Posted on 11/30/2005 3:55:10 AM PST by mcg2000
Opposition to Gay Marriage Causes Delay of Event
Rep. Harold Ford Jr.'s opposition to gay marriage may win him votes in Tennessee, but it's costing him money in San Francisco where a fund-raiser was postponed after Bay Area politicians got wind of Ford's stance.
The fund-raiser, scheduled for Saturday at the trendy Bubble Lounge, was put on ice after San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and others backed away from the event.
Newsom, who made headlines for conducting gay marriages, urged Ford to cancel the event after he learned Ford voted for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, according to the Bay Area Reporter, a weekly devoted to gay issues.
The fund-raiser is one of dozens Ford has been holding around the country for his 2006 bid for the U.S. Senate. Newsom was billed as an honorary co-chairman of the event, as were former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown and Dist. Atty. Kamala Harris.
"It came to my attention that there were a few people in San Francisco concerned about my opposition to gay marriages," Ford said Tuesday. "Out of concern for local politicians, we decided to push the event back to mid-January."
Newsom and Harris, through spokespersons, said they were unaware of Ford's position on gay marriage when they signed on as co-chairs for the event.
Supporting a politician who voted for the amendment could be politically poisonous in the Bay Area, said Ed Walsh, a journalist for the Reporter.
"A lot of people would accuse (Newsom) of being a hypocrite," Walsh said. "They would say, 'How could he be so strongly in favor of gay marriage and raise money for someone who voted to ban it?' It would definitely be looked upon as a negative. The left wing is very powerful in San Francisco and the politicians don't want to do anything to alienate that support."
Ford was one of 36 House Democrats to vote for the amendment, which gained a majority but failed to win the two-thirds necessary to pass.
"This is the first time I've heard this issue raised and my position has been pretty consistent on this," he said.
Ford said he doubts his vote will hamper his fund-raising in more liberal states.
"I haven't, to date, had any problem raising money in red states or blue states," he said.
Ford has raised about $3 million for his Senate race with a stated goal of $12 million.
He said he hasn't met Newsom and wasn't concerned about the mayor's decision to back away from his campaign.
"He's not an (eligible) voter for me," Ford said. "Gavin Newsom has his politics in San Francisco and I have mine in Tennessee."
-- Oliver Staley: 529-6515
Not statewide election
"I can't stand that little creep"
Which little creep, Newsome or Ford (or BOTH little creeps)?
You know, Harold's donor info over at the FEC's website makes interesting reading :)
The Gay Bay probably did Ford a favor, since word of his fundraising there would not have gone over well with most of the folks in Middle and East TN.
Not really.
Ford. I ain't got time to worry about Newsom but I can't imagine I'd have a very high opinion of him either if I took the time to have one at all.
he is a "UGLY" little creep who talks out of both sides of his mouth,listen to him on the black radio stations and at black community functions it's all about "whitey" and racism and then the MSM protrays him as a moderate, BALONEY!!!!!! Second coming of slick willy #2 I hope the people of Tn. don't fall for his nonsense
A moderate? He has gone ballistic on the floor of the House and has had to be severely reprimanded by the presiding officer. I remember seeing this happen once live...he was totally out of control.
Newsom and others didn't know Ford's stand on gay marriage? I suggest they do some more reading. This proves the ignorance of the pols in San Fran.
Man, ya dug pretty far back to find this one didn't you?
";^)
BTW, my opinion hasn't changed a bit. I don't live anywhere near Tennessee but it would really bother me if this turdmeister should happen to get into the Senate.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.