Ark. GOP Gov Candidate Says Lawmakers Should Override Courts on Marriage Decisions

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A candidate running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in Arkansas says the Legislature should have veto power over state courts after a judge struck down a same-sex marriage ban.

Curtis Coleman on Monday said he'd push for a constitutional amendment that would allow the Legislature to overturn any ruling by a state court with a 75 percent "supermajority." Coleman is the founder of Safe Foods Corp. and seeking the GOP nomination in Tuesday's primary against former U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson.

Coleman is making the proposal in response to Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza striking down the state's gay marriage ban. The state Supreme Court has suspended that ruling.

Former U.S. Rep. Mike Ross and substitute teacher Lynette Bryant are seeking the Democratic nomination Tuesday.