Somber scene among same-sex marriage backers

The cautious optimism of same-sex supporters who gathered at Holiday Inn by the Bay Tuesday night turned into concern as the results swung to the Yes vote. While music continued to play from a DJ, there were concerned looks as couples hugged, held and cried while watching results.

Portland couple Ray Dumont and Rodney Mondor said they appreciated the emotion and support of others Tuesday evening.

Dumont said while the same-sex marriage law may fall, the world won't come to an end for their family. "We're not going away tomorrow, the sky's not gonna fall," he said. "We're still a family."

Mondor, who counts himself as a veteran of many gay equality campaigns in Maine, said what they've learned is that educating Mainers and getting to know gay couples is what will ultimately make a difference in achieving marriage equality.

As their 9-year-old son Ethan hugged his leg, Dumont said "the more people know us the more they'll realize we're just a family."

Jesse Connolly, the campaign manager for No on 1, told the audience shortly before 12:30 a.m. that they knew the vote would be close and they would be watching and tracking votes all night.

Standing in front of a group of supporters, some with red eyes, Connolly did not concede. He said they've got a growing base of supporters and the issue of equal marriage rights is not going away.

"We'll be here, we'll be fighting, we will regroup," Connolly said. "This is about love, commitment and family. We'll stay the course."

As the No on 1 leaders left the stage and the crowd looked around at each other, a representative from the Holiday Inn stepped on stage and said into the mic, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have to do last call at the bar. if you want a drink, get it now."