A new poll released Thursday found
Wisconsin voters narrowly oppose the legalization of gay marriage.
The
Public Policy Polling survey found 46 percent of respondents
opposed to the institution, 42 percent in favor, and 12 percent not
sure.
A majority (58%) of voters under the
age of 30 say gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to marry,
while a majority (55%) of those older than 65 remain opposed.
Gender also played a factor in the
poll's results, with 49 percent of women in support of legal gay
marriage and 55 percent of men opposed.
The survey, however, shows support for
the institution has gained ground since 2006, when voters approved a
constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and civil unions by 19
points.
Voters also gave high marks to retiring
Democratic Senator Herb Kohl, who received a strong 56 percent
approval rating.
Openly lesbian Representative Tammy
Baldwin is among a handful of lawmakers considering a run for Kohl's
seat. Sources close to Baldwin have said she is “very likely” to
run for the seat. Wisconsin state Representative Mark Pocan, who is
openly gay, has said he's considering running for Baldwin's
congressional seat, should she choose to run for the Senate.