Posted on 02/20/2006 11:03:28 PM PST by presidio9
A Wilton Manors mayoral candidate has posted somewhat controversial campaign signs in an effort to attract gay voters.
The signs for candidate Seth Solomon say, "Vote! Gay! Vote!" and they're drawing a lot of attention.
"I think it's wrong to be putting anything prejudicial on signs, and discriminatory," said Melissa Vojtik, vice president of the Dolphin Democratic Club, a gay and lesbian political group, which supports incumbent Mayor Scott Newton.
NBC 6's Nick Bogert reported that Wilton Manors' gay voter population is substantial, perhaps 30 or 40 percent.
Solomon said he hoped the signs would prompt coverage of his low-budget campaign.
"It gets a buzz," he said. "It's important in a city like this that people know there's a gay candidate."
But some gay activists find this an improper appeal because signs urging straight voters to support a heterosexual candidate would draw deserved protest.
"This would seem to be the type of behavior we're trying to stop people from doing," Vojtik said.
But others said it's not the same, given the history of antigay discrimination.
"I think its just a way of telling people he's gay and will stand up for the rights of gay people," Wilton Manors resident Dominic Manzelli said.
Resident Tom Marten said he is more likely to consider supporting Solomon because of the signs.
"Because they have more of my concerns in mind. I don't have a problem with that at all," Marten said.
But voter Steven Kukhahn said he finds the signs a turnoff.
"They're appealing for the gay vote but it's not very appealing," Kukhahn said.
Incumbent Newton is heterosexual but received a lot of gay voter support in his lopsided-election win two years ago.
"I was a little shocked, because of our community being so diverse, that they'd go after one group," Newton said.
The mayoral election in Wilton Manors is March 14.
Are they voting with their buttocks?
ping
In case others are curious, as I was, it's in Florida.
Fo de Chillins, I bet. RATS can't get much lower, but don't worry, they will.
About the Dolphin Democrats
Mission Statement
"Further, it shall be the mission of this organization to foster good will between gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) members of the Democratic Party and the community at large. We seek individual freedom in the framework of a just society and political freedom in the framework of meaningful participation by all citizens."
******
February 19, 2006
DNC Controversy Round-Up
The decision to eliminate the "Director of GLBT Outreach" position at the DNC continues to make news.
February 16-22, 2006
Politics
Dean’s Kiss and Make-Up
Democratic chairman meets with NY gay leaders, responds on DNC reorganization
BY PAUL SCHINDLER
Amidst several weeks of controversy in the LGBT press about a reorganization of the Democratic National Committee that eliminated the “gay desk” or liaison position there, Dr. Howard Dean, the party chairman and former Vermont governor and presidential candidate, was in New York Monday to meet with community leaders.
http://www.gaycitynews.com/gcn_507/deanskiss.html
Dems abolish gay outreach post
Gay Democrat resigns in protest over Dean’s restructuring moves
By LOU CHIBBARO JR
Friday, February 03, 2006
Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean has abolished the Democratic Party’s constituent outreach desks, including the post of director of lesbian and gay outreach.
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2006/2-3/news/national/dems.cfm
Dems to homos: re-closet yourself in 2006
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
[Welcome Raw Story readers...UPDATE (8PM): The DNC issued a press release late today, "A Year of Progress for DNC LGBT Outreach, which outlines specifics regarding the reorganization of its outreach program. You can read it and comment here.]
http://tinyurl.com/aso5s
Was Franken yankin' Barney Frank?
Nice of them to point how who they are. This is liberals believing their own propaganda about the general appeal of brokeback mountain again. They tell themselve it is an asset to be gay.
It's better than that stupid slogan the rappers came up with: Vote or Die.
Wilton manner is in south east floridas, Broward county. Fort Lauderdale.
It has been transforming itself as a haven for gays for several years now.
Seth Sodom?
Sure they can. A number of years back, Terry McAwful and the DNC aided Clinton Crony Mayor Lee P. Brown(D) in getting re-elected.
Everyone in the media was proud of Houston having its first black mayor.
The only time the media calls our non-party affiliated mayoral races "partisan" is when there is a Republican challenge the usual Democrats.
The Republican candidate was Cuban born Orlando Sanchez. The Democrats put up signs in neighborhoods that said "Sanchez is Anti-Hispanic". So see they can and have already gone lower.
I got this beat, I live in Pasadena. Our Mayor is named John Manlove. Meet the last name you want in junior high.
At least his parents didn't name him Dick.
I know of a man named Richard Head.
George? George Clooney? Is that you?
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