Former St. Joseph Mayor, Man Behind Gay Marriage Drive, Seen as ‘Brilliant’

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - No single person ever became the public face of the successful drive for gay marriage in Minnesota, but the man who gets the most credit from his allies is Richard Carlbom.

Carlbom is the former mayor of St. Joseph and Democratic Party operative who just turned 30. He led the successful campaign to defeat the amendment to ban gay marriage in Minnesota last year, then swiftly shifted to lobby lawmakers to legalize gay marriage.

Carlbom tells Minnesota Public Radio News that many people made it happen.

But others say Carlbom was a leader. Sen. Dick Cohen describes Carlbom as a quiet, brilliant general.

Some groups weren't happy with the results of Carlbom's efforts. Frank Schubert of Minnesota for Marriage says Carlbom's campaign won because he had more resources.