The political potency of the marriage amendment was demonstrated by the circumspect response of Sen. Arlen Specter (R.-Pa.)-a normally hard-line social liberal facing a GOP primary challenge from conservative Rep. Pat Toomey. Specter who has a history of supporting "gay rights," won't rule out voting for the amendment. Translation: If he's forced to vote before the primary, he'll likely side with Bush. Said Specter: "If the states cannot preserve the traditions of marriage between a man and a woman, I would be prepared to consider a U.S. constitutional amendment."
