Earlier today, I posted an article on how the strategy for defeating marriage amendments is changing by the telling of personal stories. Here is a great article that talks about how personal stories have had an impact on both democrats and republicans.

• New Jersey Senator, Republican Diane Allen was one of two Republicans who voted for marriage equality due to the stories she heard with anti-bullying legislation
• Washington Governor, Democrat, Chris Gregoire publicly backed a same-sex marriage bill “after years of being torn between her Catholic faith and a commitment to equality.” Her endorsement helped pass the bill
• Maryland Delegate Wade Kach, conservative, shared how he was moved by the story of a pastor and his partner who had fought cancer only to have it return; the connection and support they shared for each other had impacted his vote
• House of Representatives, Republican, Maureen Walsh spoke about how one day she wants to see her lesbian daughter get married. Walsh received an outpouring of support, but it was this story that made an impact on her:

  “My daughter got a text from a young girl after I gave my speech that said, ‘Will you please thank your mother? My mother hasn’t talked to me for three years since I came out to her. My mom called me and told me she loved me tonight,’” Walsh said.

In all of these cases, personal stories changed hearts and minds. This year, in Minnesota, let’s ensure our personal stories do the same thing. I know we can defeat this thing – because we’re the friends, family, co-workers and neighbors of those who will vote this NOvember. We can do this, but only if we do it together.