Summary: <p>BALLOT BOX BATTLES: SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: Last month, gay rights activists successfully lobbied the Democratic Party's platform committee to endorse "marriage equality" for the first time. But voters will ultimately decide whether same-sex marriage becomes the law of the land in states across the country. The issue goes before Maryland voters this fall, as they consider a ballot initiative on the state's same-sex marriage law. Earlier this year, voters in North Carolina approved a constitutional amendment to ban the practice. We chat with advocates and legislators from both states about the dynamics of the issue. (24 min.) MONEY AND PARTIES IN CHARLOTTE: From late-night receptions to tea parties, golf tournaments to boat rides, there's a lot of partying in Charlotte this week — outside the convention hall. Kojo explores which groups are throwing parties and who they're inviting as they seek to influence Democratic Party politics. (18 min.)</p>
