Gay marriage issue dooms (Pa.) Gov. Tom Corbett
Gil Smart at Smart Remarks:
When I saw Judge John E. Jones IIIs ruling yesterday (and read it; its amazingly eloquent), my first thought was: Heh.
Heres a Republican judge appointed by George W. Bush whose nomination was supported by Rick freaking Santorum (thats his full legal name, right? Rick Freaking Santorum?) writing that We are a better people than what these [anti-gay marriage] laws represent, and it is time to discard them into the ash heap of history.
Again: A Republican saying this.
Goodnight, my fundagelical friends. Please turn off the lights as the last one of you leaves the room.
My second thought was: Boy, Gov. Corbetts screwed.
If Corbett appeals the ruling hes got 30 days to do so itll be cheered by the GOPs Pennsyltucky base. But the quiet exodus of more moderate, pro-business Republicans from his camp will intensify; and then, the general election between Corbett and Democrat Tom Wolf becomes about gay marriage.
Corbett may be many things but I dont think hes dumb about this.To continue to oppose this now puts him on the wrong side of history. He gets that; so if he does appeal, itll be for purely political reasons.
But if he doesnt appeal then the Pennsyltucky base deserts him. Because if hes not going to stand against this, what can they trust him to stand against?