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Senator Casey Declares Support For Same Sex Marriage

By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Pennsylvania Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey has become the latest political figure to announce his support for same sex marriage and repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.

While Senator Bob Casey is just the latest politician to declare his support for same sex marriage, Franklin and Marshall College political analyst Terry Madonna says there's added significance given Casey's reputation as a social conservative and devout Catholic. And Madonna only sees the trend continuing.

"There is no doubt that this will continue the acceleration. I think we'll see more -- particularly Democrats and maybe even some Republicans -- come out in support of gay marriage in the weeks and months ahead."

In a written statement, Casey says he's changed his position as a matter of "conscience" after "much deliberation." He says he was swayed by letters from constituents, and in declaring his support for same-sex marriage, he asks why the government would want less commitment and fewer strong marriages.

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