Obama's Statement on Gay Marriage Rousing Local Politicos

President Barack Obama stunned and astounded Americans Wednesday when he announced in an interivew with ABC's Robin Roberts that he supports gay marriage.

Social media networks and news stations across the country were abuzz, following the president's statement.

"In a nod to a dramatic shift in public opinion, Barack Obama on Wednesday became the first sitting president to announce his support for same-sex marriage," the Huffington Post reported. Following is a snipit from the HuffPo article:

"I've always been adamant that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally," Obama told Roberts, in an interview that will air in full on ABC's "Good Morning America" Thursday.

"I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don't Ask Don't Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married," he said.

Watch the clip from the news segment here.

The announcement spurred local politicians to issue their endorsements.

Congressan Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, who is running to represent Sonoma in the newly-drawn District 5, cheered the president.

"Today, the president took an historic stand for love, equality and civil rights," Thompson said in a news statement. "All couples — gay or straight — should have the right to marry who they love, and I commend the president for his public support of same-sex marriage."

According to his office, Thompson co-authored legislation that ended Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and has supported legislation that gives state and local law enforcement the tools to prosecute hate crimes based on sexual orientation.

"There's the president I voted for," wrote many. "Finally," some said.

Congressional candidate Norman Solomon issued the following statement Wednesday:

 "Human rights are indivisible -- and they must exist for everyone," said Solomon. "President Obama's statement today moves us farther along a path that can make our nation truly the land of the free and the home of the brave."