Wisconsin & Maryland May Allow Gay Marriage

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has indicated that they will review a 2006 ballot initiative that banned same sex marriage this fall, when their new term begins. If overturned, gay and lesbian couples would be able to marry in the state. There is little early indication on how the state Supreme Court will rule. However, it appears that Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle has written provisions into the new state budget that would allow same-sex partners to register with the state for "part of the legal benefits now given to married couples." [FULL STORY HERE]

Also, in the state of Maryland, state Senator Brian Frosh (D-Montgomery County) has announced a plan to co-sponsor legislation allowing same sex marriage with Senator Richard Madaleno (D-Montgomery County), early next year. [FULL STORY HERE]

RNC Elects First Black Chairman

Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele has been elected to a two-year term as the head of the Republican National Committee. Steele, although conservative, was the most moderate of the five candidates for the seat, and is the first African American to head the GOP organizing machine. Steele said, shortly after his victory, "We're going to say to friend and foe alike: 'We want you to be a part of us, we want you to be with us.' And for those who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked over. There is not one inch of ground that we're going to cede to anybody. This is the dawn of a new party moving in a new direction with strength and conviction."