bangor Daily News on Question 1 - 22% reporting No 56659 50.62% Yes 55267 49.38% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:10 Andy Towle

10:10

Corey Johnson:  New York Times - N.Y. District 23 Candidate Party Votes Pct. Bill Owens Dem. 15,724 51.5% Doug Hoffman Con. 13,195 43.2 Dede Scozzafava Rep. 1,627 5.3 Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:10 Corey Johnson

10:10

Corey Johnson:  Owens is ahead by 8 points. Pretty surprising. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:10 Corey Johnson

10:11

Andy Towle:  Houston mayor race - Houston Mayor In: 39% Annise Parker 29.8% Gene Locke 25.9% Peter Brown 23.8% Roy Morales 18.6% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:11 Andy Towle

10:11

Corey Johnson:  Congratulations to the residents of Chapel Hill, NC -- they just elected an openly gay mayor. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:11 Corey Johnson

10:12

Andy Towle:  Charles Pugh will be the first openly gay member of the Detroit City Council: Victory Fund candidate Charles Pugh has won his race and will become the first openly gay member of the Detroit City Council. But the political newcomer could also become the city council president if he continues to hold on to the top spot among 18 candidates vying for 9 at-large city council seats. Pugh, a former radio and TV personality well-known to Detroiters, gained national media attention when he quit his media jobs and threw his hat in the ring for a spot on the council. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:12 Andy Towle

10:13

Signorile:  NBC calls NJ for Christie. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:13 Signorile

10:15

Corey Johnson:  U.S. House - District 23 - Special General 139 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 23% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 17,555 51% Hoffman, Doug Con 15,137 44% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 1,831 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:15 Corey Johnson

10:16

[Comment From Joe M (innerJoeJoe)Joe M (innerJoeJoe): ]  Who is surprised that Corzine lost? (directed towards Andy, Corey, David M, M. Signorile) Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:16 Joe M (innerJoeJoe)

10:16

Andy Towle:  Lesbian wins seat on Akron City Council: "Victory-backed candidate Sandra Kurt will become the first openly LGBT member of the Akron, Ohio City Council after beating back last-minute anti-gay attacks to win her election tonight. Kurt, a longtime Democratic activist, was a first-time candidate." Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:16 Andy Towle

10:16

Corey Johnson:  I'm not surprised -- Corzine has been polling badly for over a year now. He was incredibly unpopular. I was hoping he'd pull out of the race and allow another Democrat to run that could win. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:16 Corey Johnson

10:17

[Comment From Erik BottcherErik Bottcher: ]  Christine Quinn declared winner; City Council District 3 Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:17 Erik Bottcher

10:17

[Comment From BobBob: ]  I thought Dede withdrew. Is she still on the ballot? Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:17 Bob

10:17

Corey Johnson:  Yes -- she was still on the ballot. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:17 Corey Johnson

10:17

[Comment From Scott McCoyScott McCoy: ]  That doesn't seem to bode well for gay marriage in NJ Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:17 Scott McCoy

10:17

Corey Johnson:  Is this the Scott McCoy who is the openly gay State Senator from Utah? If so -- welcome and thanks for all that you do. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:17 Corey Johnson

10:18

Andy Towle:  I'm not surprised about Corzine - he gained late in the campaign. Still shocked about Brokeback Mountain though. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:18 Andy Towle

10:18

[Comment From PjPj: ]  NJ result is about taxes, period. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:18 Pj

10:19

[Comment From David John FleckDavid John Fleck: ]  Incredible coverage Corey and Andy. And you have David and Michelangelo on board. Doesn't get better than that. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:19 David John Fleck

10:19

[Comment From Scott McCoyScott McCoy: ]  Yep that's me. By the way, we have an openly gay man Stan Penfold (ED of the Utah AIDS Foundation) running for city council here in SLC. I'll keep you posted on how he is doing. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:19 Scott McCoy

10:20

Andy Towle:  NYT on Maine Question 1: 24% reporting Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages? Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Answer Party Votes Pct. No — 63,033 50.2% Yes — 62,450 49.8 Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:20 Andy Towle

10:20

Corey Johnson:  Hey Scott -- great -- thanks a lot and keep up the great work out in Utah. We're happy to have you here tonight. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:20 Corey Johnson

10:20

[Comment From Grant BielyGrant Biely: ]  NBC pulled back. NYC Mayor too close to call! (http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1109/NBC_reverses_Bloomberg_call.html) Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:20 Grant Biely

10:20

Andy Towle:  Brokeback was a joke, folks ;-) Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:20 Andy Towle

10:20

[Comment From Scott McCoyScott McCoy: ]  Glad you guys are blogging all the results. Love the one stop shopping for political junkies. LOL Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:20 Scott McCoy

10:21

[Comment From Sam Borelli in WeHoSam Borelli in WeHo: ]  Brokeback, that's a good one, Andy! I can't tear away from your coverage, thanks to you and Corey. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:21 Sam Borelli in WeHo

10:21

Andy Towle:  NYT race tightening on Question 1 in Maine EVEN Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages? Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Answer Party Votes Pct. No — 67,404 50.0% Yes — 67,325 50.0 Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:21 Andy Towle

10:21

Andy Towle:  No — 67,404 50.0% Yes — 67,325 50.0 Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:21 Andy Towle

10:22

Andy Towle:  Sorry - that's 50-50 in MAine now Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:22 Andy Towle

10:22

Corey Johnson:  U.S. House - District 23 - Special General 189 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 31% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 23,455 51% Hoffman, Doug Con 20,116 44% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 2,294 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:22 Corey Johnson

10:22

Andy Towle:  Bangor Daily News on Question 1 - just flipped against us Yes 74802 50.51% No 73292 49.49% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:22 Andy Towle

10:23

[Comment From David MixnerDavid Mixner: ]  "new york times" has gone from declaring Bloomberg winner to calling him 'projected winner'....hmmm. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:23 David Mixner

10:23

Andy Towle:  28% reporting in Maine Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:23 Andy Towle

10:23

Corey Johnson:  CNN calls Governorship for Christie in NJ. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:23 Corey Johnson

10:23

[Comment From David MixnerDavid Mixner: ]  Absentee Ballot are going to decide Maine it appears...could be a long week and some court challenges Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:23 David Mixner

10:24

[Comment From Andrew SperosAndrew Speros: ]  Mary Norwood is flirting with 50%, but is currently at 47% A runoff is likely V.S. her and Reed Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:24 Andrew Speros

10:25

[Comment From David MixnerDavid Mixner: ]  With 72% of the vote in, Bloomberg is up by two and starting to pull a little more ahead Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:25 David Mixner

10:25

Signorile:  Bloomberg is the shocker of the evening so far. Bloomberg got too confident and cocky. Even if he wins, it's quite a slam. He was was ahead in polls. When you look at the map on NY Times page you also see how racially divided this city still is in terms who they voted for. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:25 Signorile

10:25

Andy Towle:  NYT is reporting that with 28% of precincts reporting, the vote has flipped on us in Maine: Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages? Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Answer Party Votes Pct. Yes — 74,546 50.5% No — 73,163 49.5 Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:25 Andy Towle

10:27

[Comment From JonCJonC: ]  Bangor Daily News is still showing about 15,000 votes left to be counted in Portland and 21,000 in Bangor Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:27 JonC

10:27

Corey Johnson:  That's good news for us. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:27 Corey Johnson

10:27

[Comment From PaulPaul: ]  Kalamazoo Gazette just officially called it. Ordinance passes! Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:27 Paul

10:27

[Comment From David MixnerDavid Mixner: ]  76% reported in NYC and now Bloomberg has a 3% lead..seems to be pulling safely ahead but stunningly narrow margin. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:27 David Mixner

10:28

Corey Johnson:  205 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 34% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 24,782 51% Hoffman, Doug Con 21,404 44% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 2,443 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:28 Corey Johnson

10:29

Signorile:  Much more narrow for Bloomberg than anyone thought. Says a lot about the polling, and the undecideds. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:29 Signorile

10:30

[Comment From Mike H.Mike H.: ]  Medical Marijuana is winning 61.76% to 38.24% in Maine - surprising the vote is so close on Gay Marriage Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:30 Mike H.

10:30

Corey Johnson:  Jesse Connolly will be on Keith Olbermann's show in just a few minutes -- tune in. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:30 Corey Johnson

10:30

David Mixner:  we are 50%/ 50% in Maine...can you imagine what would have happened if Obama went all out for us in this strong Obama state? Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:30 David Mixner

10:31

Andy Towle:  Maine appears to be flipping back and forth very tight - 31% reporting Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages? Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Answer Party Votes Pct. No — 85,537 50.1% Yes — 85,210 49.9 Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:31 Andy Towle

10:31

Corey Johnson:  U.S. House - District 23 - Special General 238 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 39% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 27,972 50% Hoffman, Doug Con 25,422 45% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 2,877 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:31 Corey Johnson

10:32

[Comment From DanielCDavisDanielCDavis: ]  @David Mixner I know! I'm so disappointed that he was completely silent. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:32 DanielCDavis

10:32

[Comment From Curtis AtkissonCurtis Atkisson: ]  To David Mixner: Your comment about how we must respond if we lose Maine was very good (but I hope we don't need to do that). Thank you for leading. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:32 Curtis Atkisson

10:32

David Mixner:  My guess looking at the districts reporting, bloomberg will win by 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:32 David Mixner

10:34

If you had to have dinner with one of these people, who would it be? Sean Hannity  ( 7% ) Glenn Beck  ( 11% ) Rush Limbaugh  ( 7% ) Sarah Palin  ( 45% ) Michael Steele  ( 16% ) Carrie Prejean  ( 15% ) Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:34

10:35

[Comment From TannerTanner: ]  Unofficial Results sorted by race for 2009 November Election contested races updated at 10:21 PM on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. 172 of 605 (28 %) of precincts have been reported. Election information provided by the Bangor Daily News. STATEWIDE RESULTS On this page: REFERENDUM/BOND ISSUES [top] REJECT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE LAW Yes 74802 50.51% No 73292 49.49% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:35 Tanner

10:35

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]  I wish Obama would've helped in Maine, but let's not forget the silence from Log Cabin favorites Sens Collins and Snowe. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:35 John

10:35

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  Nate Silver is saying: Not sure it looks too good for gay marriage in Maine. Cumberland County, the most liberal in the state, is way overrepresented so far. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:35 Matt

10:36

[Comment From Robert RheaRobert Rhea: ]  U*ncle Tom, I mean Barney Frank didnt help either Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:36 Robert Rhea

10:36

David Mixner:  WMTW in Maine has us seperated by only 15 votes! Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:36 David Mixner

10:36

[Comment From DougDoug: ]  Openly gay candidate Terry Kuseske is among the leaders for a city on Kalamazoo City Council Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:36 Doug

10:37

Corey Johnson:  U.S. House - District 23 - Special General 286 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 47% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 35,653 49% Hoffman, Doug Con 33,032 45% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 3,982 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:37 Corey Johnson

10:37

Corey Johnson:  Results for Washington state will start coming in at 11 PM. We'll be here to cover it. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:37 Corey Johnson

10:37

[Comment From UpYoursPVIUpYoursPVI: ]  David Gergen on CNN surprised there's been nothing done on DADT, gay community came out big for Obama and has been very patient, that patience is running out. AGREE. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:37 UpYoursPVI

10:40

[Comment From TannerTanner: ]  I'm praying that Corizine will get gay marriage through in NJ in a lame duck session. What are the chance for NY on the 10th, Corey? Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:40 Tanner

10:40

Andy Towle:  Washington state polls close in 20 minutes Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:40 Andy Towle

10:40

Corey Johnson:  It's still unknown for New York -- the votes are being rounded up in the State Senate. It's going to need bipartisan support to pass. People are saying that this may happen next week but we don't know yet. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:40 Corey Johnson

10:41

David Mixner:  Christie has promised if marriage is passed in lame duck legislature he will put on the ballot a constitutional admendment Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:41 David Mixner

10:43

Corey Johnson:  The legislature in NJ would have to approve the amendment being put on the ballot if Christie initiated the process. It's unlikely that they would do that. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:43 Corey Johnson

10:43

Signorile:  Apparently Portland absentee ballots not in, and we have them overwelmingly. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:43 Signorile

10:43

Andy Towle:  Annise Parker holding lead in Houston mayoral race - Houston Chronicle - with 58% reporting: Houston Mayor In: 58% Annise Parker 29.9% Gene Locke 24.6% Peter Brown 22.9% Roy Morales 19.3% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:43 Andy Towle

10:44

[Comment From Christopher HarrisChristopher Harris: ]  Ari Fleisher just had the gall to say on CNN that abortion rights and gay rights are not a disqualifying in the "big tent" GOP. What planet is he living on? Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:44 Christopher Harris

10:44

[Comment From Ryan DRyan D: ]  Well it's official, Charles Pugh is Detroit's new city council president. He was the #1 vote getter! Any thoughts on this historic victory in Detroit Corey? Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:44 Ryan D

10:45

[Comment From Erik BottcherErik Bottcher: ]  NY1 declares Bloomberg winner Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:45 Erik Bottcher

10:45

David Mixner:  Well gang, Big Daddy here needs his rest....LOL...have to leave the fate of the world in your all capable hands....please have it fixed before I wake tomorrow....there is no way we can all thank you enough andy and corey Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:45 David Mixner

10:45

Corey Johnson:  This is very big news in Detroit for the LGBT community. Now we'll have the President of the Council in Detroit and the Speaker of the Council in New York City. The Victory Fund has done a great job at training candidates and working with them. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:45 Corey Johnson

10:45

Andy Towle:  Thanks for joining us David - and thanks for your hard work and advocacy!!!! Hopefully when you wake up we'll have marriage equality in Maine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:45 Andy Towle

10:45

michael goff:  For those just joining, we're interspersing tweets and comments from elsewhere when interesting, trying not to randomize too much. Night David. Thanks so much for being here...as you always are for us Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:45 michael goff

10:46

Signorile:  Votes still oustanding in NY-23 are in Clinton County, most democratic in the regiion. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:46 Signorile

10:46

Corey Johnson:  Thanks David -- we don't want you to leave! You're the best. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:46 Corey Johnson

10:46

[Comment From Tanner EfingerTanner Efinger: ]  Bless David Mixner's heart. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:46 Tanner Efinger

10:46

Signorile:  Goodnight David. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:46 Signorile

10:46

[Comment From DougDoug: ]  openly gay candidate Terry L. Kuseske has won a seat on the Kalamazoo, MI city council Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:46 Doug

10:46

Andy Towle:  MAine is back to 50-50 - even, according to NYT, with 37% reporting. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:46 Andy Towle

10:47

[Comment From Robert RheaRobert Rhea: ]  Good Night David, and Thank YOU Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:47 Robert Rhea

10:47

[Comment From Christopher ConstantChristopher Constant: ]  Signorile, many Portland precints are still to report. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:47 Christopher Constant

10:47

[Comment From Curtis AtkissonCurtis Atkisson: ]  The Portland absentee numbers are 6,291 No to 1,762 Yes Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:47 Curtis Atkisson

10:47

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Annise Parker currently leads all opponents in her race to become the next mayor of Houston. With 39% of precincts reporting, Parker has 29.8% of the vote. Gene Locke and Peter Brown trail with 25.8% and 23.8% respectively. The top two finishers will go to a runoff election in mid-December. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:47 Guest

10:47

[Comment From Ben from ChicagoBen from Chicago: ]  Yes on 1 just passed No on 1 by 30 votes on the NYT website. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:47 Ben from Chicago

10:48

[Comment From Sargon BighornSargon Bighorn: ]  Maine is like a horse race, neck and neck. Washington will be the same. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:48 Sargon Bighorn

10:48

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  The democratic legislature might do it to spite Christie now and be moved to be faster about it now that Corizine is on his way out.. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:48 Matt

10:48

[Comment From Frank - WIFrank - WI: ]  Corey and Andy, you guys are awesome. Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication. I love the site. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:48 Frank - WI

10:49

[Comment From Kurt DaviesKurt Davies: ]  The Daily Tar Heel calls Chapel Hill, NC, mayoral race for openly gay candidate, Mark Kleinschmidt. http://www.dailytarheel.com/content/kleinschmidt-wins-chapel-hill-mayor Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:49 Kurt Davies

10:49

Corey Johnson:  383 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 63% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 46,646 49% Hoffman, Doug Con 42,958 45% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 4,989 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:49 Corey Johnson

10:50

Corey Johnson:  Congratulations to Mark Kleinschmidt in Chapel Hill, NC who will be one of the few openly gay officials in the state. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:50 Corey Johnson

10:50

michael goff:  10 minutes to close in Washington Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:50 michael goff

10:50

[Comment From Larry SullivanLarry Sullivan: ]  Andy and Corey, Your coverage is so great. Hi to David and Richard. Love and miss you guys! Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:50 Larry Sullivan

10:50

[Comment From Erik BottcherErik Bottcher: ]  Openly gay New York City Council candidates Danny Dromm and Jimmy Van Bramer win election - that makes 4 openly LGBT NYC Councilmembers Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:50 Erik Bottcher

10:51

[Comment From TannerTanner: ]  Here, if you feel like being irritated: http://twitter.com/nomtweets Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:51 Tanner

10:52

Andy Towle:  Maine is a nailbiter - it keeps switching back and forth - still at 50-50 with 38% reporting. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:52 Andy Towle

10:52

Biskwik:  RT @ApproveRef71: #aprrove71 party fills in Seattle Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:52 Biskwik

10:52

[Comment From Alex RivlinAlex Rivlin: ]  How many NYC Council positions are there in all? Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:52 Alex Rivlin

10:53

Andy Towle:  51 members on the NYC city council. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:53 Andy Towle

10:53

[Comment From ChrisMonsosChrisMonsos: ]  Approve Ref 71 Party will feature live video stream tonight. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/election-night-with-approve-71 Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:53 ChrisMonsos

10:53

Signorile:  Machine problems in St. Louis County, NY -- NY23 could be an all-nighter too. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:53 Signorile

10:54

Andy Towle:  Question 1 in Maine is currently separated by less than 200 votes with 38% reporting, according to the NYT. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:54 Andy Towle

10:55

[Comment From AndrewAndrew: ]  Local poll in Portland, Oregon on the news tonight shows 53% want our same-sex marriage ban to stay in effect in 2012. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:55 Andrew

10:56

Andy Towle:  Races around the country http://elections.nytimes.com/2009/results/other.html Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:56 Andy Towle

10:56

Andy Towle:  With 67% reporting in NY-23 N.Y. District 23 N.Y. District 23 Candidate Party Votes Pct. Bill Owens Dem. 47,826 49.1% Doug Hoffman Con. 44,349 45.5 Dede Scozzafava Rep. 5,294 5.4 Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:56 Andy Towle

10:57

Andy Towle:  Corey is on the radio with Derek and Romaine on Sirius right now. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:57 Andy Towle

10:58

Signorile:  NBC's Chuck Todd: Imagine if Obama had cut an ad for Bill Thompson? Same issue as Maine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:58 Signorile

10:59

Andy Towle:  We just made a small jump in Maine in our favor according to the NYT with 41% reporting: Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages? Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Answer Party Votes Pct. No — 123,756 50.6% Yes — 120,916 49.4 Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:59 Andy Towle

10:59

Andy Towle:  Washington polls will be closing momentarily.... Referendum 71 numbers should start coming in soon. Tuesday November 3, 2009 10:59 Andy Towle

11:00

Andy Towle:  Annise Parker is pulling ahead in Houston's mayoral race: Houston Mayor In: 75% Annise Parker 30.3% Gene Locke 24.5% Peter Brown 22.6% Roy Morales 19.7% Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:00 Andy Towle

11:00

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]  According to the Seattle Times, turnout in King County (Seattle) is below the 56% projected. That can't be good news. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:00 John

11:00

AndersonCooper:  Tonight on AC360 -- The races that matter and why, Maine’s same-sex marriage issue and – one year later – has Obama kept his promises?10pET Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:00 AndersonCooper

11:01

[Comment From Robert RheaRobert Rhea: ]  Anderson: NO Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:01 Robert Rhea

11:01

michael goff:  that was viatwitter Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:01 michael goff

11:02

[Comment From jim morrisseyjim morrissey: ]  michaelangelo - do you think we will win maine? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:02 jim morrissey

11:05

Corey Johnson:  John King is at the CNN wall talking about Maine right now. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:05 Corey Johnson

11:05

Signorile:  I have been saying for days now Maine will be a nail-biter and it is. They have done a great job getting people out to vote and we have the best shot here that we have ever had. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:05 Signorile

11:05

Andy Towle:  Maine has flipped again, not in our favor with 46% reporting Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages? Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Answer Party Votes Pct. Yes — 134,757 50.2% No — 133,481 49.8 Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:05 Andy Towle

11:05

[Comment From Scott McCoyScott McCoy: ]  I think David Mixner was right. Maine may come down to the absentees and a lot of litigation ala MN Senate race Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:05 Scott McCoy

11:05

[Comment From Hugh EastwoodHugh Eastwood: ]  Hey Andy and Corey - amazing job. If we win in Maine and Washington, how much does that set back NOM and opponents of marriage equality? I notice that marriage equality wasn't an issue in either VA or NJ governor races, which Republicans won tonight. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:05 Hugh Eastwood

11:06

[Comment From Bill McDermottBill McDermott: ]  MSNBC calls Bloomberg winner Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:06 Bill McDermott

11:06

[Comment From Derek HartleyDerek Hartley: ]  Thanks Corey! You did great Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:06 Derek Hartley

11:06

Corey Johnson:  It really, really sets them back big time. We'd be defeating them for the first time (besides 2006 in Arizona). It would great huge momentum for our side. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:06 Corey Johnson

11:06

Corey Johnson:  Thanks Derek. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:06 Corey Johnson

11:06

[Comment From Joe M (innerJoeJoe)Joe M (innerJoeJoe): ]  CNN has said that in Portland they had to print out additional ballots due to high turnout. Has anyone else heard that as well? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:06 Joe M (innerJoeJoe)

11:06

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  this from Nate Silver via twitter a glimmer of hope: Still think the outstanding vote in Maine looks a little reddish, but it's hard to say without looking at city-level data. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:06 Matt

11:07

[Comment From SchauerSchauer: ]  Kornell becomes first openly gay official in St. Petersburg.http://blogs.tampabay.com/baybuzz/2009/11/kornell-becomes-first-openly-gay-official-in-st-petersburg-incumbents-sweep.html Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:07 Schauer

11:07

[Comment From David DraneDavid Drane: ]  Just checked Bangor Daily News' breakdown by county. Cumberland Co., so far, is the only county (Maine has 16) where No is leading. Two mitigating factors: Cumberland (I think) is the most populous county (Portland's there) and the No vote is overwhelming. Still, statewide, the handwriting on the wall is a bit scary for this ex-pat Mainer. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:07 David Drane

11:09

Corey Johnson:  From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer - Campaign manager: 'Unlikely' R-71 will be called tonight It's a party, but there may not be anything to celebrate. Josh Friedes, manager of the campaign to approve Referendum 71, said at the group's Capitol Hill election night party that it is "unlikely" a vote on the domestic partner law would be called tonight. "We've tried to prepare voters for the very real possibility that it will be days before we know the election's outcome," Friedes said as supporters began to arrive to the event at Pravda Studios on 10th Street. "I think we will feel good today if we are leading, or losing by a small margin with a surge still to come in from King County." Only 23.4 percent of the 376,949 ballots King County mailed to Seattle voters had been returned Monday night, meaning many Seattle voters waited until the last minute to vote -- if they voted at all. "If turnout is low for this particular initiative, I think that would be troubling," said Alison Peters, who did focus group testing for the campaign. Seattle's strong progressive streak and large gay and lesbian community make it a certain stronghold for the campaign to approve R-71, which would put into effect a law signed by Gov. Chris Gregoire to give same-sex couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, without calling their partnership a "marriage." Late King County votes could delay the result. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:09 Corey Johnson

11:10

[Comment From rubyruby: ]  Looking forward to the Gov of Maine on Maddow tonight. He was on NPR earlier today. Lots of comments from him then about "money from outside the state". I really hope in the wake of this election, there is some transparency and reporting on NOM, Catholics and other "outside" influences. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:10 ruby

11:11

Corey Johnson:  Washington numbers are starting to trickle in. We'll be on top of it. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:11 Corey Johnson

11:11

Andy Towle:  Referendum 71 in Washington 1% reporting - means not a lot, really Washington: Domestic Partnerships Approve or reject a bill that expands “the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage.” Washington: Domestic Partnerships Answer Party Votes Pct. Reject — 13,134 53.0% Approve — 11,651 47.0 Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:11 Andy Towle

11:12

Corey Johnson:  U.S. House - District 23 - Special General 431 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 71% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 50,712 49% Hoffman, Doug Con 46,746 45% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 5,898 6% Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:12 Corey Johnson

11:12

[Comment From Christopher ConstantChristopher Constant: ]  Obama and the Attorney General weighed in on Medical Marijuana in a big way this election cycle. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:12 Christopher Constant

11:12

Andy Towle:  84% reporting in Houston mayor race Houston Mayor In: 84% Annise Parker 30.5% Gene Locke 25.9% Peter Brown 22.9% Roy Morales 19.8% Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:12 Andy Towle

11:13

Corey Johnson:  From the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund - Anonymous fliers critical of James Llanas’ sexual orientation and ethnicity weren’t enough to keep him from becoming the first openly gay member of the Maplewood, Minn., City Council. Llanas and the first-place finisher both advanced out of a field of four candidates. Maplewood is an exurb of Minneapolis. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:13 Corey Johnson

11:13

Corey Johnson:  Good news out of Minnesota. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:13 Corey Johnson

11:13

[Comment From PaulPaul: ]  Simone Bell, openly gay activist running for Georgia House District 58, is behind by only 6 votes with 80% of precincts reporting. It appears to be headed for a run-off. If elected, Bell would be the first openly gay African-American and only the second openly gay person to serve in the Georgia state legislature. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:13 Paul

11:14

[Comment From Nish MaNish Ma: ]  Maine governor on Rachel Maddow in couple of mins Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:14 Nish Ma

11:15

[Comment From Aktiv8Aktiv8: ]  Media quarantine at Reject Ref. 71 party Posted by Jonathan Martin From Times reporter Janet Tu: It’s a little lonely in the media room at the Holiday Inn in Everett, where the Reject Referendum 71 campaign is holding its election night party. That’s because it’s down a long corridor from where the party is actually being held. The party is by invitation only “because of ongoing harassment and intimidation efforts directed toward Reject R-71 supporters,” campaign manager Larry Stickney said in a news release. Media are being placed in a separate room down the hall. The "media room." Stickney — wearing a suit and a red-white-and-blue tie — again emphasized his concern with harassment as he spoke to three private security guards at the door to the party tonight. The guards were checking that all who entered were wearing name tags. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:15 Aktiv8

11:15

[Comment From JoshJosh: ]  Maplewood is not an exurb of Minneapolis. It is an inner suburb of St. Paul. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:15 Josh

11:15

tackyspoons:  The @approveref71 party is at Pravda. The Reject #ref71 party is at a Holiday Inn in Everett and media is not allowed in the room. Discuss. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:15 tackyspoons

11:15

[Comment From Rod SRod S: ]  The Ref 71 totals do not include King Co. (Seattle) those numbers should drop at 8:15 Pacific time Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:15 Rod S

11:16

Andy Towle:  Christie is speaking on MSNBC now. Gross. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:16 Andy Towle

11:16

Corey Johnson:  I find it hard to watch these right-wingers declaring victory at a podium. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:16 Corey Johnson

11:17

Andy Towle:  56% reporting in Maine on Question 1: Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages? Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Answer Party Votes Pct. Yes — 169,835 51.0% No — 163,433 49.0 Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:17 Andy Towle

11:17

[Comment From Paul FerrettiPaul Ferretti: ]  Gross is right, he could barely fit in the voting booth. He almost took the whole thing down. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:17 Paul Ferretti

11:18

[Comment From Blake WilcoxBlake Wilcox: ]  Christie looks like a young limbaugh Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:18 Blake Wilcox

11:18

[Comment From ChrisMonsosChrisMonsos: ]  Official WA results map for REF 71. Seattle is located in KING county. http://preview.tinyurl.com/ref71-map Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:18 ChrisMonsos

11:18

[Comment From Todd AndersonTodd Anderson: ]  Does anyone have a sense of which Maine precincts are still out? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:18 Todd Anderson

11:18

[Comment From BenBen: ]  According to Bangor Daily News site, precincts not reporting include a big Bangor precinct (21,000 voters) and 82,000 in Cumberland County (Porland)... so there's hope yet. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:18 Ben

11:18

Andy Towle:  I was wondering that too Todd Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:18 Andy Towle

11:18

[Comment From Ralph4159Ralph4159: ]  So true Corey. I would love to hear Christie try to explain why he considers Mary Cheney a predatory lesbian who would damage military unit cohesion. All the GOP swine can never defend their anti-gay garbage when you use Mary Cheney as the example. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:18 Ralph4159

11:18

[Comment From Nathan ManskeNathan Manske: ]  Making fun of him because his weight? real classy.... Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:18 Nathan Manske

11:18

[Comment From joejoe: ]  Stop with the fat bashing. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:18 joe

11:19

[Comment From David DraneDavid Drane: ]  County update: in addition to Cumberland, small Knox Co. has a slight lead for the No column. Otherwise, no change. Most surprising to me is York County, home to Ogunquit. Still a slight lead there for Yes. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:19 David Drane

11:19

[Comment From Eric_PayneEric_Payne: ]  Have the polls closed in WA yet? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:19 Eric_Payne

11:19

Corey Johnson:  Yes -- they just closed 15 minutes ago. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:19 Corey Johnson

11:19

Signorile:  The last reporter i saw had the Portland absentees not included but apparently 73% of them were no votes. That would make a big differenece. But so many sites are crashing it's hard to get info. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:19 Signorile

11:20

Corey Johnson:  451 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 74% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 53,562 49% Hoffman, Doug Con 49,661 45% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 5,949 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:20 Corey Johnson

11:21

Corey Johnson:  Maine Governor Balducci is on MSNBC discussing Question 1. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:21 Corey Johnson

11:22

[Comment From MarkMark: ]  It is so unforgivable that President Obama did not speak out forcefully on our behalf in Maine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:22 Mark

11:22

[Comment From TannerTanner: ]  NYT has Yes in Maine up by 10,000 votes. Ugh Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:22 Tanner

11:23

Signorile:  Reports of a very good chance of a recount in Maine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:23 Signorile

11:24

Corey Johnson:  We are ahead 52 to 48 in Washington State -- numbers are coming in quickly. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:24 Corey Johnson

11:25

[Comment From Cyd ZeiglerCyd Zeigler: ]  I'd be curious to hear if anyone has insight into how we could have a shot in Maine. The numbers are now so discouraging. Is it over? Any insight? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:25 Cyd Zeigler

11:25

[Comment From David DraneDavid Drane: ]  Don't look to Bangor to help. It's in Penobscot Co. an inland county, and that doesn't augur well. (Think: liberals on the coast and in the mountains.) For better or for worse, Portland has the heavy lifting in this race. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:25 David Drane

11:26

[Comment From ErikErik: ]  Maine voters approve medical marijuana and reject reduction in motor vehicle excise tax... wouldn't that bode well for us? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:26 Erik

11:26

[Comment From MarkMark: ]  Do you think President Obama will host another cocktail party to console our community for stabbing us in the back...again. No more money for the DNC. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:26 Mark

11:27

[Comment From Scott McCoyScott McCoy: ]  SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 Total Number of Precincts 29 Precincts Reporting 12 41.4 % Times Counted 2707/16847 16.1 % Total Votes 2651 STAN PENFOLD 1439 54.28% PHIL CARROLL 1202 45.34% Write-in Votes 10 0.38% Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:27 Scott McCoy

11:27

Andy Towle:  Via The Victory Fund: Gay candidate in Minnesota wins despite attacks Anonymous fliers critical of James Llanas’ sexual orientation and ethnicity weren’t enough to keep him from becoming the first openly gay member of the Maplewood, Minn., City Council. Llanas and the first-place finisher both advanced out of a field of four candidates. Maplewood is an exurb of Minneapolis. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:27 Andy Towle

11:27

Corey Johnson:  Let's not get too depressed yet with Maine. There are still votes out there. It's looking promising in Washington State. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:27 Corey Johnson

11:28

Signorile:  The numbers we're seeing on sites re: Maine are behind what the campaign is seeing and reporting out to some. I've two reports : One that is seing 57% of vote in, and we're doing better than 50/50. another report of 60% of vote in with us at 51.% Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:28 Signorile

11:28

[Comment From Scott McCoyScott McCoy: ]  Stan Penfold is winning in SLC. If he prevails, he will be the first openly gay person on the SLC city council. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:28 Scott McCoy

11:28

Corey Johnson:  Fantastic news Scott -- thanks for the updates. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:28 Corey Johnson

11:28

[Comment From George BeschenGeorge Beschen: ]  "He really did nothing for it at all." -- Anderson Cooper of Obama on the Maine vote, on CNN. True dat! Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:28 George Beschen

11:29

[Comment From TannerTanner: ]  Corey, where are you getting your numbers? NYT has Washington rejecting DPs, but it's early. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:29 Tanner

11:29

Corey Johnson:  I will post momentarily Tanner. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:29 Corey Johnson

11:29

Corey Johnson:  Here's the link - http://vote.wa.gov/Elections/WEI/ResultsByCounty.aspx?ElectionID=32&RaceID=102369&CountyCode=%20&JurisdictionTypeID=-2&RaceTypeCode=M&ViewMode=Results Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:29 Corey Johnson

11:30

Corey Johnson:  Mike -- thanks for that update -- that consoles us temporarily! Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:30 Corey Johnson

11:31

Corey Johnson:  Good numbers in Washington State -- http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/home/index.html Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:31 Corey Johnson

11:31

[Comment From Ralph4159Ralph4159: ]  Is Dan Savage on here? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:31 Ralph4159

11:31

Signorile:  There are however rural counties in Maine still yet to come in, so it's a nail-biter. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:31 Signorile

11:32

Corey Johnson:  Dan -- are you here?! Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:32 Corey Johnson

11:32

[Comment From SamSam: ]  NYT has 64% of the vote in and we're losing in Maine. Not sure who to believe. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:32 Sam

11:32

[Comment From TannerTanner: ]  Mike, I like your numbers because the numbers at NYT are depressing the shit out of me. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:32 Tanner

11:33

Have you had a flu shot? Yes  ( 36% ) No  ( 64% ) Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:33

11:33

Corey Johnson:  U.S. House - District 23 - Special General 469 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 77% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 54,415 49% Hoffman, Doug Con 50,704 46% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 6,051 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:33 Corey Johnson

11:33

[Comment From Scott McCoyScott McCoy: ]  According to the WA SoS webpage Ref 71 is 52.09 Approve and 47.91 Reject. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:33 Scott McCoy

11:33

Corey Johnson:  It's getting closer between Hoffman and Owens. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:33 Corey Johnson

11:33

[Comment From SamSam: ]  HRC spent $200K in Maine. Out of curiosity, how much did their fancy black tie dinner cost them? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:33 Sam

11:34

Andy Towle:  Via the Houston Chronicle: Houston Mayor In: 92% Annise Parker 30.5% Gene Locke 25.6% Peter Brown 22.6% Roy Morales 20.3% Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:34 Andy Towle

11:35

[Comment From craigchucraigchu: ]  Rachel Maddow noting that 11k absentee ballots in NY23 won't be counted tonight. It sounds like MSNBC won't call it. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:35 craigchu

11:35

[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  Washington site just crashed Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:35 Jim Gallagher

11:35

[Comment From MarkMark: ]  65% now in in Maine...down 13,000 Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:35 Mark

11:36

Andy Towle:  NYT on MAine Question 1 - 65% reporting: Depressing, to say the least Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages? Maine: Reject Gay Marriage Law Answer Party Votes Pct. Yes — 194,087 51.5% No — 183,011 48.5 Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:36 Andy Towle

11:37

Andy Towle:  Doesanyody know wht the outstanding precincts in Maine are? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:37 Andy Towle

11:37

Corey Johnson:  It's getting closer in Washington State -- but we're still up 52 to 48. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:37 Corey Johnson

11:37

[Comment From PeterPeter: ]  Has Portland come in yet? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:37 Peter

11:37

Corey Johnson:  Not entirely -- that's our big hope -- there's still six precincts in Portland that haven't reported yet. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:37 Corey Johnson

11:40

Signorile:  It's the rural counties coming in now in Maine -- but Corey may be right about Portland not yet in -- so it looks like there will definitely be a recount. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:40 Signorile

11:41

[Comment From BenBen: ]  Precincts not yet reported in Maine include: Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:41 Ben

11:41

[Comment From BenBen: ]  TOWN VOTERS Brunswick 14000 Portland 17000 Augusta 15000 Saco/Sanford 24000 Auburn 15000 Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:41 Ben

11:41

[Comment From Scott McCoyScott McCoy: ]  Stan Penfold up with over half the precincts reporting 55 to 44. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:41 Scott McCoy

11:41

[Comment From WayneWayne: ]  Andrew Sullivan says Bangor is among the areas not reporting. http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/11/watching-maine.html Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:41 Wayne

11:41

[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  WA County site back up. 4 counties left in WA Yakima, Pierce, Douglas & Whatcom 51.9 to 48.1 in favor of passage Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:41 Jim Gallagher

11:41

[Comment From NeilNeil: ]  Washington 51.90% approve to 48.10% reject Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:41 Neil

11:42

[Comment From Cyd ZeiglerCyd Zeigler: ]  Does anyone know of a map to see where the Maine votes are coming in from and how the precincts voted? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:42 Cyd Zeigler

11:42

Corey Johnson:  Cyd -- I don't believe one exists, which sucks. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:42 Corey Johnson

11:42

Corey Johnson:  U.S. House - District 23 - Special General 514 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 85% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 58,483 49% Hoffman, Doug Con 54,088 46% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 6,292 5% Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:42 Corey Johnson

11:43

Corey Johnson:  From Ben Smith at Politico - 'Over' in the North Country? Dave Weigel catches a key Hoffman supporter, who says it's "over" and the Democrat will represent that heavily Republican district. He cites the Scozzafava and local paper endorsements as key, and their theme was nothing more sweeping or national than locals against outsiders. Owens is up 4 percent with more than two-thirds of the votes in. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:43 Corey Johnson

11:43

Andy Towle:  Run-off in Houston mayoral race: "ith 92 percent of precincts reporting in Houston, the candidates remain in roughly the same positions. City Controller Annise Parker maintained 30.5 percent of the vote, followed by former City Attorney Gene Locke with 25.6 percent, City Councilman Peter Brown with 22.6 percent and Harris County Board of Education Trustee Roy Morales with 20.3 percent. As the candidate speeches are making clear, it looks to be Parker and Locke in the runoff." Via the Chronicle. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:43 Andy Towle

11:44

Signorile:  Local TV in maine is saying it's heading in the direction of Yes. I cannot confirm if Portland is still out, but it seems to be smaller towns are definitely still out. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:44 Signorile

11:45

Corey Johnson:  Not promising news Mike -- ugh. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:45 Corey Johnson

11:45

[Comment From Cyd ZeiglerCyd Zeigler: ]  That could be good news (fingers crossed0> Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:45 Cyd Zeigler

11:46

[Comment From Jeremy BraudJeremy Braud: ]  According to Bangor only 32% of Portland's precincts have reported. NO leads 20k to 7k. Could be our saving grace? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:46 Jeremy Braud

11:46

[Comment From SamSam: ]  A 13K deficit is not going to be made up with just Portland left. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:46 Sam

11:46

[Comment From Mark HerdegMark Herdeg: ]  http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/11/maine-looking-grimmer.html Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:46 Mark Herdeg

11:47

Andy Towle:  Portland has not reported, according to the Bangor Daily News. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:47 Andy Towle

11:48

[Comment From Joe M (innerJoeJoe)Joe M (innerJoeJoe): ]  via Seattle Times; "Early results statewide for Referendum 71 showed voters approving the measure, which would expand benefits to gay couples. Almost 52 percent voted to approve the referendum, and 48 percent voted to reject. The referendum was passing in King, Snohomish, San Juan, Kitsap, Jefferson, Island, Thurston and Clallam counties, and being rejected elsewhere. In King County, yes votes were running 66 percent." Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:48 Joe M (innerJoeJoe)

11:48

Corey Johnson:  It's looking good for us in Washington State -- numbers are holding up strong. Let's not give up hope yet for Maine. Stay strong folks! Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:48 Corey Johnson

11:50

[Comment From TannerTanner: ]  Corey, thanks for being a "fierce advocate" for positive thinking. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:50 Tanner

11:50

Cyd Zeigler:  The numbers in Maine offer hope. Though it's 69% of districts reporting, it's only 43% of voters. That means the big districts like Portland ARE still out there. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:50 Cyd Zeigler

11:50

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  the deficit is 5k not 13k Sam Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:50 Guest

11:51

[Comment From ChrisMonsosChrisMonsos: ]  King County (Seattle) is voting about 66% Yes on Ref 71. 235K ballots have been counted there, with another 115K estimated to be counted. The next figures for King County will be released tomorrow afternoon. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:51 ChrisMonsos

11:51

Andy Towle:  These are the stats for Portland - 32% of precincts have reported: REJECT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE LAW No 20085 73.50% Yes 7242 26.50% Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:51 Andy Towle

11:53

Andy Towle:  Here's the portland info http://208.112.8.222/election/2009/index.cfm?t=town_Portland Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:53 Andy Towle

11:53

[Comment From Cyd ZeiglerCyd Zeigler: ]  Andy, where are you getting that info? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:53 Cyd Zeigler

11:53

[Comment From JeffJeff: ]  Things are not looking good a the moment Andy; hold me? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:53 Jeff

11:53

[Comment From Chris FrenchChris French: ]  The No On 1 Campaign is now directing staff to call town clerks to get final numbers in and look at our expected numbers there versus what they're reporting. A lot of this leads up to a potential recount if the numbers are way off, but there are still a lot of numbers waiting to come in. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:53 Chris French

11:54

[Comment From Mark LawrenceMark Lawrence: ]  Annise Parker is leading the pack of 4 major candidates in Houston -- will be in runoff Dec 12. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:54 Mark Lawrence

11:54

Signorile:  Do we know the Portland numbers have NOT been added in to the total? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:54 Signorile

11:54

[Comment From Richard KaiserRichard Kaiser: ]  I think we can still pull it in Maine Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:54 Richard Kaiser

11:54

[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  Corey, Andy, Michelangelo, et al. I'm just seeing that it's almost midnight on the East Coast. Huge thanks from the West Coast where it's a little earlier. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:54 Jim Gallagher

11:54

[Comment From James MikulaJames Mikula: ]  Browsing the "precincts not reported" it appears there's only about 15,000 Portland votes left to report. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:54 James Mikula

11:54

[Comment From Chris FrenchChris French: ]  Nate Silver says "looking very tough for gay marriage in Maine. Maybe there are some absentees etc but I don't know that the math is there." Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:54 Chris French

11:56

Corey Johnson:  U.S. House - District 23 - Special General 522 of 606 Precincts Reporting - 86% Name Party Votes Vote % Owens, Bill Dem 59,388 49% Hoffman, Doug Con 55,002 45% Scozzafava, Dede GOP 6,683 6% Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:56 Corey Johnson

11:56

Andy Towle:  Have to say it's not looking good in Maine. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:56 Andy Towle

11:57

Corey Johnson:  Things are staying strong in Washington State -- it looks like we're in good shape there. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:57 Corey Johnson

11:57

[Comment From David DraneDavid Drane: ]  Hancock Co. also just went into the No column (Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor...think Roosevelts).... Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:57 David Drane

11:58

[Comment From Jon BJon B: ]  I'm here in Maine. I came up from New York to volunteer. These people worked their asses off. I really hope that somehow we can pull it off. It's not looking good though. Ugh... i just had to leave the No on 1 party because I was getting too nervous. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:58 Jon B

11:58

[Comment From David DraneDavid Drane: ]  Hancock at 70% is coming in at 53-46 No. Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:58 David Drane

11:58

[Comment From Mark HerdegMark Herdeg: ]  So maybe Maine will let us get 48% married? Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:58 Mark Herdeg

11:58

[Comment From Nish MaNish Ma: ]  cumberland, Hancock, York counties in Maine and absentee ballots can tilt in gay marriage favor... lets hope they keep going strong1 Tuesday November 3, 2009 11:58 Nish Ma

12:00

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]  I am here in California and this is torture. At least last year on Election Day we were never ahead. This has been a real roller-coaster. I'm still praying hard that ME will pull this one out! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:00 Brian

12:00

[Comment From Ben HeislerBen Heisler: ]  This is a greater criticism of our political system, but damn does anyone else think it should be more of a 2/3 vote to strip away civil rights? Loosing 52-48 is just so rough. NOT THAT I AM GIVING UP HOPE! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:00 Ben Heisler

12:00

Corey Johnson:  Owens is ahead of Hoffman. We're down in Maine. We're up in Washington. We lost Corzine. We lost in Virginia. A lot of gay and lesbian candidates moved forward tonight in their elections. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:00 Corey Johnson

12:01

[Comment From Peter BarrosPeter Barros: ]  Cumberland county includes Portland, and York includes Ogunquit, so there's still a sliver of hope in Maine Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:01 Peter Barros

12:01

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  technically, can't the legislature just pass a law allowing same-sex marriage next year in Maine? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:01 Guest

12:02

Corey Johnson:  The answer to that question is YES they can and the Governor could sign it again and then the right-wing could gather signatures and it could be put back on the ballot. This is what happened many times in Maine over the anti-discrimination law that included LGBT Mainers. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:02 Corey Johnson

12:02

[Comment From puckpuck: ]  Anyone know how the lesbian wannabe mayor in houston is doing Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:02 puck

12:02

[Comment From Nick RankinNick Rankin: ]  I'm here in Houston and I just want to thank you guys for your great work. I've been anxious all day and I'm still biting my nails. Coming from an extremely homophobic state I must live vicariously through other states. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:02 Nick Rankin

12:02

[Comment From Chris FrenchChris French: ]  @Corey / Andy, please continue to cast the 'big picture.' MANY good pieces of news to report tonight. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:02 Chris French

12:03

Corey Johnson:  Yeah Chris -- Annise Parker moves to a run-off in Houston. Openly gay candidate win the mayoralty in Chapel Hill, NC. Democrats win the mayoralty in Charlotte. Openly gay candidate becomes City Council President in Detroit. We're looking good in Washington State. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:03 Corey Johnson

12:04

[Comment From Jeremy BraudJeremy Braud: ]  Olson & Boies may be our best hope. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:04 Jeremy Braud

12:05

[Comment From Mike M.Mike M.: ]  In Atlanta City Council race Dristrict 6 Alex Wan, a gay Chinese candidate, had 33% of the votes (nearest competitor is at 23%) at 11:38 pm with 78% of votes counted Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:05 Mike M.

12:06

[Comment From Aktiv8Aktiv8: ]  Fox News Projects: Democrat Owens Wins Race for New York's 23rd Congressional District Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:06 Aktiv8

12:07

Corey Johnson:  Maggie Gallagher is probably dancing a jig right now -- UGH! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:07 Corey Johnson

12:07

[Comment From Ben HeislerBen Heisler: ]  An evil jig. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:07 Ben Heisler

12:08

[Comment From JonJon: ]  I was thinking about Mags, too, Corey. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:08 Jon

12:09

Corey Johnson:  I don't want to be negative but it's not looking good for us in Maine. Let's see what happens -- but we should take away some good wins tonight. This is very disappointing though. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:09 Corey Johnson

12:10

[Comment From Gregg KatzGregg Katz: ]  Here is how the recount procedure works: The campaign has to wait for certification from the Sec of State, which will happen after all absentee ballots come in. In Maine, there is a no-excuse absentee ballot law and she expects there to be a "significant" number of absentees. The certification takes a maximum of 20 days but is almost always done before then. The campaign has to pay a nominal fee (ranging from a few hundred bucks to $10K but more likely to be a few hundred) depending on how close the vote is. The recount is statewide, all or nothing. Not challenging individual precincts. Based on past experience, the recount will take at least a few weeks and likely longer than that. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:10 Gregg Katz

12:10

[Comment From JeffJeff: ]  ---- has resorted to red wine and early 90's annie lennox Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:10 Jeff

12:10

Andy Towle:  you mean "Why?" Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:10 Andy Towle

12:10

[Comment From Wade VeulemanWade Veuleman: ]  WA has all precincts reporting now, with us AHEAD Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:10 Wade Veuleman

12:10

Corey Johnson:  Good news from Washington State! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:10 Corey Johnson

12:12

[Comment From SchauerSchauer: ]  So how do the think HRC can spin this evening taking credit for Washington and avoiding blame in Maine? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:12 Schauer

12:12

[Comment From ChrisMonsosChrisMonsos: ]  I'm proud to be a Seattleite, and cautiously optimistic that our lead will only increase as the rest of the King County votes are counted. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:12 ChrisMonsos

12:13

Andy Towle:  Bangor Daily News 78% reporting REJECT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE LAW Yes 234709 52.34% No 213716 47.66% Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:13 Andy Towle

12:13

Andy Towle:  trending down Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:13 Andy Towle

12:14

[Comment From Kevin in KYKevin in KY: ]  Jeff - Love the early '90s Annie Lenox, although I'm drinking white tonight. The shame in Maine rests solely on the Obama plane. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:14 Kevin in KY

12:14

[Comment From CJWashBladeCJWashBlade: ]  lol at Chris Matthew badgering Ed Gillespe on MSNBC Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:14 CJWashBlade

12:14

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  nyt has just given the contest to the yes on 1 group Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:14 Matt

12:15

Andy Towle:  Marijuana won in Maine! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:15 Andy Towle

12:15

Signorile:  CNN calls it for Bill Owens in NY-23 Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:15 Signorile

12:16

michael goff:  like animal rights won out here in California as we lost 8 Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:16 michael goff

12:16

[Comment From briankbriank: ]  great, at least we can get high Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:16 briank

12:17

Corey Johnson:  Okay folks -- I am signing off now to head home and will resume here in 15 minutes -- Andy will sit tight until then. Thanks for everyone who's tuned in thus far. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:17 Corey Johnson

12:17

Andy Towle:  I'm still here! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:17 Andy Towle

12:17

michael goff:  Thanks to all for participating. We had more participants than even last year's election ... at this point 10,713 Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:17 michael goff

12:17

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  Jesse Ventura just summed it up on CNN.. religion is not separate from state in this country. these types of issues should never be put to a vote. slavery would be legal if you worded it correctly. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:17 Matt

12:18

Andy Towle:  The NYT has not called it yet Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:18 Andy Towle

12:18

[Comment From Kevin in KYKevin in KY: ]  I never thought I could agree with Jessie Ventura, but... Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:18 Kevin in KY

12:19

Signorile:  What a disaster for the NY-23 was for the Repub Party. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:19 Signorile

12:19

Andy Towle:  Washington Referendum 71 still ahead... Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:19 Andy Towle

12:20

[Comment From Joe M (innerJoeJoe)Joe M (innerJoeJoe): ]  Hoffman has conceded to Owens. Democratic pickup!! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:20 Joe M (innerJoeJoe)

12:20

[Comment From Marlon-NYMarlon-NY: ]  Been here all night reading all the updates. Many, MANY thanks to Andy, Corey, David, Michael (2x) etc for all everything! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:20 Marlon-NY

12:20

Signorile:  It's not a consolation, but they pushed out Scozzafava partly over marriage equality. They are slowly dying. It's just going to take time folks, and I know it hurts. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:20 Signorile

12:20

Andy Towle:  We'll still be here for a while. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:20 Andy Towle

12:21

Andy Towle:  It's really exhausting, but we're not going to give up. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:21 Andy Towle

12:21

Andy Towle:  Maggie Gallagher can dance as many jigs as she wants but I can outdance her. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:21 Andy Towle

12:22

Andy Towle:  Maine is 79% reporting now Answer Party Votes Pct. Yes — 240,647 52.4% No — 218,478 47.6 Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:22 Andy Towle

12:22

[Comment From Will WikleWill Wikle: ]  yes, Mary Murphy would NEVER put Maggie Gallagher on the Hot Tamale Train...at least we know that Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:22 Will Wikle

12:23

Andy Towle:  Hi Will! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:23 Andy Towle

12:23

[Comment From Cyd ZeiglerCyd Zeigler: ]  Maybe my optimism is foolish, but a vast majority of outstanding precincts in Maine are in York and Cumberland Counties. And they're larger precincts. There is hope! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:23 Cyd Zeigler

12:24

[Comment From Jason StullJason Stull: ]  I just don't get it. How could anyone vote to strip rights away from someone else and still consider themselves a decent American? It's just incomprehensible! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:24 Jason Stull

12:24

Signorile:  Andy, thinking of you dancing with Maggie gave me a laugh inbetween my eyes tearing up. Thank you! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:24 Signorile

12:24

Andy Towle:  Oh, I'm not dancing with her, I'm dancing against her. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:24 Andy Towle

12:24

[Comment From Will WikleWill Wikle: ]  Hey boo...thanks to you, Corey, and everyone else for keeping me updated...I can't even pay attention to the premiere of Tabatha's Salon Takeover I'm so upset about Maine Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:24 Will Wikle

12:25

[Comment From KK: ]  I don't know, Cyd. 4 points is a lot. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:25 K

12:25

michael goff:  i just said i was booking them both on sytycd Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:25 michael goff

12:25

[Comment From Aaron SpringsAaron Springs: ]  Dancing against her? Like in West Side story? Sharks dancing against the Jets? (What an image!) Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:25 Aaron Springs

12:25

Andy Towle:  you got it Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:25 Andy Towle

12:26

michael goff:  Just remember we are going to win. it is inevitable. Ask any of their kids. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:26 michael goff

12:26

Signorile:  Yeah, that's what I was thinking. It's still pretty funny. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:26 Signorile

12:26

[Comment From Everette WhiteEverette White: ]  don't know if my posts are actually getting through, but thanks, Andy for this. Best way to get election returns! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:26 Everette White

12:26

[Comment From Joe M (innerJoeJoe)Joe M (innerJoeJoe): ]  Earlier tonight Roland Martin on CNN called administratively stopping DADT "low hanging fruit" for the White House. Even MSNBC is Obama bashing tonight because they are being too nice and not being forceful enough. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:26 Joe M (innerJoeJoe)

12:27

[Comment From Aaron SpringsAaron Springs: ]  Yes, Michael, if we lose Maine tonight we will win it eventually. Time is on our side. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:27 Aaron Springs

12:27

[Comment From ZnSDZnSD: ]  I was thinking more along the lines of Top That! from Teen Witch. Thanks for the great coverage guys! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:27 ZnSD

12:28

[Comment From JeffJeff: ]  if only we could have a dance contest to win ballot initiatives, we'd clean up against the hardcore conservatives. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:28 Jeff

12:28

[Comment From Jon SternJon Stern: ]  WA is still at 51.13?% to approve 71! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:28 Jon Stern

12:28

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  i can't deal with people being such bigots Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:28 Guest

12:28

[Comment From David ADavid A: ]  theres more to it then just waiting for a new generation. I'm here in Maine and we canvassed all over New England University yesterday and there were A LOT of kids voting Yes Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:28 David A

12:29

[Comment From Mark HerdegMark Herdeg: ]  If you're frustrated with Obama, just think back to what it was like with Bush... Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:29 Mark Herdeg

12:29

Corey Johnson:  I'm back folks -- picked up a case of Diet Coke and ran home! Let's keep this party/get-together going. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:29 Corey Johnson

12:29

[Comment From Erik BotsfordErik Botsford: ]  curious as to if/how the comments are being moderated... is there a lag? do you just hate me? :) Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:29 Erik Botsford

12:29

Signorile:  The campaign in Maine is directing clerks to get final numbers in, and preparing for a recount, assuming the final numbers will be close. The recount is statewide, and will take weeks. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:29 Signorile

12:29

Corey Johnson:  They're being moderated. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:29 Corey Johnson

12:29

michael goff:  cherry zero. Not yet Erik. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:29 michael goff

12:29

Andy Towle:  no, don't hate you - just a ton of comments coming in - too many to publish all Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:29 Andy Towle

12:31

Andy Towle:  Corey, I had a dance-off with Maggie Gallagher while you were gone. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:31 Andy Towle

12:31

[Comment From EsurnirEsurnir: ]  @Signorile: By "the campaign" you mean the secretary of states or no one ? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:31 Esurnir

12:31

Corey Johnson:  There will be a run-off in the Atlanta mayoral race between Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed. No candidate received a majority of the vote. Norwood could become the first white candidate to win in over 30 years. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:31 Corey Johnson

12:31

Corey Johnson:  Brian Brown from NOM cruised me on the way home walking through Chelsea. He's all riled up. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:31 Corey Johnson

12:32

michael goff:  i just laughed aloud alone, Corey.Something i usually reserve for those lol catz photos. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:32 michael goff

12:32

Signorile:  Jesse Connelly of Protect Maine Equality: Every vote counts and we will not quit bc we have an army of supporters and amazing staff. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:32 Signorile

12:33

Andy Towle:  Alright folks - I am signing off - been up since 6 am this morning. Corey and Mike will be with you for a while. Thanks to everyone for participating! It was enjoyable spending the evening with you all. I will pray for a miracle in Maine. Tomorrow is another day! Thanks Michelangelo. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:33 Andy Towle

12:33

[Comment From Scott McCoyScott McCoy: ]  Stan Penfold won in SLC. Mormon Church now represented by first openly gay person on SLC Council. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:33 Scott McCoy

12:33

[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  Good night Andy & Thank you!!!! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:33 Jim Gallagher

12:34

[Comment From anthonycatalinoanthonycatalino: ]  "The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice." Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:34 anthonycatalino

12:34

Corey Johnson:  From Ben Smith at Politico - November 04, 2009 Categories: Same-sex marriage A bad night for gay marriage, a good one for gay executives The best hope for validating same-sex marriage at the ballot box -- a hard-fought Maine referendum on repealing same-sex marriage -- appears headed for defeat tonight, a stinging rebuke to the marriage movement that's already provoking bitter recriminations, aimed first of all at the White House. "President Obama's silence in Maine will echo through-out the gay and lesbian community nationally if the pro-marriage equality forces lose. Maine has been looked at the as the premier prize on the ballot and the President's omission of it at the Human Rights Campaign dinner three weeks ago is more deafening today than it was then," emailed gay blogger Corey Johnson. But there is a silver lining for gay activists tonight: A lesbian candidate for Houston mayor whose campaign had become a cause celebre in the gay community, Annise Parker, won a surprising plurality and takes a strong hand into the run-off in that city, not generally seen as a gay rights hub. A gay man was also elected mayor of Chapel Hill. Posted by Ben Smith 12:20 AM Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:34 Corey Johnson

12:35

[Comment From Kevin in KYKevin in KY: ]  Thanks Andy! You're making it happen! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:35 Kevin in KY

12:35

[Comment From Mark HerdegMark Herdeg: ]  Thank you Andy for this and the blog in general! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:35 Mark Herdeg

12:35

[Comment From Joe M (innerJoeJoe)Joe M (innerJoeJoe): ]  Great quote Corey! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:35 Joe M (innerJoeJoe)

12:35

[Comment From Ruben from DenverRuben from Denver: ]  thank you Andy. You have been phenomenal tonight. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:35 Ruben from Denver

12:36

[Comment From JImJIm: ]  Thank you all for your literal up to the minute converage Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:36 JIm

12:38

Corey Johnson:  So here are the highlights thus far tonight -- Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:38 Corey Johnson

12:38

Corey Johnson:  We passed the pro-LGBT ordinance in Kalamazoo, MI tonight. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:38 Corey Johnson

12:38

Corey Johnson:  Annise Parker comes out on top in the mayoral race in Houston and heads to the December run-off with momentum. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:38 Corey Johnson

12:39

Corey Johnson:  An openly gay mayor was elected in Chapel Hill, NC and Democrats took back the mayoralty in Charlotte, NC. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:39 Corey Johnson

12:39

Corey Johnson:  Openly gay candidates won in Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, Minnesota and New York. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:39 Corey Johnson

12:40

Corey Johnson:  We look pretty good right now in Washington State to keep the DP benefits there. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:40 Corey Johnson

12:40

Corey Johnson:  Democrats lost the governors races in Virginia in a blow-out and Corzine lost by New Jersey. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:40 Corey Johnson

12:40

Corey Johnson:  Doug Hoffman lost tonight to Democrat Bill Owens (Owens does not support marriage equality). Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:40 Corey Johnson

12:41

Corey Johnson:  And of course -- it's not looking good in Maine right now -- disappointing to all of us tonight. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:41 Corey Johnson

12:41

[Comment From Guest2000Guest2000: ]  The Washington Secretary of State has called the race in favor for the gays: http://vote.wa.gov/Elections/WEI/Results.aspx?RaceTypeCode=&electionID=32&RaceId=102369&JurisdictionTypeID=-2&ViewMode=Results Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:41 Guest2000

12:41

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  bless your optimism Corey!!! that's exactly what we need!! (i live in texas, so am used to looking to the online community for hope.) Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:41 Guest

12:41

[Comment From ChrisMonsosChrisMonsos: ]  Goodnight from Seattle, Team Towleroad... fantastic coverage, I love you guys. Talk to y'all soon. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:41 ChrisMonsos

12:42

[Comment From Steven BorgSteven Borg: ]  Salt Lake City elected it's first openly gay City Council member tonight!! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:42 Steven Borg

12:42

Corey Johnson:  I forgot about Utah where an openly gay candidate won a City Council seat. Any other news I'm missing? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:42 Corey Johnson

12:42

[Comment From mjcmjc: ]  between NJ and maine... a bummer of a night. yes some good news today but ehhh.. i now have a gov. who has said he would veto marriage equality, and am losing a gov. who said he'd sign it. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:42 mjc

12:43

[Comment From stevensteven: ]  REJECT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE LAW Yes 255924 52.57% No 230881 47.43% Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:43 steven

12:44

Corey Johnson:  Michael Goff and I will still be with you folks for a while longer. Keep commenting and asking questions. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:44 Corey Johnson

12:44

[Comment From Steven BorgSteven Borg: ]  we had a Governor here in Utah that supported Civil Unions... until Obama sent him to China.... Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:44 Steven Borg

12:44

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  I suggest that what we need to focus on now is to ensure that New Jersey passes marriage equality before Corzine leaves office. That is entirely doable. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:44 Guest

12:44

[Comment From Ken ClarkKen Clark: ]  Yeah the Catholic church spending a fortune to deny us equal rights rather than using it to do some good such as feeding the hungry or clothing the needy in frigid Maine as winter looms. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:44 Ken Clark

12:44

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]  Time is on our side. Grandma and Grandpa may not want us getting married, but their grandkids could care less. Every passing year means fewer of them and more of us. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:44 John

12:44

[Comment From txcraig75txcraig75: ]  NJ could pass and Corzine sign marriage equality bill in a lame duck session Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:44 txcraig75

12:44

[Comment From Mike M.Mike M.: ]  In Atlanta City Council District 6 Alex Wan, a gay Chinese candidate, won (Atlanta Journal Consitution ajc.com---100% of votes counted). Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:44 Mike M.

12:44

[Comment From Mark HerdegMark Herdeg: ]  At least it wasn't a constitutional amendment in Maine. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:44 Mark Herdeg

12:45

Signorile:  We have to talk about moving forward. In 2008 Obama came out against Prop 8 as a candidate. He did nothing with regard to Maine. And none of the groups demanded he did. Beginning tomorrow we need to talk about what was the easiest thing this president could have done. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:45 Signorile

12:45

Corey Johnson:  Yeah Mark -- that's true but it still stings. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:45 Corey Johnson

12:45

Corey Johnson:  I agree with you Mike -- will people start asking the tough questions of the national LGBT groups? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:45 Corey Johnson

12:46

Corey Johnson:  Mike -- what lessons do you take away from tonight? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:46 Corey Johnson

12:46

Signorile:  It didn't require Congress. It didn't require 60 votes. It didn't require anyone else. All it required was for this White House and this Justice Dept. to speak out about injustice. That might have swayed some people in a close race. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:46 Signorile

12:46

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  As a New Jerseyan who was prepared to propose to his partner of 22 years (and father of our two children), I'm feeling pretty devastated right about now. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:46 Guest

12:46

[Comment From Jon in OAKJon in OAK: ]  Hoping we can find a way to be multi-issue, federal, and successful. Grateful for all of those who are working so hard all over. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:46 Jon in OAK

12:46

[Comment From AlanAlan: ]  What about the transgendered candidate for mayor in Nampa,Idaho? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:46 Alan

12:46

[Comment From Kyle AustinKyle Austin: ]  obama came out against prop 8? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:46 Kyle Austin

12:46

Corey Johnson:  Yes he did and we didn't use it effectively. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:46 Corey Johnson

12:46

[Comment From Chris FrenchChris French: ]  Corey / Mike S. - I don't know that it's fair to pin a potential Maine loss on Obama; he campaigned 3 times in Virginia for the (D) candidate; his endorsement does not automatically garner votes. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:46 Chris French

12:47

michael goff:  so ineffectively that the other side could credibly lie and lead folks to believe otherwise Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:47 michael goff

12:47

Corey Johnson:  We're not blaming it on him -- but he still should have taken a public position on it. It matters to have the President speaking up on an important national civil rights issue. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:47 Corey Johnson

12:47

[Comment From willjswilljs: ]  ck out Houston mayoral results - Parker gets top vote, runoff with other candidate Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:47 willjs

12:47

[Comment From ConorConor: ]  What do we think the defeat means for strategy in CA? Elsewhere? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:47 Conor

12:47

[Comment From RyanRyan: ]  Where do we go from here? Do we need to wait 10, 20, even 30 years before we are accepted by this country? Or should we save time and move to Canada, Spain, Sweden, etc.? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:47 Ryan

12:47

[Comment From RandyRandy: ]  So how does Maine then get Marriage back?... this time an amendment? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:47 Randy

12:47

Corey Johnson:  Maine gets marriage back by: Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:47 Corey Johnson

12:48

Corey Johnson:  The legislature would have to approve it again. The Governor would have to sign it again. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:48 Corey Johnson

12:48

michael goff:  full faith Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:48 michael goff

12:48

Corey Johnson:  Then it could be put on hold if the right-wing/Catholic church wanted to gather signatures again to put it back on the ballot, which they would do. Then we'd go through this entire process again. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:48 Corey Johnson

12:48

[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  Michael, at the same time Obama came out against Prop 8, he didn't reject the Yes on 8 campaign's use of his "one man - one woman" statements. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:48 Jim Gallagher

12:49

[Comment From GarrettGarrett: ]  Thank you for your continuing coverage tonight. Glad for Kalamazoo and Washington State. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:49 Garrett

12:49

[Comment From Ken ClarkKen Clark: ]  Correction Corey they didn't use it at all and allowed the opposition to use other statements from Obama against us. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:49 Ken Clark

12:49

[Comment From txcraig75txcraig75: ]  We didn't use it effectively, but the pro-Prop8 forces did. Chopped off one sentence and used Obama's statement in pro-Prop 8 robocalls Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:49 txcraig75

12:49

Signorile:  Well, Obama went to Virginia too late. That wasn't his fault -- Deeds didn't want him. Deeds was a bad candidate. Nothing was going to save Corzine, he'd done himself in. So I wouldn't measure Obama's influence by those races. This issue, marriage, is an issue of justice and morality. Obama, whatever people think of his effectiveness, has a lot of clout in those areas as a leader. He ran away from us. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:49 Signorile

12:50

[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  Corey from my perspective in CA we didn't use Obama's stand against prop 8 at all. there was a letter from Obama that wasn't even used, wasn't there? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:50 Jim Gallagher

12:50

[Comment From JasonJason: ]  I think this likely signals the end of the gay marriage debate for at least a decade. Tonight's loss in Maine also likely signals there won't be progress in Rhode Island or New York as well. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:50 Jason

12:50

Corey Johnson:  I disagree with you Jason. I don't think that's the case. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:50 Corey Johnson

12:50

michael goff:  i totally disagree. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:50 michael goff

12:50

[Comment From txcraig75txcraig75: ]  Rinse, lather, repeat. Took Maine 3 or 4 tries to get employment equality through the people's veto didn't it. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:50 txcraig75

12:51

Corey Johnson:  Yes Craig -- that's exactly right and I think it will happen again with marriage in Maine. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:51 Corey Johnson

12:51

michael goff:  there was so much oppposition 5-10 years ago that a close loss was inconceivable Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:51 michael goff

12:51

[Comment From Mark HerdegMark Herdeg: ]  You're all welcome here in Massachusetts! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:51 Mark Herdeg

12:51

[Comment From echomarkechomark: ]  with 84% reporting (NYT), maine looking exactly like prop 8. maine: 52.6% yes 47.4% no | california: 52.46% yes 47.54% no Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:51 echomark

12:51

[Comment From robbierobbie: ]  so what's so bad about that? you make it seem difficult corey. same governor, at least for a while...if we keep doing this circle dance we'll win eventually...i think we should be willing to play the waiting game for as long as necessary Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:51 robbie

12:51

michael goff:  when signorile did a piece on marriage for Out in the mid 90s it was as if he joined the circus, it seemed that real Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:51 michael goff

12:52

Corey Johnson:  Robbie - I didn't say it was difficult. Some legislators may be less likely to vote for it this time especially in districts that didn't vote in favor of it. The vote was close in Maine to pass marriage. We don't really know yet what will happen. Time will tell. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:52 Corey Johnson

12:52

michael goff:  now we know it's ours Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:52 michael goff

12:52

[Comment From Steven BorgSteven Borg: ]  thank you everyone at Towleroad for doing such a great job keeping us informed! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:52 Steven Borg

12:52

[Comment From timotitotimotito: ]  looks like Ref 71 (domestic partnerships for gays & seniors) is leading in WA. Last report was 51% approve (allow dp), 49% reject (deny dp). Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:52 timotito

12:52

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  I really hope you're not right Jason. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:52 Guest

12:52

[Comment From Steven BorgSteven Borg: ]  hey, we BARELY lost Maine, and won Washington, we're finally gaining momentum Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:52 Steven Borg

12:53

[Comment From Chris FrenchChris French: ]  @Jason / Corey, bigger question -- will this cause California to reconsider a 2010 mount, and instead defer back to 2012 for a repeal of Prop8? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:53 Chris French

12:53

Corey Johnson:  I think this will impact California and I'm not sure what the right answer is there. California is a very tough state because of the amount of money it costs to run an effective campaign. I thought Maine would be closer than it's appearing. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:53 Corey Johnson

12:54

[Comment From NeilNeil: ]  A win for our side in Maine would have been good for NY in my opinion, but I still think NY can pull it off. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:54 Neil

12:54

[Comment From Jon in OAKJon in OAK: ]  Jason- no. We fight. We keep going, coming out, telling stories, shaking hands. Sadly, people have to be pulled over to equality and these battles can be won. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:54 Jon in OAK

12:54

[Comment From RandyRandy: ]  I truly think Obama's total silence on issues like those in MA had a great impact on the result...his silence in my opinion speaks volumes. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:54 Randy

12:54

[Comment From Fast EddieFast Eddie: ]  do the math... when the older generation fades away, the younger ones take their place.. just 10 yrs ago this election would've been over for the anti-side the first hour.. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:54 Fast Eddie

12:54

[Comment From Kyle AustinKyle Austin: ]  and obama will continue to run away from us. he doesn't endorse us until it's politically expedient...we need to walk away from the national pols in the DNC and focus on the local Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:54 Kyle Austin

12:54

[Comment From Jon LevineJon Levine: ]  I think that passage in NY is imminent, if Patterson can get his act together Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:54 Jon Levine

12:54

[Comment From steven lsteven l: ]  Thanks guys. If we don't win tonight we will win in the long run and that is what matters Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:54 steven l

12:54

[Comment From Greg in Vancouver, CanadaGreg in Vancouver, Canada: ]  The Maine question is very confusingly-worded and has several somewhat unrelated questions implied into one sentence. So, could be suppose that the legislature now pass a marriage equality law again, but without the part about "allowing individuals and religious groups not to perform" them? I mean, it is arguable that the religious reference is redundant and that no individual working for the government should be allowed to refuse equal service to any citizen, anyway. In all seriousness, I suspect a very large portion of voters did not even understand the question or may have taken issue with some segment within it. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:54 Greg in Vancouver, Canada

12:54

[Comment From Jon in OAKJon in OAK: ]  Cat's out of the bag on CA 2010. It's happening. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:54 Jon in OAK

12:54

[Comment From palamaboypalamaboy: ]  I think 2012... if we had won Maine tonight, people would have been galvanized for a 2010 push Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:54 palamaboy

12:54

[Comment From Cyd ZeiglerCyd Zeigler: ]  Still 50k votes to count in Cumberland and York Counties alone. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:54 Cyd Zeigler

12:54

[Comment From chipchip: ]  Progress in RI will not come until the current governor is gone. thats been accepted there for years. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:54 chip

12:55

Signorile:  We absolutely keep fighting. It takes time and it hurts, but we'll win. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:55 Signorile

12:55

[Comment From Nathan ManskeNathan Manske: ]  Guys I've gotta get to bed, but remember: time is on our side. Things are changing for the better. Equality is right around the corner. Don't give up, hang in there, and keep fighting the good fight! Rest tonight, back in the ring tomorrow! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:55 Nathan Manske

12:55

[Comment From AaronAaron: ]  We're on the cusp of approval. If you look at the trending numbers this isn't an end as much as a final push to the top of the bell curve. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:55 Aaron

12:55

Corey Johnson:  I agree with you Nathan. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:55 Corey Johnson

12:55

[Comment From EsurnirEsurnir: ]  there is 25k vote needed to make No go over 50%, a rough tally show there is 65k in big city preccinct left. assuming 3/4th of those big city preccinct vote no, we might edge a slight victory, though sadly... there is -still- a few preccinct not reporting that are from rural settings Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:55 Esurnir

12:55

[Comment From David CraigDavid Craig: ]  The question I keep wondering is, every other civil rights movement has had to resort to civil disobedience (peaceful, of course). When will we? Marches? Parades? As we've saw last month, who gives a fk? There's so much we can do to make it clear we are a part of the fabric of this nation and deserve full equality. Sitting in the back of the bus asking politely hoping that one day a liberal, enlightened person will let us move to the front ain't working. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:55 David Craig

12:55

[Comment From timotitotimotito: ]  R-71 in favor of domestic partnerships for gays & seniors is ahead by a hair - 51% approve, 59% reject. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:55 timotito

12:55

[Comment From Horse BootleyHorse Bootley: ]  Has Maine 1 been called? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:55 Horse Bootley

12:55

Corey Johnson:  Not called yet. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:55 Corey Johnson

12:56

[Comment From David CraigDavid Craig: ]  No one, including Obama, is willing to stick their neck out for us if we're not willing to take a stand and fight. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:56 David Craig

12:56

[Comment From Jon LevineJon Levine: ]  it all just depends on how long the greatest generation chooses to stick around Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:56 Jon Levine

12:56

[Comment From David John FleckDavid John Fleck: ]  Why is Obama's letter to San Francisco's Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club opposing Prop 8 never quoted? It was suppressed by the No on 8 campaign before the election and rarely has seen the light of day in the past year. Can be found here: http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Letter_to_the_Alice_B._Toklas_LGBT_Democratic_Club Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:56 David John Fleck

12:56

[Comment From Steven BorgSteven Borg: ]  keep up the fight!!! Goodnite everyone! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:56 Steven Borg

12:56

Should we go back to the ballot in California in.. 2010  ( 45% ) 2012  ( 52% ) 2014  ( 4% ) Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:56

12:57

[Comment From AaronAaron: ]  Civil disobedience would be pretty useless. The rights provided by marriage (taxes, wills, etc) aren't as glamorous as other civil rights battles. Photo ops aren't what we need. Targeted lobbying is. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:57 Aaron

12:57

[Comment From guestguest: ]  domestic partnership has already been approved in whasington! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:57 guest

12:57

[Comment From timotitotimotito: ]  Seattle City Council candidate David Ginsbergh, who is openly gay, conceded defeat in his first run for the office. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:57 timotito

12:57

[Comment From Michael R.Michael R.: ]  What effect do you think these losses to the GOP governors will have on Obama's attitude toward gays? Perhaps we are not as dispensable as the White House indicated after the march? Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:57 Michael R.

12:58

[Comment From Nathan ManskeNathan Manske: ]  I think we should go back in 2010. The more we keep gay rights at the forefront and on the ballots, the more people will see that we're not giving up. Every year until it's ours! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:58 Nathan Manske

12:58

[Comment From mjcmjc: ]  good luck getting people to keep organizing and march consistently, we in NJ can't even get voters to take ten minutes out of their day to vote. our exit polling shows a HUGE drop in young voters since the general election in 08... ' Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:58 mjc

12:58

[Comment From Horse BootleyHorse Bootley: ]  Thanks Corey. I'm blogging about Obama. I'm pissed off. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:58 Horse Bootley

12:58

Corey Johnson:  We need Obama to step up and actually lead. He has expended zero political capital on behalf of our community. He didn't have to lift a finger for hate crimes passage. We need leadership on DADT and DOMA -- two tough pieces of legislation. I believe the votes are already there for ENDA. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:58 Corey Johnson

12:58

[Comment From Kyle AustinKyle Austin: ]  so ummmmm, along the civil disobedience route, how about we don't pay taxes? seriously - our taxes go to fund government programs and laws which give married couples tax breaks...imagine the IRS having to investigate tens of thousands of americans all across the country...talk about shutting down the gaytm... Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:58 Kyle Austin

12:58

[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  Keep going back in CA? 2010, 2012, 2014 until Prop 8 is repealed. Jesus, that's $160M + in campaign costs Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:58 Jim Gallagher

12:58

[Comment From RandyRandy: ]  My partner and I (we live in florida) are in MA after getting married this past sunday (after 27 years together... that was our anniversary). Our parents have totally been great to us over the years... UNTIL we told them that we were getting married... they are so afraid the "family" will find out... the family that knows we are a couple... so if my own parents can't get over the marriage issue... it makes me wonder how we can ever win until these older folks are gone... Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:58 Randy

12:58

[Comment From Mike H.Mike H.: ]  We should definitely go back to the ballot in CA in 2010 - but we need to be more aggressive in the ad campaign. No more softballs, we need to call them out for what they are, hateful bigots! Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:58 Mike H.

12:59

[Comment From timotitotimotito: ]  guest, yes, but then it was forced onto the ballot for a statewide vote Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:59 timotito

12:59

[Comment From Jon in OAKJon in OAK: ]  David-- Don't you think it's a different game? The right will shoot abortion doctors, support rape victims having to pay for rape kits, see the shocking visuals of hate crimes and still fight against the legislation. They are organized in their resistance to justice. It's winning the hearth or finding a federal strategy that rejects the tyranny of the majority. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:59 Jon in OAK

12:59

[Comment From robbierobbie: ]  and keep in mind that the GLBT community is already known as a band of freaks thanks to much of mainstream media...all that's shown on tv are the bears in leather thongs & dykes on bykes. i don't feel like civil disobedience would really do much other than relegate us further to the margins of society. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:59 robbie

12:59

[Comment From DerrickDerrick: ]  we need to stop allowing things like this to be placed on the ballot in the first place. It is sick to think that civil rights are things that we can vote on. Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:59 Derrick

12:59

Has President Obama been a leader thus far on LGBT civil rights... YES  ( 5% ) NO  ( 78% ) UNSURE  ( 7% ) DOING THE BEST HE CAN  ( 10% ) Wednesday November 4, 2009 12:59

1:00	[Comment From EsurnirEsurnir: ]  Good point Michael, I think gays would have gave their last nickel for Corzine, and it wasn't enough to keep him Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:00 Esurnir

1:00	[Comment From David CraigDavid Craig: ]  Seems like targeted lobbying is ALL we've been doing. Nada. If only the moderate wing of our party is active, there's no where to compromise. We need a left, progressive, activist wing to rise up. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:00 David Craig

1:00

[Comment From AlexAlex: ]  Obama will come back to us when he needs our support in 2012...until then, expect more halfhearted, token gestures like ambassadorships, cocktail parties, and the like. He's far too craven to push forcefully on DADT and ENDA, and his justice department's track record on DOMA speaks for itself... Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:00 Alex

1:00

Signorile:  I'm heading to bed all, thanks, and thank you to corey and Andy and michael.. Have a show to do tomorrow and there will be lots of people calling in and they'll be hurt and angry and we need to discuss it all and channel it right. A lot of good things happened tonight. We'll deal with the bad and move forward. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:00 Signorile

1:00	[Comment From FHFH: ]  Seriously, why aren't we having our own tea party protests? No taxation without equalization! Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:00 FH

1:01	Corey Johnson:  Thanks a lot Mike for everything you contributed tonight. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:01 Corey Johnson

1:01	[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  G'nite Michael. Thank you! Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:01 Jim Gallagher

1:01	[Comment From mjcmjc: ]  goodnight.. im off to bed to and no more refreshing election returns! thanks for this coverage/space to rant and rave Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:01 mjc

1:01

[Comment From Nathan ManskeNathan Manske: ]  Oooh, tough question. Nice one. Obama hasn't been the strongest leader and not what we were hoping for, but is he better than the alternative? Of course. But is that good enough? Of course not. Put me in the "unsure" column. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:01 Nathan Manske

1:01	michael goff:  FH. i've been saying we should have some mass weddings of gay men and lesbians "so that we can equally share in the benefits of our society." You want a mockery of the institution of marriage? OK Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:01 michael goff

1:01	[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  Only reason I plugged unsure was M. Shepard act, otherwise NO! Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:01 Jim Gallagher

1:02	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  NYT has called it. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:02 Guest

1:02	michael goff:  and a good bachelor party too Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:02 michael goff

1:03	Corey Johnson:  Hey folks -- we'll be signing off in the next 3 minutes -- any last thoughts on tonight before we hit the hay? Parting words for everyone here...? Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:03 Corey Johnson

1:03	[Comment From GaryGary: ]  Thanks for all your work Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:03 Gary

1:04	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Thanks for the coverage from NM (Santa Fe) Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Guest

1:04	[Comment From Sam Borelli in WeHoSam Borelli in WeHo: ]  we love you and we thank you Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Sam Borelli in WeHo

1:04	[Comment From FHFH: ]  Yeah, Maggie and the NOM crowd can eat shit. Oh, and thanks for the great coverage! Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 FH

1:04	michael goff:  i'll be turning on comments for an open thread...as you know, we never close here at Towleroad, so you can always have the last word Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 michael goff

1:04	[Comment From Sargon BighornSargon Bighorn: ]  Thank you Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Sargon Bighorn

1:04	[Comment From Cyd ZeiglerCyd Zeigler: ]  I've been saying for a while, we're on our own. Pro-gay Republican Maine Senators: Silent on Question 1. President Obama: Silent. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Cyd Zeigler

1:04	[Comment From EsurnirEsurnir: ]  Derrick: beside blanketing the rural towns with VX gaz I don't see how you can keep those issue off the ballot Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Esurnir

1:04	[Comment From Jon in OAKJon in OAK: ]  Whatever our strategy, I hope it includes the bears, dykes on bikes, and flamingest of fairies. We have to be one. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Jon in OAK

1:04	[Comment From Mike FischerMike Fischer: ]  We will live to fight another day! They can take away our right to marry, but not our ability to love. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Mike Fischer

1:04	[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  Civil disobedience is necessary to set the tone... (avoiding the "agenda" word) without it, we wouldn't be where we are today--holding votes on our issues, originating from within our community. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Jim Gallagher

1:04	[Comment From Marc FelionMarc Felion: ]  Should we boycott lobsters, LL Bean or Steven King novels? Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Marc Felion

1:04	[Comment From David CraigDavid Craig: ]  That's a very narrow definition of civil disobedience. Gandhi's march to the sea, African-American bus boycotts in Birmingham, pulling money out of corporations who supported apartheid, these are options. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 David Craig

1:04

[Comment From robbierobbie: ]  i'm taking from tonight a bit of solace, if anything, really. The fact that Maine can reject same-sex marriage by only SLIGHT margins (slimmer than prop 8? don't remember) is heartening to me. people think of california as a bastion of liberalism but not necessarily maine...so to see this issue so closely contended in multiple areas gives me hope for the future Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 robbie

1:04	[Comment From timotitotimotito: ]  fh, a lot of people have been asking the same for years! Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 timotito

1:04	[Comment From Horse BootleyHorse Bootley: ]  I'm with you Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Horse Bootley

1:04	[Comment From EsurnirEsurnir: ]  Thank you Corey Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Esurnir

1:04	[Comment From PatricPatric: ]  We'll lose if we go back on the ballot in 2010 in California and I don't see how that is positive for this struggle. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Patric

1:04	[Comment From NeilNeil: ]  Excellent coverage. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 Neil

1:04

[Comment From David CraigDavid Craig: ]  Parades with floats, leather, feathers, etc. are no civil disobedience, they are street festivals. Meaningless. We are a multi-billion dollar community and we keep paying to support oppression. Time to put our money, jobs, careers and investments on the line. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:04 David Craig

1:05	[Comment From Kevin BannermanKevin Bannerman: ]  Thanks for all the great reporting tonight. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Kevin Bannerman

1:05	[Comment From Horse BootleyHorse Bootley: ]  Maine 1 lost? Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Horse Bootley

1:05	[Comment From Joe M (innerJoeJoe)Joe M (innerJoeJoe): ]  Thank you Corey, Mike, and Andy! Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Joe M (innerJoeJoe)

1:05	[Comment From JonJon: ]  thanks from the Mojave Desert. Maggs, kiss my garish arse Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Jon

1:05	[Comment From Mark HerdegMark Herdeg: ]  I'm sure President Palin will be better for us... Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Mark Herdeg

1:05	[Comment From Terry BurkeTerry Burke: ]  What do we have to do in order to turn close losses into wins? Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Terry Burke

1:05	[Comment From Nathan ManskeNathan Manske: ]  Thanks for your work, Towleroad. Better and more in depth than NYT, CNN, and other news networks, seriously. Big pat on the back to you all. Keep up the great work on the site. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Nathan Manske

1:05	[Comment From AaronAaron: ]  Obama isn't a member of the legislature. Get Congress to send him bills and he'll sign them. He isn't a magician. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Aaron

1:05	[Comment From Joe M (innerJoeJoe)Joe M (innerJoeJoe): ]  Hate Crimes got passed this year b/c Teddy Kennedy helped to push it quite a ways along before he passed-away. Obama didn't do crap to help it along! Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Joe M (innerJoeJoe)

1:05	[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  Thanks guys. Great work. Let's use this to motivate ourselves. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Jim Gallagher

1:05	[Comment From Kyle AustinKyle Austin: ]  aren't the courts supposed to protect minorities from the oppression of the majority? i just feel like this is not what the founding fathers envisioned... Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Kyle Austin

1:05	[Comment From EsurnirEsurnir: ]  So sad Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Esurnir

1:05	[Comment From Robert in CARobert in CA: ]  nyt called it -- that blows Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Robert in CA

1:05

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Yes think positive thoughts everyone. After all, we still have Iowa...we still have the heartland. Forty years ago gays and transgenders were barely allowed to congregate in a public place. The GLBT rights movement has had more success in forty years than any movement in American history. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Guest

1:05	[Comment From David CraigDavid Craig: ]  Americans have a long tradition of respecting power. Our willingness to allow this to happen, while trying to maintain respectability and moderation, makes us passive. Without the left, there is no center. Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 David Craig

1:05	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  D.C. City Council will pass gay marriage in December -- keep the faith! Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Guest

1:05	[Comment From HawaiiHawaii: ]  Mahalo nuil loa Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:05 Hawaii

1:06	Corey Johnson:  Good night gang -- great to spend the past 6 hours with you tonight! Here's to another day of fighting for civil rights. Onward and upward -- Corey Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:06 Corey Johnson

1:06	[Comment From RileyRiley: ]  The folks in Maine made the mistake of just having feel-good family ads... they never seemed to rebuke the doomsday kids-taught-gay-sex ads... and that's what did us in Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:06 Riley

1:06	[Comment From ERC | AlexERC | Alex: ]  Thank you Corey! Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:06 ERC | Alex

1:06	michael goff:  night everyone . thanks for participating. Comments will be on momentarily Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:06 michael goff

1:07	[Comment From Jim GallagherJim Gallagher: ]  G'nite & thank you to Corey & Micheal (x2) Wednesday November 4, 2009 1:07 Jim Gallagher

1:07	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  There are still a huge mess of absentee ballots in Maine. Don't give up hope just yet.