Political Quick Hits: May 11th Edition
Here’s your weekly quick look at few developing stories in the political arena:
- President Obama said on Wednesday that he supports same-sex marriage, becoming the first sitting President to state that he is in favor of marriage equality. President Obama once opposed same-sex marriages, but previously said his views have been “evolving.” Presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, stuck by his beliefs on Wednesday saying, “I believe marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman.”
- Also in same-sex marriage news, North Carolina voters passed a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships on Tuesday. Amendment One says “marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.” (Washington Post)
- In more Tuesday election news, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett won the Democratic primary to face controversial Republican Gov. Scott Walker in a rare recall election on June 5th. Also, Republican Sen. Dick Lugar, the longest-serving senator in Indiana history, lost his primary to Tea Party member Richard Mourdock on Tuesday. Lugar’s departure could further polarize a divided Congress since he is known for his extensive work on bipartisan foreign policy matters.
- Finally, Senate Republicans blocked a student loan rate freeze this week. The vote was 52-45 to take up the bill, which is six short of what is needed. Senate Republicans and Democrats are still trying to negotiate a compromise; at the center of discussions is how to offset the $6 billion it would cost to keep the rates low. More than 7.4 million students’ loan interest rates will double unless Congress acts before July 1st 2012. (Bloomberg)
