The anti-democratic methods used for gay rights bring up a fundamental issue that I'm undecided on... Do we elect people into office who are supposed to follow their conscience as presented on the campaign trail, or should our opinion trump theirs? The first position is a defense against astroturfing. (And the activist judges who have ruled for gay rights should be fired.)
This is something you'll have to decide for yourself. As for me, I look at a person's entire record both public and private. As an example, I would have a hard time voting for people like Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee. Newt is smart, but I'm not sure I trust him not to sellout our longterm interests for a short-term fix. Mitt will say whatever he needs to say but who knows what he will truly do. Mike Huckabee seems like the Republican answer to Jimmy Carter. (I'm embarrassed to say that I voted for Jimmy Carter -- twice!)
And I agree that the majority is against the marriage bills, although I didn't know any civil union ones had been proposed.
I think there are about 13 states and the District of Colombia where same sex marriage/civil unions are recognized and performed. I believe all of these have been legislated by the states.
I'm sure liberals use astroturf as well, although I've not seen such obvious examples as for conservatives (David Koch). But regardless, I remain against the tactic; I don't want to see America herded every which way. This is probably impractical as an actual goal, but it's an ideal that I'll work toward.
Both sides seem bent on herding with respect to Health Care.