Victory!

Iowa Republicans plan to use gay marriage as a major issue in the 2010 elections. They rolled out the strategy in a special election held in SE Iowa this week. The National Organization for Marriage dumped $86,060 trying to support the Republican candidate.

Over $86 grand!?! That's an unbelievable sum for one group to spend.

It was a decent bet on the part of the Republicans. Rural voters tend to poll much more homophobic than suburban or urban voters. The great news is that the strategy failed. As a guy from rural Iowa I believe they failed to understand rural conservatism. Sure, they're not as likely to support gay marriage - or anything else that constitutes change. Conservatism in rural Iowa is a libertarian conservatism: You live your life, I'll live my life and I'll drive slow so I can see if you planted your rows straight.

The final vote tally was close: Hanson (D) 3932 vs. 3825 Burgmeier (R).

John Deeth has a great summary of the winners and losers (beyond the candidates) in this race. Hint: National Organization for Marriage is one of the losers.

Update:  Here’s the ad the National Organization for Marriage spent $86,060 on…

After seeing the ad I’m thinking the Democrat may have won because he looks a little less creepy.