Among gay activists, the Obama administration's recent actions -- including what they perceive as a signal from someone like Donovan -- have fueled speculation that Obama may finally take a step they say would energize a core constituency and strengthen a largely positive but occasionally strained political relationship.

"The initial question the president faces is, does he come out for same sex marriage now or after the election?" said Richard Socarides, president of Equality Matters, a gay rights organization. With polls trending toward public acceptance of gays and lesbians tying the knot, he said, "it may be riskier to wait."