Appearing on a Christian radio talk show last January, Republican Lt. Governor candidate Rebecca Kleefisch called gay marriage a slippery slope, and wondered if it could lead to people marrying an inanimate object or a dog.
The remarks are drawing criticism from Democrats and gay rights groups. Fair Wisconsin earlier this month said they’re more in line with ultra-conservative Sarah Palin and not what the state needs in Madison.
In a statement released Thursday, Kleefisch apologized and said she never intended to sound insensitive and only meant to express her concerns about redefining marriage.
Her running mate, GOP candidate for governor Scott Walker, responded to her comments and apology Thursday during a campaign stop in Madison. Walker says he’s accepted the apology and that her choice of words in describing her position was poorly worded.
Walker also fired back at Democrats, saying they are only using the issue to try and distract voters away from the real problems with taxes and jobs facing the state.
Walker has said he opposes domestic partnership protections and benefits that were enacted in the last state budget, which he feels go against the state Constitutional amendment on gay marriage enacted two years ago.