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Iowa GOP to focus on jobs, not gay marriage
Iowa Republicans say state spending and jobs will take precedence over social issues such as gay marriage during the upcoming legislative session.
Although many Republicans strongly oppose the court-mandated legalization of gay marriage in Iowa, House Speaker-elect Kraig Paulsen says he thinks voters are most concerned about reducing the size of government and creating jobs.
Tim Albrecht, a spokesman for Gov.-elect Terry Branstad agrees, saying the Republican stressed jobs in his campaign because that’s what people care about most.
When the Legislature convenes in January, Republican leaders say they will take up the issue of a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage, but they don’t expect extended discussions about the matter.
Senate Democratic leader Michael Gronstal has said he’ll block the referral of such an amendment to voters.
