The vote on gay marriage in New York State may be just a day away. The issue, as would be expected, is tearing Republicans apart in the State Capitol.  Anyone voting for gay marriage will automatically lose the Conservative Party line, and that easily can cost a legislator his career.

Two Republican state senators, James Alesi (R-Monroe) and Roy McDonald (R-Saratoga), have now crossed over to support the bill. They will pay for it at election time.  But we elect people to vote their consciences, right? Even in the face of adversity and personal anguish.

Republicans like McDonald have worked closely with the Conservative Party for decades.  Its leaders are his friends and steadfast supporters. Breaking with them over such an emotionally-charged issue must be extremely difficult.

Whether you support gay marriage or not — I do — I hope you can recognize McDonald’s courage in this State of Politics interview today. His is the face of bravery.