Up Front AM: Social issues making a comeback?
First take on the day’s political news from the Up Front team.
All social issues, all the time: So you thought Decision 2012 would all be about the economy? Perhaps…but not judging by this week. The Komen flap stole headlines for three days. Then, the Obama administration’s health care rule requiring religious institutions like schools to provide birth control coverage, fueled the fire among Republican candidates. The gay marriage ruling in California also made headlines, as national unemployment numbers dropped. Throw in Santorum’s sweep in three states last night, and social issues appear to be back in a big way. Locally, the State House in Olympia votes this afternoon on same-sex marriage, which seems likely to end up on the November ballot.
The importance of Washington state: Suddenly, Washington’s Republican caucus on March 3rd is looking more significant with Santorum’s sweep yesterday in Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri. Sandwiched between Arizona and Michigan, and Super Tuesday, how much attention will Washington state draw? NBC First Read with more on Romney’s difficulty in sealing the deal with Republicans.
