President Barack Obama set off a political fire storm when he told ABC News he now supports gay marriage.

The president's stance drew immediate reaction from north country politicians.

"I'm surprised and dismayed. I believe marriage is really defined as a man and a woman, and up 'til now the president of the United States agreed with me," said Republican Congressional candidate Matt Doheny.

"I disagree with his position," said Kellie Greene, Doheny's rival for the Republican nomination for Congress.

"I personally believe marriage is between a man and a woman. And I stand for traditional marriage and I see marriage as a Biblical institution," Greene said.

Democrat Congressman Bill Owens released a statement saying, "I am in favor of civil unions and equal rights, and I believe this is an issue that should be left up to the states to decide.

"This is an issue that was laid to rest last year for millions for New Yorkers when Republicans and Democrats in Albany voted for marriage equality," he added.

While Owens says the issue of gay marriage was laid to rest last year, Doheny says the topic could be a big part of the upcoming elections.

"The president of the United States has changed his policy and it's certainly national and local news here, it will be part of the discussion," Doheny said.

Greene disagrees, saying marriage shouldn't be a government issue.

"I really don't think the government as a whole should have anything to do with marriage. It's between individuals and it's a Church institution," she said.

Governor Andrew Cuomo was a big proponent of gay marriage in New York and supports the president's stance.

"I think his voice will give people yet another reason to analyze this issue and be open to the issue," Cuomo said.

Gay marriage has recently been voted into law in both Washington, D.C. and Washington state, while North Carolina voters approved a constitutional amendment against it earlier this week.