IDAHO: We're Getting Ready, Just In Case

Idaho county clerks say they are preparing for a rush of gay couples seeking marriage licenses tomorrow in the event that Gov. Butch Otter (seriously) doesn't get his stay from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Ada County Clerk Chris Rich said his staff also is preparing for a media onslaught. "They are more apprehensive about the media focus and possible protesters than the change," Rich said. The Ada office has one full-time person handling marriage licenses, who on a busy day can process about 30 at 10 to 15 minutes per license. Rich is not sure how many gay couples to expect Friday, so he's bringing in six additional staffers. "We are going to put all our resources out there," he said. Canyon County Clerk Chris Yamamoto is also preparing for a busy Friday. "We will be open for business and we will handle business," he said. Idaho's county clerks will get a crash course Thursday on how to comply with Judge Dale's ruling via an online training session, said Idaho Association of Counties Executive Director Dan Chadwick. "If there is no stay, then we are going to provide tools for the clerks to implement the court's ruling," said Chadwick. "We want to make sure everyone is on the same page."

Idaho has no waiting period to be married after the license is issued, but court watchers say there is little chance that the Ninth Circuit won't issue the stay.