I ask because arguably the most important stage upon which the primaries take place, Iowa, just saw a court strike down its gay marriage ban:

Associated Press - August 30, 2007 4:34 PM ET

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A Polk County judge has struck down Iowa's law banning gay marriage.

Judge Robert Hanson has ruled that Iowa's prohibition on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. He ordered the Polk County recorder's office to issue marriage licenses to gay couples.

Des Moines laywer Dennis Johnson represented six gay couples who filed the lawsuit after they were denied marriage licenses, and he says Hanson's ruling is a moral victory for equal rights.

An attorney for the New York-based gay rights group Lambda Legal Camilla Taylor says the ruling requires full equality for all Iowans, gay or straight.

The county is expected to appeal the ruling to the Iowa Supreme Court.

So...does this become a major issue?

And if so, how does that play out? Does it benefit any Democrat or Republican in particular?

Oh, and of course: congrats Iowa! I'm very pleased to see this :D

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