Gay Marriage Ruling could have impact on fall elections in Md.

[nickshepDEM]

A judge's decision that Maryland's definition of marriage is unconstitutional sent ripples through the State House yesterday, with politicians speculating about its impact on fall elections that are already shaping up as a defining battle between Democrats and Republicans.

A revival of the dormant but divisive issue of gay marriage has the potential to rally conservative-leaning voters in an election year, political experts said.

If the discussion leads to a constitutional amendment on the fall ballot prohibiting gay marriage - as some lawmakers want - Republican candidates such as Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., who is seeking re-election, and Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, would be helped most, observers said.

"It's a turnout generator for Republican-leaning voters," said Brad Coker, managing director of Mason-Dixon Polling & Research of Washington. "There are conservative voters who are strictly presidential voters. They don't consistently turn out for state and local elections. Those marginal voters, if this issue is on the ballot, it's something that could bring them out."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.politics21jan21,1,4372808.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines

[DaveinMD]

1. in Maryland

there just aren't as many of these voters. I'm not terribly worried about it.