Kenneth Sherrill, a Hunter College political science professor who studies the habits of gay voters, said the historic nature of her campaign would ultimately resonate with gay voters.

WSJ: New York City Council Speaker Quinn Faces Resistance

She's "able to find the median voter and represent the median voter, " whether in her Manhattan district or among council members, retired Hunter College political scientist Kenneth Sherrill said.

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The Dunham's, who live in the small town of Sherrill in upstate New York, said their thoughts were with Jason when the president handed them the medal, a bronze star hanging from a sky blue ribbon.

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"The opposition in the gay community to Quinn comes partly from a group of progressive activists who are somewhat on the left of the Democratic Party, and who find her insufficiently progressive on a wide number of issues, " Mr. Sherrill said.

WSJ: New York City Council Speaker Quinn Faces Resistance