Who Funds Wedge Issues

Gay marriage and civil unions are already illegal in Florida. That doesn't stop Florida Republicans from using gay rights as a wedge issue. The Republican Party of Florida has bankrolled most of the $300,000 to help get the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment on the 2008 ballot. This ballot initiative would go nowhere without GOP money. The average citizen doesn't care enough to donate.

Florida Republican Party chairman Jim Greer has been upfront about using gay marriage for GOTV. Fortunately, Charlie Crist has no desire to bankroll Florida4marriage.

Greer might want to discuss the subject with Gov. Charlie Crist. Asked on Tuesday whether he thought the party should help bankroll the initiative, Crist likely sent another disappointing signal to social conservatives in Florida. "Probably not," Crist said.

I hope Crist pulls the plug. It's wrongheaded to demonize gays and lesbians for political gain.