Posted on 04/14/2005 6:50:38 AM PDT by MplsSteve
State Sen. Paul Koering, a first-term Republican from the Brainerd area who until recently had voted with conservatives seeking a constitutional ballot question banning same-sex marriage, revealed to the Star Tribune Wednesday that he is gay and has known it since he was a teenager.
He is believed to the first openly gay Republican elected official in Minnesota, and his announcement could affect the tone of the stormy legislative debate over gay marriage.
However, Koering, 40, a businessman and former dairy farmer from Fort Ripley, said his "coming out" does not change his position that the state's voters should be allowed to decide whether to ban same-sex marriage, nor his basic conservative philosophy.
Rather, Koering said he wanted to put an end to rampant speculation -- in the Capitol, on websites and from constituents -- about his sexual orientation.
Sen. KoeringRichard SennottStar Tribune"I've always thought that my personal life was just that -- personal," Koering said. "But over the last couple of months there's been a gradual ramping up of calls and questions. And then with the vote that I took last week [breaking with Republicans on a procedural vote on the amendment], it sparked a frenzy of questions." Family, close friends and associates in Brainerd, and GOP Senate colleagues all knew that he was gay, Koering said.
(Excerpt) Read more at startribune.com ...
The interesting thing is that this guy's voting record seems anything but that of a liberal Republican.
So what does the local GOP do? Do they say "We love the sinner but hate the sin" and support him for re-election OR does he get shown the door?
Opinions anyone?
How he lives his personal live is no business of mine, and he can win again in this area.
The question really should be how does he represent this area and I'm really hoping the GOP will not play "politics" on this one (but you can bet the DFL will). Can't believe it was ever a secret in the GOP.
Was he "outed", or was this just common knowledge that the Senator confirmed? I take it he's not just a Republican, he's a conservative?
I can't imagine that it ever was a secret. He and the party probably got word that someone was getting ready to "out" him, so he outed himself first. Probably fallout from Finkelstein being called "self-loathing" by Clinton.
If this turns out to be true, then there will probably be a lot of Republicans being outed in the coming weeks. The party of love and compassion and gay rights strikes again.
Any comment?
I like to have a few drinks every now and again. I don't promote drinking to underage kids nor do I say that it's the best way to live life. If he keeps his private life private and votes conservative, I would vote for him.
I have no problem with this guy serving; he is consistent.
Koering is a good guy, strong 2nd amendment and hunting rights supporter. A strong guy who defended himself against some kids in a robbery a few months ago (and got slammed by the libs for that).
The DFL is mighty pissed at Koering -- especially since their pet senator samuelson lost to him. And sued and sued and sued until there was no one left to sue.
Koering is a good conservative --- he's not a "flaming gay", so it wouldn't be obvious to others who weren't actively following politics. But he didn't hide it either.
Like I said, he had my vote (and his sexual preference made no difference to me at all) and will have my vote in the future if he decides to run again. This will NOT hurt him in this area.
What was the procedural vote?
I wonder if the Rats haven't convinced themselves that outing gay Republicans is an effective strategy, by either opening the party up to "hypocrisy" charges, or by cynically assuming that they will turn the various GOP factions against one another. I think it would backfire big time on them, like Kerry's and Edwards' shots at Mary Cheney did during the campaign.
However, there's no denying that the democrats are extremely cocky now - they think they've got us beaten on every level and that they can just waltz to victory in '06 and '08. When they get this cocky, they get less cautious about the need to hide their natural hatred and mean-spiritedness. Engaging in a national campaign to smear Republicans by calling them gay, and expecting it to reap dividends, is exactly what I would expect from the party of Howard Dean and John Kerry.
I prefer my leaders to be role models. Homosexuality is a filthy, unhealthy lifestyle...if he is enamored of it then it is unfortunate and sad, but I'd prefer he not be the face of the Republican party. Minnesota does quite well enough with John Kline: that ought to be the standard.
...poor turn of a phrase given the subject matter...
Seriously, the Brainerd area just will not care. Sure, it's mostly a conservative area, but with it being a popular tourist destination, we see our share of "different types". Plus summer is coming, and people are just not going to pay attention.
As long as Paul represents the area, it will make no difference if he is gay or straight. Actually, I predict he will probably pick up more votes the next time.
If Koering feels that the people of this state should be the ones to decide same-sex marriage, then kudos to him, because he is setting aside his personal business for what is good for the state
As for Kline, I'm not sure he is such a good standard. I live in Koering's district and have called his office and have received phone calls back from the senator. My brother lives in Kline's district and has called numerous times but has NEVER received a call back, either from Kline or his people. Kinda tells a little about the man.
Again, I have nothing against Kline, but it does says something when a congressman has no time for the people he represents. Yes, I know this is just one opinion.
Another lost soul listening to the lies of the Deceiver.
I liked the guy better when he was mostly in the closet.
If it was no big deal, why was he in the closet? Why decieve the people?
The real issue is whether he will continue to vote conservative. However IF he had competition in a primary, I would vote for the other republican.
Since we do not even know what he is doing in his bedroom,he may not be a practicing gay. Besides that a lot of so called straight people engage in all kinds of weird,filthy sexual behavior. They do three-somes.oral sex,anal sex,sex toy sex,animal sex,teacher student sex,boyfriend mommy sex,etc,etc,etc. As long as he does not hang around elementary schools,and boys bathrooms,and hit on children he should be left alone just like Mr. Finkelstein to do his job. I would be more concerned if he worked in a hospital drawing my blood. He is not for same sex marriage forced on the voters, that should be the bottom line.
If he votes right on the issues and isn't shady, then I'd still vote for him.
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