Iowans’ money returned to state in campaign

Before The Gazette continues its pity party about being on the wrong side of history in the judicial retention vote, a number of facts need to be considered.

First, before bemoaning the involvement of special interest groups in this vote, I recommend that you check the campaign contributions received by Democrats in the last 10 years or so. You will find large donations by gay rights activists from outside the state, both groups and individuals, including Tim Gill.

Second, money that was sent to Iowa by groups active in this cause, such as the American Family Association and National Organization for Marriage, was, at least in part, a return of money that was contributed to them by Iowans.

And third, activism on this vote wouldn't have been needed if soon-to-be-former Gov. Chet Culver hadn't reneged on a campaign promise to defend traditional marriage and if statehouse leadership hadn't blocked attempts to introduce a constitutional amendment defining marriage by its traditional definition, thus denying Iowans the right to vote.

Debra Reiman

Mount Vernon