Presidential Candidates Weigh in on CA Ballot Measure

Both presidential contenders Sen. Barak Obama and Sen. John McCain are weighing in on California’s proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting gay and lesbian couples from marrying.

Citing his belief that marriage is between a man and a woman, the Sacramento Bee reported that Sen. McCain expressed his support for the November ballot measure, but the initiative’s backers say they will only tout McCain’s endorsement rather than asking him to actively campaign for the ballot measure. On the other hand, in a letter to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, Sen. Obama expressed his opposition to the initiative, calling it “discriminatory” and “divisive.”

So far, media outlets have accurately reported on the candidate’s positions, including some cursory analysis of how the proposed amendment could impact Sen. McCain’s campaign. What remains to be seen is deeper analysis examining how Sen. Obama’s opposition to the amendment will impact voters in the fall. The media should look at whether Sen. Obama will spark record voter turnout in California as he did in other states during the primaries and also examine how his increased outreach to people of faith will impact voting on the ballot measure.

Paul Karr is Director of Media Field Strategy.

(Photo credit: Sacramento Bee)