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President’s Support Fuels Ohio Gay Marriage Debate

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President Barack Obama's statements in support of gay marriage immediately stirred political ripples across Ohio, raising questions about whether it could emerge as a decisive issue in the swing state.

The leader of a conservative group that promoted the passage of a 2004 amendment aimed at banning gay marriage says Obama's position could help rally support for Republican MittPresident Barack Obama's statements in support of gay marriage immediately stirred political ripples across Ohio, raising questions about whether it could emerge as a decisive issue in the swing state.

The leader of a conservative group that promoted the passage of a 2004 amendment aimed at banning gay marriage says Obama's position could help rally support for Republican Mitt Romney. Phil Burress of Citizens for Community Values predicts it will cost Obama Ohio and other states with voter-approved marriage amendments.

The 2004 ban was credited with increasing Christian evangelical turnout, giving President George W. Bush crucial votes to win re-election by carrying Ohio.

Democrat Chris Seelbach, the first openly gay Cincinnati city councilman, says feelings are changing about gay marriage and supporters will be energized to work for Obama.