I noted in late December that Iowa wingnuts are planning to make major noise against marriage equality at the opening of the legislature on January 12 when Governor Chet Culver delivers a a speech to the legislature. But they know there's nothing they can do about it this year:
“There's just no chance at all,” said Jeff Angelo,
a former Republican state senator from Creston. “Democratic leaders
have really put themselves out there and said they are not going to
allow a vote, so it won't happen. I think Republicans know that.”
The Iowa Independent reports: "…even though a ban won't pass, gay marriage opponents should still hold their rallies, give their speeches and show up at legislative forums throughout the state, Angelo said. Even attempting to attach it to other bills, as was done last year, is a good strategy, because it forces the issue into the spotlight.
“This is about starting early in the battle for the hearts and minds of the public,” he said. 'That's why what they are doing will be important.'
The only way an amendment can ever be passed is if Democrats are voted out of office, said Kevin Hall, a conservative blogger and Republican strategist from Des Moines. So those who oppose same-sex marriage should be working to get Republicans elected in November."
