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Live Update from Rally at the State House

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins

Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 11:52:51 AM EDT

(putting in separate diary so folks can easily check-in)

Thanks to all who are here, in person or in spirit. I'm posting updates here at Blue Hampshire and also on Twitter (NHfreedom2marry).

The rally began at 9:00 AM on the State House plaza, with great speakers including Dawn from Planned Parenthood, a family from the Concord area (including a wonderful speech by 9-year old Annie), a rousing pep talk by Senator Martha Fuller Clark,

"Today I call on all my Senate and House colleagues to vote in favor of equality. It's time for liberty and freedom."

and a touching personal story from proud mother of two gay children, Mary Townsend.

Kicked off with the pledge of allegiance and closed with the crowd singing the Star Spangled Banner together, NH's strong values of freedom and equality rang loud and clear throughout the entire rally.

The highlight speaker was Mo Baxley of NH Freedom to Marry. Mo is one of the faces of the fight for equality in New Hampshire, and you never would have guessed that this tiny figure in a pale blue suit would have taken the stage in the manner she did, striding to the podium and immediately projecting a voice of fierce determination and dogged passion.

The Senate vote was heard on the plaza, and I have to tell you - it was awesome. The response and energy here has been non-stop and we're going to keep it going as long as it takes!

Crowd reacting to Senate vote (most folks were in gallery, we have a crew inside and out):

Zandra Rice Hawkins :: Live Update from Rally at the State House

Tags: marriage equality, june 3 rally, NH State House, Senate, House, granite state progress, (All Tags)

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Live Update from Rally at the State House | 64 comments

House on Lunch Break (0.00 / 0)

We held another rally at the podium. Mo Baxley gave everyone an update and Bishop Gene Robinson joined us for some heavenly words about equality.

The crowd this morning was about 300 people; we've still got 200 going strong! What a great turn-out - very appreciative to everyone who is able to stick around.

If you're on a lunch break yourself, come join us! We'll be here all day.

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 11:26:02 AM CDT

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Following from DC (4.00 / 1)

I'm at the America's Future Now conference down in Washington, DC where I had a great discussion with Rep. Marcia Moody, Rockingham 12, who has left the conference early so she can be back in order to support Marriage Equality.

by: Aldon Hynes @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 11:28:57 AM CDT

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where's Aldon ? n/t (0.00 / 0)

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 11:39:53 AM CDT

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Never get between a legislator and a free turkey sandwich (4.00 / 2)

It won't end well...

America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand. -Harry Truman

by: Peter Sullivan @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 11:31:55 AM CDT

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I was late (0.00 / 0)

I missed the 9am call, got there at 9:45 and talked to a number of friends milling about, everyone with bright green stickers...very cool. Then I walked in and went upstairs to the second floor by the Entrance to the Senate Chamber. There was a circus-like atmosphere. It was jammed with people who would not get in. House Clerk and my former Rotary "President Karen" told me to fuggedaboudit, and come back this afternoon.

I had stumbled into the 'Villagers' across the Street on my way up from free Parking down past. We are much cooler.

I recycled my sticker to a friend who was arriving as I was leaving...I am so sorry I missed Mo's speech, but thanks for the description!

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 11:48:14 AM CDT

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sorry (0.00 / 0)

I missed you...

p.s. Any interest in playing America the Beautiful with me at the Convention?

Change is inevitable, but progress is not. Working together, we can make sure that change = progress. And that's what makes us progressive...

by: KarenLH @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 12:00:46 PM CDT

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I'll sing (0.00 / 0)

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 13:43:53 PM CDT

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I'll sing (0.00 / 0)

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 13:43:58 PM CDT

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A good morning (4.00 / 2)

I came down to Concord this morning to accompany our newest State Rep, Andy White, at the rally and at the swearing in ceremony.

He spoke well and was cheered loudly, especially when he explained to the crowd that he had to go inside and be sworn in so that he could vote on the bill this afternoon...

Immediately after that, he was introduced to the Democratic Caucus in Reps Hall, where he received a warm welcome from his brand new colleagues. A standing ovation both when he was introduced and when he left the room to take the oath!

Then on to the Executive Council Chambers where the Governor read him the oath of office and made it official. I stayed just long enough to see Andy make it to his seat and jump right in to voting on the legislation before the House. I heard on my way out the door that the Senate had passed the bill 14-10, and I am hopeful about this afternoon's outcome...

Change is inevitable, but progress is not. Working together, we can make sure that change = progress. And that's what makes us progressive...

by: KarenLH @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 11:59:28 AM CDT

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Calling on BH'ers (0.00 / 0)

If you're a Blue Hamster and around the State House today, stop by the stage area out front so I can take a picture of you!

(I'm near the stage and wearing a purple shirt)

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 12:15:50 PM CDT

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Reporters abound (0.00 / 0)

Out on the plaza, we've got a good number of reporters circulating. Getting ready to write the victory story, I assume.

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 12:28:29 PM CDT

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I support marriage equality! (4.00 / 1)

On the State House plaza:

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 12:45:21 PM CDT

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There's a really nice mix here (0.00 / 0)

of families with children, of young and old couples, of seniors who've waited for this day for more years than some of us have been around.

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 12:51:53 PM CDT

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So do we! (0.00 / 0)

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 12:46:50 PM CDT

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Cute pictures! (4.00 / 1)

So great that you're taking your children out to teach love and acceptance :)

**shudders at memories of those creepy NOM ads in NH with the 'I'm confused' kids**

by: gad22 @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 12:53:08 PM CDT

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Waiting ... and waiting (0.00 / 0)

State House still voting on other items. Gallery is restless with anticipation. Plaza is quiet, folks resting in shade. Street corner=loud!

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 13:13:31 PM CDT

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I'm on my way to show my support! (0.00 / 0)

I'm coming down now show my support. I assume it is not too late, right?

Be the Change you wish to see in the world (Gandhi)

by: KrisSchultz @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 13:58:05 PM CDT

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No, come on down! (0.00 / 0)

We just got word that the bill is coming up. One more vote to go until it's discussed, and then one more vote until marriage equality!

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:11:10 PM CDT

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Knock on wood (0.00 / 0)

I am superstitious.

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." Franklin D. Roosevelt

by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:12:53 PM CDT

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Knocked (0.00 / 0)

and salted, and crossed fingers. Here we go!

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:16:25 PM CDT

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The bill is up! (4.00 / 1)

Gallery is anticipative, State House plaza is quiet and somber.

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:15:43 PM CDT

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They are getting nervous (0.00 / 0)

Some jerk (sorry, yet-to-be-enlightened) individual hollered a losing vote down to the plaza. I take it as a sign that they are nervous.

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:31:47 PM CDT

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Live streaming (0.00 / 0)

House still considering points of order, vote yet to be taken. We're streaming it live in front of the State House. It's a somber atmosphere.

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:32:24 PM CDT

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Dick Chenney was just invoked (!) n/t (0.00 / 0)

by: palerobber @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:41:01 PM CDT

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...and (0.00 / 0)

and, a supportive quote, no less. Curiouser and curiouser!

Paula M. DiNardo
Dover NH

A Blue Hampster since 2007!

by: pdinardo @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:44:24 PM CDT

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Valincourt up - a key vote, no? n/t (0.00 / 0)

by: palerobber @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:43:06 PM CDT

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hmm (0.00 / 0)

Sounds like he's leaning yes to me...

Paula M. DiNardo
Dover NH

A Blue Hampster since 2007!

by: pdinardo @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:45:00 PM CDT

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or not... (0.00 / 0)

oh dear.

Paula M. DiNardo
Dover NH

A Blue Hampster since 2007!

by: pdinardo @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:46:51 PM CDT

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ugh (0.00 / 0)

I'm loving the suspense but enough already. It's a yes??

Paula M. DiNardo
Dover NH

A Blue Hampster since 2007!

by: pdinardo @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:48:43 PM CDT

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Sounds like a No to me. (0.00 / 0)

boo.

by: davidmac2003 @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:47:13 PM CDT

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What a schizophrenic speech (4.00 / 1)

Now he says he'll vote yes.
Self-serving much?

by: davidmac2003 @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:48:49 PM CDT

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yay! (0.00 / 0)

He'll vote yes.

by: todd @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:48:26 PM CDT

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Sorry (0.00 / 0)

we're using my computer for the live stream so I missed the thread ... yes, Rep. Vaillancourt made us work for it, but he's supportive. This is great news.

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:49:31 PM CDT

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he will vote YES even though it's worse than before (0.00 / 0)

because basically this is the last chance to pass anything.

by: palerobber @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:48:22 PM CDT

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Rep. Vaillancourt will support the amendment! (4.00 / 1)

He doesn't like it - but says the alternative is worse.

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:48:16 PM CDT

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Before this is all final (4.00 / 1)

A BIG thank you to all you BHers. I am a NYers here following this issue closely. We need you guys for the momentum!

by: HarlemUSA @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:48:20 PM CDT

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what the hamilton? (0.00 / 0)

will the gentleman yield so we can get a vote?

by: palerobber @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:51:28 PM CDT

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:) (0.00 / 0)

Zandra Rice Hawkins (Granite State Progress)

by: Zandra Rice Hawkins @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:54:58 PM CDT

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Has the roll call actually started? (0.00 / 0)

Or are they still speaking???

by: HarlemUSA @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:54:54 PM CDT

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not yet (4.00 / 1)

no roll call yet, just poetic drama.

Paula M. DiNardo
Dover NH

A Blue Hampster since 2007!

by: pdinardo @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:56:31 PM CDT

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Thanks (0.00 / 0)

I'm at work here in NYC and I'm dying. We're close to getting this passed in NY. I think a positive outcome in NH helps us!!

by: HarlemUSA @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 14:58:09 PM CDT

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now (0.00 / 0)

final speaker, yippee!

Paula M. DiNardo
Dover NH

A Blue Hampster since 2007!

by: pdinardo @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:04:23 PM CDT

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Florida is (4.00 / 1)

cheering for you NH!

by: banshiii @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:00:26 PM CDT

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roll call starting n/t (0.00 / 0)

by: palerobber @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:08:59 PM CDT

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I'm dying. Barely getting any work done (0.00 / 0)

by: HarlemUSA @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:12:30 PM CDT

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pandamonium - passes 198-176 n/t (4.00 / 1)

by: palerobber @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:13:50 PM CDT

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OMG!! OMG!! OMG!! (4.00 / 1)

by: HarlemUSA @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:14:24 PM CDT

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WTF? (0.00 / 0)

What's this new motion? Forgive me, I know not what they do?

Paula M. DiNardo
Dover NH

A Blue Hampster since 2007!

by: pdinardo @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:15:15 PM CDT

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Parliamentary. (4.00 / 1)

Move to reconsider and fail to reconsider means the bill can never be recalled and brought up again in the chamber.

by: davidmac2003 @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:16:31 PM CDT

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Oh? (0.00 / 0)

lost my stream! is this good, or just putting it to a final rest forever??

Paula M. DiNardo
Dover NH

A Blue Hampster since 2007!

by: pdinardo @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:17:37 PM CDT

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Reconsideration failed (4.00 / 1)

So the bill is passed, permanently, and on its way to Lynch (via the speaker's desk to pick up HB 436 and HB 310 for the ride).

by: davidmac2003 @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:19:06 PM CDT

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WOOOHOOOO!!!! (4.00 / 2)

Way to go NH!!!!

"We Demand Rigidly Defined Areas of Doubt and Uncertainty" D. Adams

by: nonverbalcoma @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:14:42 PM CDT

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has lynch weighed in on the conference report yet? n/t (0.00 / 0)

by: palerobber @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:15:00 PM CDT

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Wow n/t (4.00 / 2)

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." Franklin D. Roosevelt

by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:16:04 PM CDT

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Now does it go back to the Senate, or is that it? n/t (0.00 / 0)

by: NH Ex-pat @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:16:30 PM CDT

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That's it (4.00 / 1)

It came from the conference committee already, and the senate voted this morning.

by: ThatTallGuy @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:18:51 PM CDT

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What was the final vote in the Senate? I missed it. n/t (0.00 / 0)

by: NH Ex-pat @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:20:20 PM CDT

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Senate vote (4.00 / 1)

14-10, same as last time.

THIS IS GREAT NEWS!!

by: Scott @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:22:05 PM CDT

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CONGRATS NH!!!!! (0.00 / 0)

by: smith @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:20:30 PM CDT

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LOL (0.00 / 0)

Y E A H New Hampshire !!!!!!!!

by: banshiii @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:22:16 PM CDT

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Governro signing (4.00 / 2)

Media Advisory: Governor to Sign Same-Sex Marriage Legislation

CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch will sign the same-sex legislation today at 5:15 p.m.

TIME: 5:15 p.m.

DATE: Wednesday, June 3, 2009

WHERE: Governor and Council Chambers
State House
Concord

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." Franklin D. Roosevelt

by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:33:21 PM CDT

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where did you get that info? n/t (0.00 / 0)

by: palerobber @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 15:36:40 PM CDT

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I'm on press lists n/t (0.00 / 0)

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." Franklin D. Roosevelt

by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 17:02:52 PM CDT

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Whoo! (0.00 / 0)

I was out getting a filling touched up right when this was happening, but I got back in time to catch the video of the voting and walk over to watch the signing. I had my Obama/Biden shirt on and a little American flag.

IT for John Lynch '04 and NHDP '08 - I'm liking my track record so far!

by: RealNRH @ Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 17:25:15 PM CDT

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Live Update from Rally at the State House | 64 comments

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