Musgrave re-enters gay marriage debate

Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO-04), the doyenne of the Capitol Hill homophobe lobby, has been trying to cultivate a moderate image during this congressional term after barely getting re-elected two years ago. After receiving much press for repeatedly introducing the anti-gay Federal Marriage Amendment during earlier sessions of Congress, she has largely laid low this term in an effort to seem like a focused, competent representative.

It couldn't last. In just the last month she has signed on to two of the House's three anti-gay marriage amendments. Political scientist Bob Duffy of Colorado State University wonders if she needs to shore up her base four months before the election:

"...you would only do it if you believe the benefits exceed the cost, if you concluded that the effort to rebrand her isn't working and you need to secure her base either for fundraising or for votes."

Musgrave is being challenged by Democrat Betsy Markey, a successful businesswoman who is also a former staffer on Capitol Hill and in the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury.