Same-sex marriage debate visits [Iowa] Capitol

The Hawk Eye ^ | 01/13/2010 | MIKE GLOVER

[iowamark]

Activists visit lawmakers as new session gears up.

DES MOINES -- Hundreds of activists headed to the Capitol on Tuesday to push their views on Iowa's same-sex marriage law despite Democratic legislative leaders' insistence there wasn't time to take up the issue during a session largely devoted to the budget.

Although the issue likely will be pushed aside as lawmakers focus on a large budget shortfall...

Opponents of the ruling -- many wearing red -- jammed the House chambers during Culver's speech...

As Culver left the chamber after his speech, some in the Rotunda chanted, "let us vote,"

Opponents later held a Statehouse rally organized by the socially conservative Iowa Family Policy Center.

...the PAC endorsed Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats for governor and took a swipe at GOP candidate Terry Branstad, a four-term governor seeking to return to office...

"We are particularly impressed with his willingness to stand up to a rogue Supreme Court who has somehow thought they can make laws," said Danny Carroll, a former legislator policy center board member.

In an endorsement sprinkled with biblical references, Carroll said only Vander Plaats has met the group's standard.

"It's time to put principles, biblical principles, before political parties," said Carroll, referring to many party insiders' support for Branstad...

Branstad has higher name recognition than his rivals, after serving 16 years as governor, but Carroll dismissed that...

Vander Plaats told the several hundred activists gathered at the rally that he was "humbled and inspired" by the endorsement.

Tim Albrecht, a Branstad spokesman, said the former governor's record on marriage issues is clear.

"Governor Branstad signed the defense of marriage act into law," Albrecht said. "Given the opportunity he would do so again. He favors a vote of the people."

[iowamark]

The Iowa people would welcome a chance to vote on defining marriage but the Democrat Gov. Culver and Legislature are blocking a vote.

[iowamark]

Culver skirts gay marriage at Capitol while unveiling priorities

Luv Iowa — short for “Let Us Vote” — protests on the west steps of the Iowa Statehouse on Tuesday.

[Sir Francis Dashwood]

Let’s see...

We have millions of people who voted against this bullshiite.

We are at war.

We have increasing threats of terrorism.

All these people are worried about is their little wee wees???

[fwdude]

Sorry, you Iowan's, but first you'll have to vote out the leftists in your legislature. If you keep sending them back to office, this will indicate your marriage vote.

What's the upcoming election looking like in IA? Any promising conservative contenders?

[iowamark]

I don’t know if Republicans will be able to retake the Legislature. The Legislature always depends on a handful of very close races and, in recent years, the Democrats are better organized and funded. There is an excellent chance that Governor Culver will be defeated.