Following President Barack Obama's announcement that he backs same-sex marriage, both sides of the gay marriage debate sought to take advantage of the news by raising funds off of it.
At 3:51 p.m., former Arkansas Gov. and GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee issued a fundraising appeal:
Barack Obama just announced he supports same-sex marriage. Nancy Pelosi immediately jumped on the announcement and emailed Democrat activists nationwide promising to continue their fight. This is going to be a defining issue this election. Obama, Pelosi and the Democrats have been a complete failure on economic issues so now they are going to focus on issues that will rile up their base
Well, Mr. President it's going to rile up our folks also. Men and women who support traditional marriage.
Now I know you support traditional marriage, but what I really need to know today, is will you fight for it this election? If so, please send a donation of $10 or more to Huck PAC immediately.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee sent out an online petition:
President Obama has announced that he supports marriage equality for all Americans.
Now we’re facing a critical moment. We must show that the American people stand behind the President and support extending the rights and responsibilities of marriage to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans.
Add your name and stand with President Obama in support of marriage equality.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) sent out the petition, saying, "Isn't it great? President Obama just announced that he supports marriage equality for all Americans. He joins many of us who have long-supported marriage equality because of what it tells our country -- and the entire world -- that all of America’s families deserve the benefits of equal protection under the law."
Brad Schneider, an Illinois Democrat running against GOP Rep. Bob Dold, made his fundraising appeal:
Moments ago President Barack Obama, speaking to ABC News, became the first sitting president in United States history to come out in favor of marriage equality!
I am thrilled and enthusiastically commend the President for taking a clear stand on this issue.
On-the-other-hand, my Republican opponent, Rep. Bob Dold, has been quite clear that he opposes marriage equality. He is against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. His views are in stark contrast to his constituents, which polls show are overwhelmingly pro-equality.
We are confident that we can win this election in November and make IL-10 a leading voice for equality. But we need your help.
The emails aren't likely to end anytime soon as campaigns seek to take advantage of the big news.
UPDATE: The Obama campaign, while not raising funds, has also has created an online petition.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this post said the DCCC email was a fundraising appeal. It is an online petition.