An electronic billboard along
Interstate 787 in Albany, New York urges state Senator Roy McDonald
to support gay marriage.
McDonald, who voted against a gay
marriage bill in 2009 as an assemblyman, now says he's on the fence.
He's
among the five Republicans who say they're rethinking their stance.
McDonald's district includes all of
Rensselaer and parts of Saratoga counties and was previously
represented by Joe Bruno. After retiring, Bruno publicly came out in
support of allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry.
Restauranteur Matt Baumgartner, who
owns Bombers Burrito Bar in Albany and Schenectady and Wolff's
Biergarten in Albany, put up the sign estimated to cost $4,000.
“This is the biggest, most public
political stance I've taken, but it's such an important issue and
it's so timely,” Baumgartner, who is openly gay, told
the Times Union.
“I certainly don't want to lose
customers because of it, but I'm willing to take that risk,” he
added. “The issue is too important.”
A spokesman for the 64-year-old
Republican told The Business Review that McDonald remained
undecided.
“Everyone wants a yes or no from him,
but the undecided tag is where he's at right now,” said Mike
Veitch.
Baumgartner has purchased the billboard
through June 20, the last day of the legislative session.