Group Pledges $1M In Md. Gay Marriage Debate

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The National Organization of Marriage is pledging $1 million to fight Maryland Republicans who support gay marriage and support Democrats who oppose the measure. 

The group plans to create NOM PAC Maryland and picked its first target: Sen. Allan Kittleman, R-Howard, the only Republican to vote in favor of the same-sex marriage in the Senate. 

The money -- which is a large amount in a state where General Assembly races end up costing a couple hundred thousand dollars at most -- hints at the looming national battle which is set descend on Maryland. 

Local gay marriage opponents have said they have begun coordinating with national groups to start a petition drive
necessary to put the issue on the ballot in 2012 if the gay marriage bill is signed into law. 

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)