08:02 PM MDT on Sunday, June 4, 2006

KTVB.COM

This November, Idaho voters will go to the polls to vote on a controversial state constitution amendment banning gay marriage.

But that same debate is about to reach a national stage this week as the U.S. Senate prepares to begin a debate on a national constitutional amendment.

Republicans are hoping it will resonate with voters as the midterm elections approach, but opponents say it's a distraction from legitimate issues.

In New York City and San Francisco this weekend supporters of gay marriage marched in the streets. In Washington, President Bush was leading a charge for a constitutional ban.

"An amendment to the Constitution is necessary because activist courts have left our Nation with no other choice," said President Bush during a radio address.

With the Senate set to begin its debate this weekend, Republicans are hopping to draw the line.

"The point is where do senators stand? Do you think marriage ought to be protected in this county yes or no?" said Senator George Allen, R-Virginia.

Democrats said there is already an unchallenged law on the books.

"Why do we need a constitutional amendment? Marriage is between a man and a woman. What's the game going' on here?" said Sen. Joseph Biden from Delaware.

The president and his party are hoping to re-energize conservatives before the midterm elections, but political strategist David Gergen said it could backfire.

"Nobody thinks this ban is going to make on the record books. Everybody, including the skeptics within his own conservative base believe this is mostly about trying to win votes in November," said Gergen, a former presidential advisor.

But for many who marched in favor of gay marriage, the issue isn't purely political.

"Marriage is this foundation of family in America, and we are real families," said Jennifer Schumaker.

Regardless of what side of the issue Americans fall on, Gay marriage will face another trail by fire on Capitol Hill this week.

The Senate bill could come to a vote on Wednesday, but neither side believes it has the votes needed to pass.