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FILE - In this Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012 file photo, Whitney Gifford, of Bucksport, Maine, leads a group of gay marriage supporters carrying signed petitions to the Secretary of State's office in Augusta, Maine. A flurry of political activity in states such Robert F. Bukaty, Associated Press
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FILE - In this April 28, 2009 file photograph, gay rights advocate Matthew Arnold-Lloyd of Albany, N.Y., right, argues with an unidentified man opposed to gay marriage during a rally outside the Capitol in Albany. A flurry of political activity in states Mike Groll, File, Associated Press
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FILE - In this March 4, 2008 file photo, Luke Otterstad, left, and Kerry Coles argue pro and against views over the gay marriage debate outside of the California Supreme Court in San Francisco. A flurry of political activity in states such as Rhode Island Marcio Jose Sanchez, File, Associated Press
By Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine — President Barack Obama's support for gay marriage has emboldened activists and politicians on both sides of the issue.

It has set off a flurry of political activity in a number of states and is serving as a rallying point in at least four states where gay marriage votes are being held this fall.

Those states include Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington.

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In Maine, supporters and opponents of a November referendum seeking to legalize same-sex marriage say Obama's declaration has motivated their bases of support.

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