Will Gundrum Lose His Leadership Post Over the Marriage Amendment?

After traveling around the state helping candidates the last few weeks, I have to pose a question. Will State Representative Mark Gundrum, author of the ban on civil unions and marriage amendment, lose his leadership spot over the miscalculation of the constitutional question on the ballot?

There is no question that the GOP was opportunistic in placing the ballot measure on the Fall 2006 ballot. But it has become apparent that this is not the vote generator promised or expected. In fact, regardless of the final outcome of the measure, the intensity has been with progressives and independents against the measure, rather than conservatives for the measure.

Further, in at least seven legislative districts, a key factor in turnout on college campuses will be a NO vote. In that age demographic, it is about 80 percent against to 20 percent for the measure. If the NO voters vote on other issues, does that help Doyle, Falk and legislative candidates rather than the GOP? If so, does Gundrum pay that price?

And in Oshkosh, the GOP assembly candidate's treasurer quit the campaign over the weekend (to front page coverage) over the negative rhetoric by the GOP over the marriage issue. Again, Gundrum's measure cost valuable votes in the final days of the election. I personally had several people mention the issue at the doors while I was helping in Oshkosh this weekend.

So in the end, regardless of how the constitutional amendment fares statewide, several key districts may swing Democratic thanks to the amendment being on the ballot.

Does Gundrum and his ilk pay? Or does the GOP continute down a path of spreading hate and discrimination in order to try to win elections? I can't wait to see...