in doing so , i have concluded so many senators are declaring their support for same - sex marriage equality , " donnelly said on facebook . "
why are senators endorsing it has increased at exponential rates over the last few years , with a remarkable jump in the last two weeks when a cascade of senators announced their support .
obviously , this mirrors the shift in opinion among the general public to some degree .
while serving in the house of representatives , i had the opportunity to act on a core belief of mine : we are a stronger country when we draw on the strengths of all americans .
same - sex marriage , i have been thinking about my past positions and votes .
in speaking with north dakotans from every corner of our great state , and much personal reflection , i have concluded the federal government should no longer discriminate against people who want to make lifelong , loving commitments to each other or interfere in personal , private , and intimate relationships , " heitkamp said in a statement . "
 
if one senator comes out for same - sex marriage and finds that she is getting a favorable response from her constituents , her donors , her colleagues and the news media , she may encourage others to do so as well .