While Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett has some of the worst approval ratings in the country (58% disapprove of the job he’s doing vs 27% approve), voters in the Keystone state do agree with the Republican on at least one thing.
Corbett’s decision to not appeal the recent court ruling which struck down the state’s ban on marriage equality sits well with voters. According to Public Policy Polling,56% of voters support that decision versus 33% who do not.
The governor is in a tough race for reelection this year as current polls show his Democratic challenger Tom Wolf with a 25 point lead (55/30).
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett issued this statement today on his website:
“I have thoroughly reviewed Judge Jones’ opinion in the Whitewood case. Given the high legal threshold set forth by Judge Jones in this case, the case is extremely unlikely to succeed on appeal. Therefore, after review of the opinion and on the advice of my Commonwealth legal team, I have decided not to appeal Judge Jones’ decision.
As a Roman Catholic, the traditional teaching of my faith has not wavered. I continue to maintain the belief that marriage is between one man and one woman. My duties as Governor require that I follow the laws as interpreted by the Courts and make a judgment as to the likelihood of a successful appeal.
“Throughout the debate on this important and meaningful issue, I have maintained that Commonwealth officials and agencies would follow the provisions of Pennsylvania’s marriage law unless or until a court says otherwise. The court has spoken, and I will ensure that my administration follows the provisions of Judge Jones’ order with respect for all parties.
It is my hope that as the important issue of same-sex relationships continues to be addressed in our society, that all involved be treated with respect.”
Pennsylvania State Rep. Brian Sims on his governor’s recent comments equating marriage equality to incest: “No one, not even his own party, would argue that Gov. Tom Corbett is an intellectual heavyweight or even a particularly thoughtful person.”
