Brownback and Davis
JOHN HANNA, AP Political Writer
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The re-emergence of gay marriage as a hot legal issue nationally has complicated Democrat Paul Davis’ bid in Kansas to unseat conservative Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.
Davis has represented a safely Democratic seat as a Kansas House member and voted three times in 2004 and 2005 against proposals to ban gay marriage in the state constitution. Voters amended the constitution in 2005.
But Davis is avoiding a public declaration of support for gay marriage.
His chances of defeating Brownback depend upon winning support from disaffected Republicans and unaffiliated voters. Davis’ foes could more easily paint him as a liberal if he explicitly supports gay marriage.
Also, a declaration could raise doubts for voters with some conservative religious views who otherwise might be receptive to his message on fiscal issues.