Once again, pro-LGBT forces have significantly out-fundraised their opponents in the battle over same-sex marriage in Minnesota, with strong support from Southwest Minneapolis residents.
In the first six months of 2012, area residents gave over $221,000 to the campaign to defeat a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage. The amendment goes before voters in elections this November.
Only one Southwest Minneapolis resident donated money—$150—to the coalition of groups pushing for the amendment, which would supplant a similar law already in force in the state. The amendment would make it harder for future legislatures to legalize same-sex marriage.
Of the thousands who donated, only a few hundred were from Southwest Minneapolis, but the large numbers of donations below $500 highlighted the issue's broad support locally. It's a trend that's reflected throughout the campaign finance reports of Minnesotans United for All Families, the chief anti-amendment group. According to MinnPost:
Bill Morris, principal of the Minneapolis polling concern Decision Resources, said the number of modest donors who have given to Minnesotans United suggests it is in fact building an effective campaign organization, something that’s important on an emotional issue many strategists think will be decided by personal outreach.
“I’m amazed at what they’ve raised in a short period of time,” he said. “It’s impressive.”
Minnesotans United raised a hair under $2.7 million in cash and just over $460,000 in in-kind donations. Their principal opponents at Minnesota For Marriage only pulled in about $588,000 in cash.
Notable local donors include several members of the Pohlad family, including Linden Hills resident James Pohlad. Pohlad and his two brothers together gave over $300,000 to oppose the amendment. The Pohlads own or have significant stakes in many well-known Minnesota businesses, including the Minnesota Twins.
Local eateries Cafe Barbette and also donated to Minnesotans United. Barbette gave $250, while Butter donated $131 in unspecified goods and services.
