NY1 Exclusive: Eight Undecided State Senators Would Cast Deciding Votes On Gay Marriage

By: Nick Reisman

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An exclusive NY1-Capitol Tonight tally finds that eight of 62 state senators -- five Republicans and two Democrats -- are still undecided on the issue of same-sex marriage, and how they vote will determine the future of the measure. Nick Reisman filed the following report for NY1.

The fate of same-sex marriage passing in the State Senate is up to eight undecided voters according to an exclusive NY1-Capitol Tonight tally. So far, 28 senators have said they are opposed to gay marriage, and 26 are for it.

Among those on the fence is Republican Senator Jim Alesi, who says he has made up his mind, but refuses to say how he will vote.

"We haven't seen a bill. I think I know the concept of the bill pretty well. I have explained before I am not going to declare how my vote will come out this year," Alesi said last week.

Seven of the eight undecided senators voted "no" when the bill was last up for a vote in 2009.

Republican Senator Greg Ball, another of the undecided politicians, was in the State Assembly at the time, and voted "no" on the measure.

To see where your senator stands on the NY1-Capitol Tonight Same-Sex Marriage Vote Tracker, drag the map of a state region to the middle of the webpage and click on the individual senate district.

Senators who say they are voting no, like Republican Tom Libous, are highlighted in yellow. "Yes" votes, like Neil Breslin of Albany, are colored purple.

Republican Senator Roy McDonald's office confirmed today he is undecided as to whether he will vote "yes" or "no," and that is why his district is colored gray.

You can also click on "Find A Senator," either by typing in the senator's last name or scrolling through the senate districts.

The five other undecided senators are three Democrats -- Senators Shirley Huntley, Joe Addabbo and Carl Kruger -- and two Republicans, Senators Stephen Saland and Kemp Hannon.

Governor Andrew Cuomo says he will not submit a bill legalizing same-sex marriage until he is sure enough votes in the senate are available.

The stakes are high this year for a successful vote, since it is unlikely the measure will be pushed next year when all 212 state lawmakers are up for re-election.

As lawmakers change their votes, the Same-Sex Marriage Vote Tracker will be updated.