DES MOINES, IO – According to the Des Moines Register, Iowa Governor Terry Brandstad’s appointment of State Senator Swati Dandekar to the Iowa Utilities Board has threatened the state’s Democratic majority in the Senate. It’s a move that has marriage equality groups concerned the Democrats’ one-seat majority in the Iowa Senate could be eliminated, opening the door for a gay marriage ban.

The special election to fill the seat being vacated by Sen.

Swati Dandekar of Marion is in a district that has more Republican registered voters than Democrats. If Republicans win, the 50-seat Senate in 2012 will be evenly split. The special election is set for November 8.