Maryland Dems Scrambling

Maryland Democrats have a problem on their hands. Last week a court threw out a ban on same sex marriage in that state, and the Dems are afraid that the GOP will capitalize on this event by putting a gay marriage ban amendment on the November ballot, thus motivating conservatives to come out and vote in big numbers:

Maryland Democrats concerned about the political fallout from last week's court ruling on same-sex marriage are considering a plan to block any final court ruling from taking effect until after the November elections.

The proposal would be offered in legislation by Del. Luiz R.S. Simmons (D-Montgomery) that would freeze any decision from the state's highest court until the General Assembly has time to evaluate it.

"What we're trying to do is see if we can craft a bill allowing the legislature to seek an injunction, at least until 2007, when we'll have the opportunity to consider a constitutional amendment" banning same-sex marriage, Simmons said.

Why wait? If the legislature feels that it is appropriate to amend the constitution to ban same-sex marriage, then wouldn't their principles demand that they get right on it and put it on the November ballot?

Of course not. That might help Republicans.

Although many Democrats, including Simmons, said they support the rights of gays and lesbians to marry, they also said they recognize that the ruling could hurt the party during key elections this year -- the governor's office and a U.S. Senate seat are at stake.

They said the ruling could galvanize Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s conservative base, increasing Election Day turnout for him and for Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele (R), who is running for U.S. Senate.

"I don't want to see the gubernatorial election, or any other election, tangled up in this issue," said Sen. Brian E. Frosh (D-Montgomery).

Republicans are planning an aggressive push to cement the state's ban on same-sex marriage in the Maryland Constitution, which would entail placing the issue on this year's ballot.

I don't know what the Dems are so upset about. I'll bet a majority of them support gay marriage, and if that's true, then they should stand up for what they believe and take their lumps if the voters don't agree. Dems are usually big fans of getting their agenda, which is often rejected by the majority of voters, enacted through the court system. They should love this ruling if they're being true to their beliefs. Trying to end-run the courts and "hide" the issue until after the election is cowardly at best.