On Minnesota Gay Marriage Vote, Seniors a Tough Crowd

SHOREVIEW, Minn. (AP) - Supporters of gay marriage who are fighting a proposed ban on Minnesota's ballot are trying to win over a particularly skeptical audience: senior citizens.

As Election Day approaches, polls show Minnesotans are closely divided on a constitutional ban. It's one of four states voting this fall on the definition of marriage.

People older than 65 make up more than a tenth of Minnesota's population and post the highest voter turnout of any age group. But they're a hard sell for gay marriage supporters, having grown up in a world where homosexuality was rarely discussed.

Minnesota's campaign against the ban is enlisting senior volunteers to call fellow elderly voters trying to win them over. Gay marriage foes are trying to reach seniors through their churches.

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