The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) and the FAMiLY LEADER have announced an independent expenditure in support Cindy Golding, the Republican in Iowa’s special Senate election in District 18. The seat could change the balance of power in the state Senate — Democrats have a 25-24 advantage, and Gloding’s victory would tie the chamber at 25 — and potentially allow conservatives to push through a constitutional amendment outlawing the state’s marriage equality. The groups’ flyer:
The Leader came under intense criticism earlier this year for asking the presidential candidates to sign a controversial 14-point marriage fidelity pledge. The document caused a rift within the Republican party and led several GOP insiders and 2012 presidential candidates to raise concerns about the group’s extreme conservative ideology and social beliefs. Aside from asking the party to affirm that homosexuality is a choice and that African American children enjoyed stronger families during the period of slavery, the group’s president — three-time failed gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats — has also been caught suggesting that President Obama was born in Kenya and breaking out in laughter at an offensive anti-gay joke.
Golding herself has not yet endorsed a constitutional ban against same-sex marriage and is instead focusing on jobs and the economy.
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