The Minnesota debate over a proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman got dicier with Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson's embarrassing comments on the issue. Johnson wrongly and purposefully mischaracterized statements from Minnesota Supreme Court justices on how they interpret state marriage laws, and his apology was inadequate. Frankly, Johnson lied; but he chose to call his words an "embellishment," and a "mistake."
Johnson's senseless "embellishing" will make his commentary on any other political issue harder to trust, but on the marriage amendment issue it further weakens his anti-amendment position. Already, it is clear that a majority of Minnesotans desire a full Senate vote on the matter, and Johnson's assertion -- that an amendment is not needed -- becomes harder to swallow with every misstatement, every unvarnished attempt to throw roadblocks in the way. Johnson worries that a full Senate vote will prove divisive within the DFL. But he now has lost a great deal of personal political capital to deal with the situation.
The pro-amendment crowd has become even more energized because of the Majority Leader's regrettable commentary. The best way to quiet the controversy is to allow the issue to get past the Senate Judiciary Committee and get all lawmakers on record.
