Polikipedia.com

Alexi Giannoulias (photo:phantis.com)

The Sun Times reported Thursday that U.S. Senate candidate and current IL Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias said he favors legalization of same-sex marriage and, if elected, would seek to repeal a federal law that defines marriage as being between one man and one woman.  In the interview, Giannoulias went on to say that individual states should be able to decide for themselves whether they allow same-sex couples to marry, but that all states should be required to afford legal recognition to same-sex marriages performed in states where thy are sanctioned.

Giannoulias would also vote to repeal the U.S. military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act.

Since IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan opted out, Giannoulias has become the democrat’s front runner for the U.S. Senate seat once held by Barack Obama.  His support for same-sex marriages and the like are typical northern democrats running for statewide office.  In fact, as nationwide statistics show roughly half the country now supports same sex marriage rights and support likely to be higher in Illinois, Giannoulias cannot as a democrat over look this important issue.

So why is Giannoulias’ statement yesterday noteworthy?

First, while opposition to same sex marriage is strong among those over 40, according to the liberal Center for American Progress, 58% of voters born after 1978 stand in favor.  For a 33 year old candidate, this constituency is an obvious and logical base of support for which to target.

Second, if nominated for the general, Giannoulias’ outspoken support on of GLBT issues will cause GOP rival Mark Kirk to be asked about them.  Giannoulias will likely brand Kirk as a political opportunist with a voting history differnt than his campaign rhetoric.  And for good reason.  As Congressman Kirk campaigns in the GOP primary, he will be forced to explain the 75% rating given to him by the Human Rights Campaign, his votes to fund and enforce additional hate crimes laws, and his no vote for on the constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

Cong. Mark Kirk

Kirk’s campaign will attempt to blur those lines for Republicans, but it won’t be easy.  Conservatives are not particularly excited by Kirk’s senate candidacy and several conservative bloggers and activists are supporting protest candidates instead.

In 2010, Kirk’s best approach with conservatives will be on fiscal policy.  But Giannoulias knows both conservatives and the GLBT community won’t allow Kirk to skirt the gay marriage issue entirely. And if Kirk wavers, the Giannoulias team will be ready and waiting to launch flip flopper TV ads against him.