The Wash Post reveals that the Republicans are intentionally promoting gay marriage bans in the states to help Bush in the November election. The idea is that slapping gays appeals to the conservative base and thus helps increase their turn out in the fall election (i.e., offer anti-gay ballot initiatives and the fundies turn out in droves). It really is an incredibly crass position by the Republicans. I mean, it's bad enough when they gay bash because they hate gays, but at least you can respect them a little bit (kind of) for doing something based on conviction, however bigoted that conviction is. But these marriage bans are coming up for votes in the states because Republicans know they increase turnout when they bash gays. Why the hell isn't this causing a bigger stink?
A judge ruled Friday that Missouri's secretary of state does not have to set a vote on a same-sex marriage ban for August -- a victory for Republicans hoping for a November date.
The ruling could complicate campaign efforts for Democrats, including senator and presidential candidate John F. Kerry (Mass.) and Gov. Bob Holden, in this swing state....
Some political observers believe that a large turnout of conservative voters drawn to the polls by the ban on gay marriage could provide Republicans with the winning margin in Missouri.
