DES MOINES, IA:

Governor Chet Culver stood up for his state’s gay marriage law during a debate with his Republican rival, Terry Branstad. Asked whether same-sex marriage has had an impact on the state, Culver insisted, “It has not had an effect on the state of Iowa, other than allowing people to make their own decisions. …We should not write discrimination into the Iowa Constitution.” Republican Terry Branstad disagreed and insisted that Iowa voters should be given a chance to vote on a constitutional amendment prohibiting gay marriage.

Same-sex marriage was approved by the state’s Supreme Court in 2009.