Money Well Spent? NOM-Backed Candidate Defeated in Iowa »

Republican Stephen Burgmeier was defeated by Democrat Curt Hanson in a special election to fill Representative John Whitaker’s seat in Iowa. Why was so much attention focused on this small race? And why is it likely to be one of the most expensive House races in Iowa history?

Because it was the first election held since the Iowa Supreme Court legalized gay marriage and the right-wing groups poured into the state to support Burgmeier, who ran a campaign based on his opposition to marriage equality. Forming a campaign called “Reclaim Iowa”, three groups that oppose gay marriage supported Burgmeier: Everyday America, the Iowa Family Policy Center, and (wait for it…) the National Organization for Marriage.

How much did they pour into this race?

NOM swooped in to Iowa and plopped down $86,080, betting that marriage equality could be used as an electoral wedge issue in the state. Of course, in typical NOM fashion, they failed to disclose the names of their donors, which is legally required, and a formal complaint was filed against NOM in Iowa.

Watch as I shed a tear for NOM…

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