On the Campaign Trail with Ed Tibbetts

You may have heard already, but several thousand Republicans across the state have received robocalls featuring former Lt. Gov. Joy Corning supporting the same-sex marriage rights.

The call was done for One Iowa, the advocacy group that’s seeking to build support for the ruling.

Here’s the text:

“Hi, this is former Lieutenant Governor Joy Corning. Iowa has a well-deserved reputation for being open-minded and fair. That’s why I’m proud to be a supporter of One Iowa.  Our Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of civil marriage for committed gay and lesbian couples, continuing Iowa’s tradition of protecting the civil rights of all Iowans.  Please join with me to ensure that Iowa continues to move forward as a leader for fairness and equality.”

Of course, the call has turned into a problem for former Gov. Terry Branstad, who’s moving toward a bid for the GOP’s 2010 gubernatorial nomination. Corning was Branstad’s second for eight years and isn’t a favorite with social conservatives.

Bob Vander Plaats was quick to jump on the issue.

Also, the Iowa Family Policy Center says it’s a reminder “why it is such a bad idea to compromise with political figures who do not promote Iowa values,” a not so subtle dig at Branstad.

Tim Albrecht, a Branstad spokesman, tells the Des Moines Register, “what’s remarkable is, despite disagreement on this fundamental issue, Joy is willing to put that aside to support Governor Branstad.” The Register also said, however, that neither Albrecht nor a top aide would say how Branstad would vote if there were a referendum.

And just as I was finishing this post, I see The Iowa Republican has received a statement from the Branstad campaign, which answers that last question.

Here’s the statement:

“Governor Branstad supports the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman and is the only Iowa Governor to have signed the Defense of Marriage Act. He will work to break the legislative roadblock that prevents Iowans from having an opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Should such a constitutional amendment ever be placed on the ballot, Governor Branstad will vote yes on its passage.”