Many Md. Democrats Seek Quick End to Gay Marriage Debate

Although Republicans are largely united against same-sex unions, Democrats' views are far more varied and nuanced. Some support same-sex marriage. Others endorse civil unions as an alternative. But most would prefer debate to focus on what rights gay couples should receive rather than whether the state should sanction their unions.

Brochin was not alone in sidestepping the issue.

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan, a Democratic candidate for governor, declined to state his views on same-sex marriage Friday, although he has spoken out against it. Yesterday, a campaign spokeswoman said Duncan would support civil unions among same-sex couples.

Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley, Duncan's primary rival, said in a statement Friday that he "was raised to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman." He has supported civil unions in the past and continues to do so, his campaign manager said yesterday.

Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin, one of several Democrats running for U.S. Senate, said he supports legal protection for same-sex couples and does not favor amending the state constitution to define marriage.

In an interview, former member of Congress and NAACP president Kweisi Mfume, another Democratic Senate candidate, said he respects the court ruling and rejects any form of discrimination. But he stopped short of endorsing same-sex marriage.

Some GOP strategists argued that the Republican Senate bid of Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele could be helped by heightened debate over marriage. Besides traditional GOP voters, Steele is seeking support in the black church community, where many ministers vigorously oppose same-sex unions.

But even Steele declined to comment on the matter, with a spokesman saying it is "a state issue."

"It's a tough issue for everybody," said Joe Trippi, a Democratic consultant advising Mfume. "A lot of people have problems with gay marriage. But a lot of people, regardless of where they are on the ideological spectrum, believe people should have the rights that come with that union."

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) said salvation for Democrats who feel hamstrung by the issue could come before Election Day if the Baltimore court ruling is quickly reversed on appeal, and he said he is "confident it will be overturned."

For that strategy to succeed, the high court would have to work fast.

M. Albert Figinski, a Baltimore lawyer, said most expedited reviews by the seven-member court take 85 days, meaning a ruling would come after the General Assembly adjourns April 10.

"But," he said, "the court has been known to accommodate swift hearings in cases that are of great public importance."

Even if the court takes up the case quickly, he and Maloney agreed, there is no way to gauge how the judges will rule. Judges Alan M. Wilner, Dale R. Cathell and Glenn T. Harrell Jr. generally shade conservative. Lynne A. Battaglia, Irma S. Raker and Chief Judge Robert M. Bell are considered more liberal. Clayton Greene Jr., a newcomer, is an Anne Arundel County Democrat who was appointed by Ehrlich.

"I wouldn't predict this Court of Appeals," Maloney said. "In their hands, this could go either way."