New poll shows
same-sex marriage not an issue for N.H. Republicans

The results of a new CNN poll of likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire showed "gay marriage" barely registers on their radar as an important issue to be considered in the 2008 election.

The poll, released this week, asked, "In your opinion, which one issue is most important to your vote in the presidential primary?" The results of the survey showed the crowning issue for Republican voters in the state is the Iraq war, followed by illegal immigration and the economy. Same-sex marriage ranked 17 on a list of 20 potential answers; 19 and 20 were "other" and "no opinion," respectively.

"This poll of Republican voters confirms what many of us in the GOP already knew--the GOP primary election should focus on the issues rank-and-file Republicans care about, and same-sex marriage isn't one of them," said Log Cabin Republicans president Patrick Sammon. "Republican candidates should focus on issues that unite our party, instead of using marriage as a wedge issue in this campaign." "This poll sends a loud and clear message to Republican candidates," said Sammon. "Our party is hungry for leadership on the big issues of the day, such as the war in Iraq, reforming immigration, homeland security, and keeping our economy strong. If we are going to keep the White House in 2008, we must focus on these issues instead of getting bogged down by the politics of division." The poll was conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center for CNN and WMUR in New Hampshire. (The Advocate)