Bettencourt Wants N.H. Marriage Repeal Pushed to 2012

The Republican leader of the New Hampshire house of representatives said Friday that he'd rather postpone the vote to repeal marriage equality until next year.

The National Organization for Marriage canvassed Rep. D.J. Bettencourt's constituents last week on the matter, stating that he did not support traditional family values, because a repeal effort is not on the GOP's agenda for this year, according to the Associated Press.

Bettencourt cited the campaign as a reason to hold off on the repeal effort, since it's such a contentious issue.

"This assault on our agenda has the potential to take important focus and energy away from our focus on the budget," Bettencourt wrote to house speaker William O'Brien. "Therefore, it is my belief that the same sex marriage repeal must be retained in the Judiciary Committee this year so that our full and undivided attention is focused on New Hampshire's outstanding financial issues."