From Manhattan BP's Office via William Alatriste

Strange bedfellows indeed.

Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn--both top contenders in the mayor's race--will join forces next month for a fundraiser to support same-sex marriage in the state of Maryland.

Also on the marquee that night is Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, who as we have written about, has emerged as a top rival to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the early jockeying for the 2016 presidential race.  And the candidates record on gay marriage is expected to play a major role in that Democratic primary.

Same-sex marriage passed the legislature in Maryland, but  it's up for a referendum in November, and both sides are marshaling major resources for the fight. 

The event is at the home of Renee Cafaro, a political strategist who recently hosted a "Women for Stringer" event headlined by Debra Winger. 

Writes Ms. Cafaro:

Dear Friend, 

 

I am reaching out to you about a very important event that I am hosting at my home at The Plaza Hotel on September 12th with Maryland Governor O'Malley, Manhattan Borough President Stringer and Speaker Quinn to protect the gay marriage bill from being overturned this November. 

 

As you may know, Maryland passed a gay marriage law that is to take effect January 2013. That is now under attack by a conservative group who has set forth on a ballot initiative to overturn the the legislature's decision. They are pouring tons of money into this hate-filled, anti-equality mission, so my friends in the DC area asked me to help them raise money to protect the gay marriage bill. 

We organized against Prop 8 in California and now Maryland needs our help! Don't let this law be overturned! Help us fight back! 

All donations should be made out to "Marylanders of Marriage Equality" or online: https://secure.mdfme.org/page/contribute/nyc4me

We can also accept corporate checks should you choose to do so.Tickets start at $200 or for young professionals, $75 so if you have friends who may be interested in attending, please feel free to share the invite.

Even if you can't join us at the event, please consider donating or signing up to be on host committee. Every penny counts and we are aiming to raise a minimum of $25,000 with this event to ensure Maryland has the money they kneed to defend gay marriage!!

Thanks so much for your consideration and help!

All the best,

Renee Cafaro