Maine's Anti-Gays Are Racing The Clock

Everyday Christian is crowing that Maine's petition drive to repeal same-sex marriage is "off to a fast start." Anti-gay activists hope to gather the petitions in time for the November election when controversial tax items will be on the ballot, drawing more voters.

It’s a tall order, but one that is feasible if early momentum continues, Bob Emrich said. Emrich, a pastor, is the founder of The Jeremiah Project, a conservative non-profit. To date, he said between 10,000 and 12,000 signatures have been collected since late May. The goal, he said, is to get about 80,000 signatures before the petitions are handed in to account for potential duplications and errors. “We are off to a good start,” Emrich said. “The level of interest and level of intensity is remarkable. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The challenge is to get the level of action into the right number of signatures.” Other than being at a time with higher turnout, putting the issue to voters in November has other advantages. “For one thing it’s still fresh in people’s minds and they’re still motivated,” he said. “It’s also a shorter period of time and would require less money for a shorter campaign.”

About 55,000 signatures must be gathered. The names must be submitted by September 1st, the 90-day deadline after same-sex marriage was approved. However, making that deadline will put the item on the June 2010 ballot, a lightly attended legislative primary election. If the haters get their petitions in by August 1st, they make the November ballot.