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First came Newt Gingrich, who posted his immediate reaction (not too thrilled) on twitter. He later sent out a longer and more detailed missive:

"With today's decision on marriage by the Ninth Circuit, and the likely appeal to the Supreme Court, more and more Americans are being exposed to the radical overreach of federal judges and their continued assault on the Judeo-Christian foundations of the United States."

Complaining about judges decisions he doesn't agree with is old hat for Gingrich. He's been railing against "judicial activism" for some time and in his initial tweet linked to his tome-like 21st Century Contract with America. Unless you have an afternoon set aside to read through it, just know that point 9 (no relation) is a vow to empower Congress and the president to replace judges that "violate the constitution." If all goes according to plan, he'd be said president.

Mitt Romney also sent out a press release, castigating the ruling and reaffirming his belief that marriage is between a man and a woman.

"As president, I will protect traditional marriage and appoint judges who interpret the Constitution as it is written and not according to their own politics and prejudices," read his statement.

Rick Santorum took some time in sending out his stance, no doubt wrestling with his deeply divided stance on the issue and crafting a nuanced opinion that fully expresses the myriad perspectives he considers on it.

Then at 3:30 PST, Santorum tweeted: "7M Californians had their rights stripped away today by activist 9th Circuit judges. As president I will work to protect marriage." 

And finally the world could stop wondering which way Santorum would go.

Ron Paul has yet to make any comment, though he's previously supported the Defense of Marriage Act and has decried federal involvement in anything marriage.

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Reach Tom Dotan here