Otter and Balukoff Show Big Divide on Gay Marriage

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and challenger A.J. Balukoff defined clearly different paths Thursday on same-sex marriage and other issues at a gubernatorial debate in Idaho Falls.

Republican incumbent Otter says he's upholding his oath to defend the state's Constitution by continuing a court battle to keep gay marriage illegal. Democratic challenger Balukoff says banning gay marriage is discrimination and violates the U.S. Constitution. On other topics, Balukoff called for expanding Medicaid, while Otter says he's concerned about the program remaining sustainable.

Balukoff says that under Otter, Idaho's marketing plan appears to be tax breaks and cheap labor. Otter says businesses that started in Idaho are his No. 1 priority. Balukoff is a businessman and chairman of the Boise School Board.