Top Republicans and Democrats Disagree on Ballot Timing

Top Republicans and Democrats give their reasons for wanting the same-sex marriage ban decided in August or November; at least the reasons they’ll discuss publicly. Republican leaders insist it’s not political. Senate leader Peter Kinder (R-Cape Girardeau) presents the party line: that a constitutional amendment on such a serious matter should be decided in the November election. It’s the same rationale House Speaker Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods (R-Warson Woods) gives. She says her motivation is to place the issue on the ballot that will attract the most voters. Both deny Republicans want the issue decided in November to drive conservative voters to the polls. Attorney General Jay Nixon, a Democrat, argues the issue should be decided at the earliest date possible, on the August primary. Nixon denies Democrats are worried the issue could hurt their candidates if placed on the November ballot.