May 1, 2012 Legislative Update Raleigh, NC

As you turn the page on your calendar today to May, prepare for a lively month in NorthCarolina politics! Early voting has already started and will continue through this Saturday. Then the polls will open again at 6:30 a.m. on the official primary election day, Tuesday, May8. Whether you are voting in the Republican or Democratic primary, your ballot will likely be along one. If you live in Mecklenburg County, I recommend going to the elections boardwebsite and taking a look at your sample ballot, so you can make your decisions before youget to the voting booth. If you are seeking guidance in the non-partisan District Court judgeraces, I would personally suggest checking out the voter guide at the Mecklenburg GOPwebsite. For a lot of people, I know the item on the ballot that they’ll spend the most timecontemplating is the Marriage Amendment. When I consider this important issue, my firstconcern is whether or not government has an interest in defining or protecting marriage. Afterreviewing the data, I believe that government does have a legitimate interest in the health andwelfare of future generations of Americans -- in much the same way it has an interest inmaking sure all children are educated. As the mother of biological, adoptive and foster children, I know many different types offamilies can be successful. But because social science research still indicates that growingup in a committed biological family with one mother and one father is best for children, I respectfully believe the traditional marriage definition is the only one that should have theendorsement of government. Therefore, I will be voting FOR the amendment. I also don’t believe passage of the amendment will have the dire legal consequences thatopponents have predicted. We haven’t seen such negative results in the 30 other states thathave approved similar measures and there is little reason to expect North Carolina will be anexception. I recognize that this is a highly sensitive issue, and I am pleased that the debate has beenmostly respectful in tone. My hope is that it will remain that way in the final week leading up toMay 8.

Just over a week after the vote, the legislative session will begin in Raleigh and -- unlike theprimary election ballot -- it won’t be a long one. In the month or so that it’s expected to last,our main focus will be on stimulating job creation and adjusting the budget. So if youhave any questions or issues you’d like to see addressed, please contact me as soon aspossible. Our legislative deadlines will be here soon! And so will Mother's Day! Don't forget that on May 13. In your service, Ruth

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Friends of Ruth Samuelson1432 Ferncliff RoadCharlotte, North Carolina 28211US