Dem Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney to marry partner

HENRY C. JACKSON

WASHINGTON (AP) — Freshman congressman Sean Patrick Maloney plans to marry his longtime partner, who proposed over Christmas.

The New York Democrat released a statement on Tuesday with partner Randy Florke. They say after 21 years together they're excited to take the next step and share a special day with family.

Florke's proposal came after one of their adopted children, 11-year-old Essie, wrote to Santa wishing for her parents to be married.

Maloney will be one of two members of Congress married to a same-sex partner. Democratic congressman Mark Pocan of Wisconsin is also in a same-sex marriage.

In 2012, then-congressman Barney Frank of Massachusetts became the first member of Congress to marry his same-sex partner.

Maloney represents the 18th congressional district, about 50 miles north of New York City.