Same-Sex Marriage GOP Senators Spending Big to Save Seats

Sen. Roy McDonald

The Republican state senators who voted yes on same-sex marriage have been spending heavily on their re-election campaigns, with three senators facing primary challenges on Sept. 13. Sen. Roy McDonald, facing a tough primary campaign against Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione after his vote “yes” on same-sex marriage, raised more than $50,000 in the final campaign finance report before his primary election next week. But the candidate also spent more than $227,000, including more than $100,000 on TV ads. Sen. Mark Grisanti, who also voted “yes” on the legislation, raised more than $17,000, according to the most recent filing, and spent more than $138,000. Sen. Steve Saland, the third senator running for re-election against a primary opponent after his gay marriage vote, spent more than $224,000 in the most recent campaign filing.