For Virginia attorney general, gay marriage fight is just the latest challenge

[joeybee12]

He hasn't even been attorney general for two weeks, and he is already picking a battle that could have repercussions for marriage equality throughout the South.

But Democrat Mark R. Herring, who started in his new post as Virginia's attorney general on Jan. 11, is no stranger to challenges — especially ones that change the political DNA of his state.

Even securing his seat as attorney general was trying: He won a razor-thin election against his Republican challenger in November, marking the first time Democrats swept the top positions on the ballot in the state since 1969.

His latest fight comes in the form of supporting gay rights — something he had previously voted against.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2014/01/24/22416128-for-virginia-attorney-general-gay-marriage-fight-is-just-the-latest-challenge?lite