How GOP’s division over gay rights affects party’s top ticket in Illinois

[davidinalameda]

http://www.dailyherald.com/politics/ele_story.asp?id=189176

The symbolic gay marriage ban question that appears headed for the November ballot is bound to spark many a heated debate throughout the state.

There’s one place the gay rights issue already has been vigorously argued: the top of the Republican statewide ticket. Governor nominee Judy Baar Topinka opposes asking voters whether marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman. Her running mate Joe Birkett, however, backs it.

Birkett, the DuPage County state’s attorney, isn’t afraid to tell you why he thinks the referendum question is a necessary part of a push to change the Illinois Constitution. And Topinka, the state treasurer, isn’t afraid to tell him why she thinks he’s wrong.

That was apparent before the March primary when the two appeared before the Daily Herald editorial board and Birkett opined that the courts would be in turmoil if gay marriage is recognized


but I'm sure that she won't be too upset if it passes

[Xeric]

1. Illinois politics is up in the air

Should be interesting to see if she shows up for the Pride Parade this year, as she has done in the past.
There's also the possiblity that "Rev." James Meeks, a homophobic black preacher bigot, may run as a third party. Will he siphon off more votes from the Dems or the Reps? Will the fundies vote for him? Nobody knows for sure.
Gov. Blagojevich has been pro-gay and deserves support. Topinka isn't the worst Repuke in the pack but her running mate is conservative and she's been backpedaling furiously.
We're fighting the ballot amendment here. Looks like there is a possiblity to get it thrown off. The bigots didn't manage to get as many signatures as they had hoped for. The repukes are hoping this will energize the crackpot base.