The GOP and Gay Marriage: Let's Get it Straight

Maine leaped to the right side of history today with the passage of a gay-marriage bill through legislative channels. I'm impressed with the momentum of the LGBT movement post-Iowa, and it looks likely that advocates will reach their goal of marriage equality throughout New England by 2012.

What's overblown is all this talk, from Meghan McCain to Jon Huntsman, of the Republican Party "embracing" gay marriage. Not taken into account is what is sure to be a brutal 2012 primary decided largely by Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. In a recent poll, only 3 percent of Iowa Republicans found candidates who favored gay marriage appealing. And does anyone seriously think Huntsman has a shot at the GOP nomination? Republican primary voters in early 2012 states are too conservative for him, and he's the governor of Utah!

More likely than the GOP endorsing gay marriage is that 2012 candidates will be racing to support "traditional families" the most. (Huckabee may get super-duper-married, instead of just super-married.) It's gonna get really ugly, further regionalizing the party and peeling away young voters.

Lead by the Huckabees, Palins and Gingriches of the party, opposing gay marriage will be a cornerstone of the 2012 Republican candidates. We haven't heard the worst yet.

Originally posted on The Hill's Pundit Blog.

2012 Watch

Mike Huckabee

During the 2008 primary campaign I though of Huckabee as a sweet, misguided guy. But, now he's getting on my nerves. Huckabee sent an e-mail to his supporters saying: “The dust is settling on the ‘bipartisan’ stimulus bill and one thing is clear: It is anti-religious.”

Huckabee, a minister, cites wording that doesn't allow higher education funds in the bill from being used on a “school or department of divinity.”

In 2008, Mike Huckabee won the Iowa Caucuses, propelling him into the spotlight. He's going after the same voters Palin will need in '12.

Bobby Jindal

Although Bobby Jindal has expressed doubts about running against Obama in 2012, he's taking him on now. Jindal will deliver the GOP response after Obama's address to a joint session of Congress on February 24th.

House Minority Leader John Boehner said that Jindal was chosen because of his "commitment to bringing forth new and innovative ideas." Jindal is a creationist, an idea I wouldn't call either new or innovative.

Part of my continuing series, 2012 Watch.

My Funny ’Conservative’ Friend

My funny GOP friend Jammy and I were chatting on AIM.

rjdavismd2 (1:44:37 PM): you're a registered republican right?
burgwithonions (1:44:52 PM): yes I am
rjdavismd2 (1:45:21 PM): who would you vote for
burgwithonions (1:45:56 PM): at first I was going to register as independent but I wouldn't be able to vote
burgwithonions (1:45:59 PM): Ron Paul of course
rjdavismd2 (1:46:09 PM): oh fun
rjdavismd2 (1:46:10 PM): you should vote
burgwithonions (1:47:38 PM): yeah, I like him. A lot better than the other republicans
burgwithonions (1:47:42 PM): I wish he would get more attention
rjdavismd2 (1:47:52 PM): he's my favorite racist candidate for sure
burgwithonions (1:49:21 PM): hah, well I think Hillary is my favorite racist candidate, if only she was republican
rjdavismd2 (1:50:11 PM): She's run a more racist campaign than anyone but Mike Huckabee.
burgwithonions (1:52:20 PM): Mike Huckabee is the worst, but she's just as bad.

Anyone think he's wrong? I don't.