Stephanie Herseth, candidate for South Dakota's at-large congressional district, has come out in favor of the amendment. She is now qualifying her initial stance, and her campaign released this statement:
Stephanie and her campaign team understand the reaction to yesterday's news. Stephanie's position on the amendment is consistent with her position of the Defense of Marriage Act -- she believes the issue ultimately should be left to the states, whether they decide it individually under federal legislation or collectively within the ratification process. In this election year, we truly hope this issue doesn't distract from important discussions on issues like lowering the cost of health care, creating jobs, and getting our economy moving in the right direction.
By "individually under federal legislation", they mean under the DOMA statute. But if that's the case, then why support the Hate Amendment? Why not wait until DOMA is challenged?
I had planned to promote this race heavily, but now I'm not so sure. While winning this seat is important (think "Pelosi"), I also have a hard time not applying a litmus test on the issue. To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. I'm interested in what you guys have to say about it.