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Disagreement Over When MO Gay Marriage Vote Will Be

Sec. of State Matt Blunt (left) and Gov. Bob Holden (right)
Sec. of State Matt Blunt (left) and Gov. Bob Holden (right)

By AP/KWMU

Jefferson City, MO – Missouri Gov. Bob Holden has set a date for a vote on a proposed ban on gay marriages: Primary Election Day, Aug. 3rd.

But Republican Secretary of State Matt Blunt says not so fast. Lawmakers voted to put the question on the ballot; Holden can set the election date.

But Blunt, who is running for Holden's job, says the bill lawmakers passed requiring the election has to be signed by House and Senate leaders. And he says that might not happen in time to put new items on the August ballot.

Poll-watchers say a November gay marriage vote could help Republicans by drawing conservative voters. But Republicans and Democrats aren't running against each other in the August primary.

Another Democrat, state Attorney General Jay Nixon, backs Holden.

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