That's the fear being expressed at this week's gathering in Washington of Take Back America. Progressives have reasons to fear the use of ballot initiatives to drive conservative turnout or divide Democratic voters in key states. (See the use of measures opposing same-sex marriage four years ago). And it's true that there are similar measures opposing gay rights and affirmative action on multiple states ballots this fall.

But I wouldn't be too sure. Polls show the country growing more open to same-sex marriage. In Florida, Republican politicians have been trying to avoid taking any position whatsoever on an initiative there. And it seems unlikely that, in a time of war and recession, such issues will be a factor in the decisions people make at the polls.