* I disagree with this AP report…

When Illinois lawmakers considered a landmark vote on same-sex marriage, religious and conservative groups vowed to retaliate against those who voted in favor by grooming potential primary challengers in next year’s elections.

But now that gay marriage is Illinois law and legislative candidates have submitted candidate petitions to election officials, the threat seems to have evaporated.

* For instance…

Yet of the 14 black House Democrats who voted yes, only half have primary challengers. Of the nine total challengers — most of whom are seeking public office for the first time — seven spoke to The Associated Press, saying same-sex marriage wasn’t among their top campaign issues. One supported the vote outright. Another wasn’t aware of how the incumbent voted. Two didn’t return multiple messages.

Just because they’re saying they aren’t making it a major issue right out of the gate doesn’t mean that the candidates aren’t connected to the churches. I’ve already identified several for my subscribers. There may be more.

* Also…

[GOP Rep. Ed Sullivan’s] challenger, Bob Bednar, said he doesn’t support same-sex marriage, but the former treasurer of the Lake County Republican Party said it’s not why he jumped in. [GOP Rep. Ron Sandack’s] opponent, suburban school board member Keith Matune, declined to state his position or say how he would’ve voted on same-sex marriage.

Oh, c’mon. Bednar is running precisely because of the gay marriage issue, and Sandack was always gonna get a right-wing primary opponent.

* Look, for the most part, incumbents don’t want to bring attention to the issue because they don’t want to make waves with voters. The challengers will avoid the judgement of the “mainstream media” and save their fire for fliers, mailers and robocalls. And, trust me, that’s all coming if the money can be raised.

*** UPDATE *** And as if right on cue, Paul Caprio’s Family-Pac just did a robocall blasting Rep. Sandack for his votes for gay marriage and pension reform.

Click here to listen

Yeah, but no worries. The threat has “evaporated,” right?

…Adding… Rep. Sullivan also got hit with that Caprio robocall.

Yep. Nothing at all to see here, move along.