Vander Plaats argues it is within Culver's power to issue an executive order putting the ruling on hold. He unveiled a draft executive order at a Statehouse news conference Thursday and urged Culver to sign it to.

"In our opinion, it is constitutionally irresponsible for the governor not to issue this executive order. This is his role," Vander Plaats said.

County recorders are expected to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples beginning Monday, and Vander Plaats said he is not aware of any recorders who have said they won't do it.

Culver already has indicated he will take no action to try to stop the ruling.

"Governors don't have the authority to influence Supreme Court decisions by an executive order, and it would seem that somebody who's run for office as often as Mr. Vander Plaats has would understand what the limits of the office are as well as what the powers of the office are," said Culver spokesman Phil Roeder.

Vander Plaats pointed to Culver's past statements that marriage should be between one man and one woman, and said Culver has "washed his hands" of his authority on the issue.\

"You have people all over the state saying where's the leadership here?" Vander Plaats said.

Vander Plaats insisted the issue has nothing to do with his campaign for governor, although a news release arguing for an executive order was printed on his campaign letterhead.

"This has to do to a conviction of one-man one-woman marriage, but also to a conviction of a separation of powers," Vander Plaats said. "And I believe here the judiciary has taken way too much, and it is the governor's office who needs to rein that in."

Contact Charlotte Eby at (515) 422-9061 chareby@aol.com