The four New York state Republican senators who helped push same-sex marriage across the finish line now are getting help in what may be tough re-election battles. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave each senator $10,300, the maximum amount of campaign contributions,
The Daily Caller reported.
Recipients of the funds are Sens. James Alesi, Mark Grisanti, Roy McDonald, and Stephen Saland. The vote last month to approve gay marriage in the Republican-led chamber was 33-29, and Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the measure into law shortly thereafter.
Bloomberg, a billionaire who was a Democrat until 2001, then a Republican until 2007, and now is an independent, had indicated before the vote that he would support Republicans who backed the bill.
The extra funds may be needed.
New York Conservative Party leader Michael Long said after the vote that the four would not be allowed to use the Conservative Party line on the ballot, and they may face primary challenges. Grisanti is not taking the challenge lying down. He raised more than $150,000 in the second quarter for his reelection run with about $50,000 come from same-sex marriage advocates, according to the Caller.
© 2013 Newsmax. All rights reserved.