Washington, DC - As the American people are rejecting their failed leadership, Congressional Republicans are pinning their reelection hopes on divisive measures designed to appeal to extremists in their political base and distract the public from their misplaced priorities. Today, instead of working to reduce gas prices, find a solution to the crisis in Iraq, make health care more affordable, or come up with a real agenda for ethics reform, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is forcing the Senate to debate a discriminatory Constitutional amendment on marriage. Worse still, President Bush publicly endorsed Senator Frist's strategy of using marriage as a wedge issue to win elections by dividing Americans.

The President's endorsement of the amendment comes on the same day as a new Gallup that shows the American people want Congress and the Republicans in Washington to focus on real issues like Iraq, immigration, health care, energy costs, the economy, the war on terrorism and education, but not a divisive Constitutional amendment on marriage. [Gallup, 6/5/06]

Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak today issued the following statement calling on Rep. Bob Beauprez to reject the politics of fear and division and demand that Republicans in Washington focus on the real priorities of Colorado's working families:

"In the face of $3 per gallon gas prices, health care costs that are bankrupting Colorado's families and businesses, the war in Iraq, and a rampant Republican culture of corruption in Washington, President Bush and Senator Frist have chosen to force the Senate to debate a divisive Federal Marriage Amendment they know has no chance of passing.

"More than 770,000 Coloradans lack health insurance; more than 2800 Coloradans are currently serving in Iraq; and Republican budgets have slashed $196,451,457 in spending for Colorado hospitals, nursing homes and health providers. A federal marriage amendment is the last thing Coloradans want Congress to be working on. Instead of addressing these issues, Republicans in Washington are using marriage as a wedge issue to divide Americans and distract from their failed leadership. This shameful tactic is morally wrong, and it hurts Colorado's LGBT families.

"Instead of joining President Bush and Senator Frist in using the politics of fear and division to deflect attention from their failed leadership, Rep. Bob Beauprez should denounce this detestable tactic and demand that Congressional Republicans focus on the real issues confronting Colorado's working families."