Gay marriage ruling may calm state's politics

From an editorial in The Athens Banner-Herald:

With the amendment now firmly back in place, and the prospect of a continuing legal battle thoroughly dismissed, the people of Georgia won't be subjected to politicians' pandering on the issue of gay marriage as they seek election - or re-election - to the host of state legislative and executive offices on the ballot for later this month and in November's general election.

The ruling means Georgians won't have to suffer through hearing stump speeches and viewing television, radio and newspaper advertising campaigns filled with words like "activist judges," "agendas" and other pointless ranting from candidates.

In fact, the ruling virtually will force this year's crop of political candidates to now focus their campaigns on issues of real importance, such as the education of this state's children. In the days and weeks ahead, it will be interesting to see how many of those candidates are up to the challenge of talking seriously about serious subjects, rather than relying on charged rhetoric to energize voters.