by Lacey Penner
Staff Writer

The 2008 presidential election has been the subject of feverous enthusiasm. The majority of the public’s attention has been thrust upon the Democratic candidates, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, as they will represent two groups never before represented in a U.S. president: a woman, and an African American.

But how do this year’s candidates stand on one of the most hot-button issues of today: gay marriage?

Barack Obama
“Being gay or lesbian is not a choice,” says the frontrunner of the Democratic Party. He also feels that, “Homosexuality is no more immoral than heterosexuality.” Obama thinks that it is up to the state to relegate who can be married and who cannot.

Hillary Rodham-Clinton
Hillary Clinton says, “Telling kids about gay couples is parental discretion,” and she’s “positive about civil unions, with full equality of benefits.” Clinton thinks our nation should “let states decide gay marriage; they’re ahead of the feds.” Well said, Hillary. Well said. This thought puts her on the same page as candidate Obama.

John McCain
“Don’t ask, don’t tell is working; don’t tamper with it,” said John McCain on the subject. A practical standpoint, but how does he feel about the issue itself? “Leave gay marriage to the states,” said McCain. He seems to agree with his democratic competitors. Could the United States finally be coming to a concurrence on one of the most debated issues in recent history? Let’s see.

Mike Huckabee
“Gay tolerance reflects lack of fixed societal standards,” said Mike Huckabee on the issue. According to Huckabee, the runner-up for the Republican Party, marriage shouldn’t be experimented with. Huckabee believes marriage should be between a man and a woman, no exceptions allowed.