Oregon Senate candidate Monica Wehby backs gay marriage in a new TV ad, a sign that the Republican Party tent may be getting bigger on a controversial issue.
The 30-second ad stars Ben West, a plaintiff in a case that successfully struck down Oregon’s constitutional ban against same-sex marriage earlier this year.
“Whether it’s standing up for equality or for the unemployed or for the next generation, we need leaders who have the courage to do what’s right. That’s why I support Monica Wehby,” West says in the ad.
This pro-gay marriage ad is the first of its kind run by a Republican Senate candidate.
Four Republican senators currently support same-sex marriage: Mark Kirk of Illinois, Rob Portman of Ohio, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
Still, Wehby has a long way to go to join their ranks. A RealClearPolitics average of polls has her down to incumbent Democrat Jeff Merkley by nearly 15 percent.
