Arizona Democrats differ on gay marriage

The Democratic candidates for Arizona governor are split on whether the state should legalize gay marriages. The four Democratic hopefuls appeared Sunday evening in a televised debate. The four will face off in the September 10 primary election. Janet Napolitano, the state's attorney general, and physician Mark Osterloh said they oppose legalizing gay marriages, while former legislator Alfredo Gutierrez and physician Mike Newcomb voiced support.

"I am in full support of a gay marriage," Newcomb said.

"I endorse civil unions," Gutierrez said.

Osterloh said he does not support legalizing gay marriages but added that "very important legal issues" such as hospital visitation rights should be addressed. Napolitano said she agrees with Osterloh's position.

The gay marriage question was posed to the candidates during a so-called lightning round calling for the briefest of responses, held during the televised debate that was sponsored by the League of Women Voters and media organizations.