Marcin questions Dingell's silent switch to support of same-sex marriage

Dingell, D-Dearborn, on June 1 joined as a co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal provisions in DOMA and recognize the validity of same-sex marriages.

"I applaud John Dingell for switching his position on the Respect for Marriage Act, and adding his name to the list of cosponsors," said Marcin, a 25-year-old Ann Arbor resident and University of Michigan PhD candidate in economics.

Marcin, who has pressed Dingell on the same-sex marriage issue for weeks, said he still questions Dingell's silence on it.

"Mr. Dingell added his cosponsorship completely silently," he said. "There was no press release, no photo, no news story, and not even a tweet. John Dingell can't even cut a ribbon without giving a speech and posting photos. So why did he change his position on an issue of extreme importance to the people of the 12th District?"

AnnArbor.com has requested an interview with Dingell. A spokesperson for his campaign said on Thursday the campaign is still debating which media outlets will receive interviews before the Aug. 7 primary.

The newly drawn 12th District covers portions of Wayne and Washtenaw counties, including the Ypsilanti area and the city of Ann Arbor.

"My request is simple," Marcin said. "If John Dingell is sincere in his position change, he should put out a press release and make a statement so that his position is well known."