In Washington …
President Barack Obama has announced he will extend federal benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. From the Associated Press:
Obama plans to announce his decision [later Wednesday]. The move is a political nod to a reliably Democratic voting bloc that in recent weeks has grown frustrated with the White House’s slow movement on their priorities. … Several powerful gay fundraisers withdrew their support from a June 25 Democratic National Committee event where Vice President Joe Biden is expected to speak.
If you’ll recall, on the campaign trail, Obama was a soldier for gay rights. Now that he’s in office, people are dismayed, accusing him of going back on his word by supporting policies he previously criticized.
The extent of the federal coverage wasn’t available this morning, but will probably be announced later today.
