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Three Iowa Justices Removed After Gay Marriage Ruling

Iowans voted November 2 to remove three of the state’s Supreme Court justices, following on the historic ruling in 2008 that effectively legalized same-sex marriage in the state. It’s the first time Iowa voters have removed a Supreme Court justice since the procedure began in 1962. The campaign to remove the judges was financed heavily by same-sex marriage opponents.

Obama Has Appointed Record Number of Gays to Administration

According to the Canadian Press, President Barack Obama has appointed more openly gay officials than any other chief executive in the history of the United States. Estimates place the number at more than 150 appointments, surpassing President Bill Clinton’s record of 140.

Congress Gets Its Fourth Openly Gay Member

Rhode Island Democrat David Cicilline was elected only the fourth openly gay member of Congress on November 2, after winning the House seat vacated by retiring Representative Patrick Kennedy. The 49-year-old Mayor of Providence beat Republican State Representative John Loughlin.

Gay Voter Support for Republicans Doubled from 2008

According to national exit polling, 31 percent of gays and lesbians who voted in US House races in November chose the Republican candidate. That’s up from only 19 percent in 2008. Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper told reporters he believes Republicans performed better with gay and lesbians because of their focus on the economy rather than social issues.