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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 R-71 ahead, I-1033 behind in early election returns By Jerry Cornfield Herald Writer A law granting same-sex couples the same rights as married couples was faring well with voters in initial returns but Tim Eyman’s latest initiative to limit government consumption of tax dollars was not. Voters were approving Referendum 71 by a margin of 52.4 percent to 47.6 percent. Early results had the referendum being rejected but the tide turned with the infusion of votes from King and Snohomish Counties. Snohomish County voters were approving the referendum – and thus supporting the law –51.5 percent to 48.5 percent. Island County voters also were approving the referendum. Referendum 71 asked voters to keep or discard the law passed earlier this year that would give state registered domestic partners all the rights and benefits enjoyed by married couples under state law. Most of the state's 6,284 domestic partnerships are same-sex couples. This law was dubbed the “everything but marriage” law because it would make same-sex couples legally indistinguishable from married couples under state law. Eyman's Initiative 1033 was narrowly failing with those initial counties reporting. Initiative 1033 aims to curb government spending by limiting the amount of tax dollars collected each year by cities, counties and the state. Money collected above this annual cap would go into a separate account and be used to lower property tax payments the next year. Opponents of Initiative 1033 mounted one of the most expensive campaigns ever run against a statewide ballot measure Fueled by big donations from unions representing teachers, public employees and health care workers, the No on 1033 campaign raked in $3.48 million as of Tuesday. That's nearly six times more than what the Mukilteo initiative promoter collected. If opponents spend it all, it will be the fifth largest sum spent to try to defeat an initiative in state history. READER COMMENTS Log in or register to post new comment | Log out (No heading) Suck it, bigots. There is no room for hatred in this state. R N | Nov 4, 2009 6:39 am | 2 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal R71 I'm disgusted by the people of Washington state. They are nothing but cool-aid drinking Lemmings. I'm sure next on the ballot will be equal rights for Bi-sexuals. They will want the right to marry one man and one woman. Then, let's not forget group-sex fanatics who will want to have multiple marriages. What the heck, let's just let people marry animals while we're at it. You people make me sick. I feel sorry for your children who will grow up in this twisted environment with a sick view of life. I can't believe the people of this state vote to pass a law that caters to .01% of the total population. This is only the beginning for the sick, twisted, liberals who are determined to destroy traditional values, tear down our country, and eliminate our liberties. Edward Perez | Nov 4, 2009 5:43 am | 2 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal REF.71 Mr. Partridge: Please take Mr. Perez with you to Texas. I stand disappointed in the results of Ref. 71, as I was hoping for 100% approval. One step at a time. Today we celebrate another step closer to civil rights for all adults. And another step further from ignorance. cynthia worthen | Nov 4, 2009 5:55 am | 3 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal (No heading) TIME TO MOVE TO TEXAS!!!!! Scott Partridge | Nov 4, 2009 12:25 am | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal

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