Posted on 10/08/2008 10:29:43 AM PDT by Calpernia
Log Cabin Republicans Proudly Endorses Sen. John McCain for President
Log Cabin Republicans recently announced its endorsement of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) for President of the United States. The decision was announced at Log Cabin's "Big Tent Event" at the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, MN. Read Log Cabin's news release announcing the endorsement.
At the event, McCain Campaign National Political Director Michael DuHaime spoke to Log Cabin Republicans and formally accepted the endorsement. Also, McCain Campaign Senior Adviser Steve Schmidt addressed gay Republicans gathered at the party's convention. Schmidt, who has served as tjhe day-to-day campaign manager since early July, 2008, also expressed the McCain campaign's gratitude for the endorsement. In his remarks, Schmidt said, "Your organization [Log Cabin Republicans] is an important one in the fabric of our party." Read more about Schmidt's remaks.
Sen. McCain has had a long relationship with Log Cabin Republicans dating back to the opening of our organization's national office in the mid 1990s. Log Cabin endorsed Sen. McCain's re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2004. Log Cabin's national board of directors voted 12-2 to endorse Sen. McCain's presidential bid. Here's a summary of his record on issues of importance to LGBT voters.
A Long History with Log Cabin Republicans
Sen. McCain has had a long and friendly association with Log Cabin Republicans, dating back to the organization's opening of a national office in the mid-1990s. McCain has spoken before gay and lesbian Republicans, has met with gay and lesbian Republicans, and by all public accounts, has a personal comfort level with LGBT people that will prove promising to many fair-minded Americans.
During his previous run for the White House, McCain met with Log Cabin Republicans in 1999 during the heat of the Republican presidential primary season (which, at the time, no other Republican nominee for president had done). Eager to show his support for the gay and lesbian community, McCain told then-Log Cabin Executive Director Richard Tafel, "I just want you to know, Rich, that I am unashamed, unembarrassed and proud to work with you."
Sen. McCain has remained friendly with the organization, particularly as he stood with the gay and lesbian community in opposition to the anti-gay federal marriage amendment. Log Cabin endorsed McCain's Senate re-election bid in 2004.
Promising Signs for Independent Voters, including Gays & Lesbians
It is has become clear throughout the general election that Sen. McCain recognizes where this election will be won—independents. This is another promising sign for gay and lesbian Americans.
Polls show a close race between Senators McCain and Obama. McCain is polling well in traditionally blue states such as Michigan, Oregon, and Washington and has indicated his desire to compete in "blue" states and areas where Republicans have traditionally not competed.
Sen. McCain's Record on Gay Issues
On issues of concern to Log Cabin, Sen. McCain has a mixed record. But, on the most important issue the LGBT community has faced in the last decade, the federal marriage amendment, McCain stood with us and was on the right side of history. He consistently voted against the anti-family Federal Marriage Amendment. He voted against the proposal in both 2004 and 2006, saying the matter should be left to the states. Watch Sen. McCain's 2004 speech opposing the FMA.
He supported Arizona's 2006 effort to ban marriage equality and roll back domestic partner benefits offered by some municipalities in the state. McCain opposes hate crime legislation and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). He supports continuation of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, which prevents gays and lesbians from serving openly and honestly in the U.S. military.
Marriage in California
Like Sen. Obama and most Democratic lawmakers, Sen. McCain opposes marriage for gay and lesbian Americans. He has expressed support for allowing gay couples access to some benefits short of a civil marriage license. When the California Supreme Court affirmed the state legislature in May 2008 and paved the way for marriage equality in the Golden State, Sen. McCain issued a statement saying that the people of California should decide the issue.
Sen. McCain's strongest California supporter, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA), issued a statement immediately following the California Supreme Court's ruling saying: "I respect the Court's decision and as Governor, I will uphold its ruling. Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling." Gov. Schwarzenegger is a strong ally to the LGBT community, having signed more pro-gay bills than any governor (Republican or Democrat) in American history. He has also since spoken favorably of marriage for gay couples in California.
On the Right Side of History: The Federal Marriage Amendment
Some in the LGBT community have unfairly dismissed Sen. McCain's votes against the federal marriage amendment. But this is disingenuous, to say the least. It took enormous political courage for a Republican Senator from red-state Arizona to buck his own party leadership and President Bush on this hot-button issue. And it's important to remember that Sen. McCain didn't just vote "no" on the marriage amendment. He took to the floor of the U.S. Senate and delivered one of the most impassioned speeches against the anti-gay measure, calling it "antithetical in every way to the core philosophy of Republicans."
Following a recent report by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) heavily criticizing McCain's record on gay and lesbian issues, a McCain campaign spokesperson said: "Sen. McCain is seeking support from all Americans this November, based on his vision for moving America forward and his long record of treating people with respect and dignity. He was proud to receive an endorsement from the Log Cabin Republicans in his 2004 re-election campaign, and we’re confident he’ll win strong support this fall.”
Wide-Ranging Appeal
While we respect those who believe that only traditional "scorecard" LGBT issues such as hate crimes and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) should matter to gay people, we disagree. The vast majority of LGBT Americans are not one-issue voters. Like all Americans, gays and lesbians have wide-ranging concerns—from foreign policy to the environment to soaring gas prices to the size of the federal government and more.
McCain's positions on these and many issues will attract independents, including gays and lesbians. Sen. McCain supports taking an aggressive posture against totalitarian regimes—regimes that threaten, imprison, and kill gay and lesbian people. By contrast, Sen. Obama has received harsh criticism (and even some skepticism from his fellow Democrats) for indicating he would meet with Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad without conditions.
Additionally, Sen. McCain's philosophy on other issues will attract gay and lesbian voters. He supports measures that will benefit gay and lesbian business people. His views on the proper role and scope of the federal government, as well as taxes and spending, energy and the environment may also have wide appeal. He also supports social security reform that may provide for private retirement accounts, which will directly benefit non-married LGBT Americans.
Sen. McCain is undoubtedly running a campaign to reach out to independent voters, including gay Americans. We believe he stands a significant chance of receiving more gay votes than George W. Bush did in 2004.
Taking the Republican Party Back to Its Core Principles
Sen. John McCain's nomination is an historic one for many reasons. But most significant is the opportunity his candidacy provides for the Republican Party to return to its core, unifying principles—bread and butter issues that brought conservatives to power in the 1990s like limited government, accountability, and restrained spending.
The last eight years have seen the GOP in a deep struggle for the soul of the party—a fight between so-called social conservatives whose worldview largely ignores and excludes gay and lesbian Americans versus fair-minded Republicans who want to move the party back to the issues that Americans care about. Sen. McCain has won the GOP nomination with no help (and with outright hostility) from many social conservatives, including prominent anti-gay crusader Dr. James Dobson of "Focus on the Family." Dobson earlier proclaimed he would "never" vote for Sen. McCain.
A John McCain presidency has the potential to move the GOP back to its roots of limited government and resistance to intruding into the private lives of citizens. Despite differences on social issues such as gay rights, the GOP under John McCain's leadership can return to an agenda that, in the words of Ronald Reagan, "appeals to your best hopes, not your worst fears."
When the final chapter is written, that may do more for gay and lesbian rights than any single policy issue either party can advocate in the next four years.
Campaign Web Site: http://www.johnmccain.com
Let me contemplate it. Knowing AJ Madison, he likely will want to accompany the recommendations with a short article explaining the unusual endorsement
You said you would care if they did parading. Then you should be interested in the type of parading they do.
That info can be found ON the thread linked here about the 2004 endorsement. Their type of parading is of National Security interest.
AJ has full access to my blogs, emails and NewsWire as always. Tell him hi for me. I’ve not heard him since he did our Hunter’s Ranger Radio show. Maybe we need to do blog talk radio. It may be more important than ever if McCain resigned with LCR. I’ve sure you remember seeing their contract that has to be signed for APPLIED endorsements. If you have forgotten, re read the 2004 Endorsement thread, above.
I recall. I wonder if McCain signed anything. I sure as hell hope he is not that dumb.
The LCR has different definitions for Support and Endorsement and terms that apply to each. The Endorsement has a contract and I did post it on that 2004 thread.
Yes, but like most groups, they may not follow their own protocol. I have a hard time thinking McCain would sign up for their agenda. Palin certainly would not.
A questionnaire when applying for the endorsement:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1831372/posts?page=13#13
Candidate Application Questionnaire
Once you have completed this portion of the application, you may email it as an MS Word (.doc) attachment to [email edited]. In the alternative, you may fax it to [fax edited] or mail it to: [snail mail edited].
Please do not forget to also download and sign the Candidate Contract, as well as email a photo to [email edited] or mail to the address above.
1. Please provide supporting information to demonstrate that you meet each of the basic candidate criteria.
• Be openly gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender;
• Demonstrate electoral viability;
• Publicly endorse federal Gay/Lesbian Civil Rights Legislation, and similar state and local anti-discrimination laws or legislation;
• Advocate aggressive public policies and positions relevant to HIV/AIDS research, education and treatment; gay and lesbian health and wellness; and women’s reproductive freedom.
2. Briefly describe why you have chosen to run for public office.
3. Have you ever officially sought or held any political office? Please give complete details, including offices and dates.
4. Fully describe all additional political experience, including service as a campaign or party staff member, volunteer, fundraiser or consultant.
5. Fully describe the extent of your community involvement and how that experience relates to your qualifications for public office. Describe any community support for your candidacy.
6. Have you ever participated in a political training conducted by a political party or other organization? If so please list the sponsoring organization, the dates of your participation and a short description.
7. Honestly describe your most notable strengths and weaknesses as a candidate. Thoroughly address any personal or professional circumstances which may have the potential to threaten your candidacy, and your strategies for overcoming them. Include driving records, civil suits, bankruptcy filings, etc.
Your Race:
8. If you are seeking state or local office, describe the current makeup of the elective body for which you are running. If a judgeship, please include a copy of all sections of the local judicial cannon of ethics dealing with campaigning for office.
9. What communities, groups or population segments make up your voter base? Why do you consider them your base? What percentage of the voting population do they represent? Be as specific as possible.
10. Describe the demographics and past voting behavior of your district and how they impact your ability to win. Please use election years similar to the one in which you are running. Explain in detail and include poll data if available.
11. List the name and office of every gay or lesbian candidate who has been elected to office in the jurisdiction where you seek election. Is there a history of openly gay or lesbian candidates running for office in the jurisdiction where you seek election? Include any details you can.
12. Please list and provide detailed descriptions of your primary and general election opposition. Note any incumbents and include potential candidates who may not have officially announced their candidacy. Address both favorable and unfavorable aspects of their candidacies. Are any opponents running as openly gay or lesbian candidates?
13. What endorsements have you and your opponent(s) sought and/or received? Please list endorsement, description of the endorser, and who has received it or who is likely to receive it.
14. Fully describe any matters outside your campaign that may impact your race (e.g., an initiative on the same ballot).
Your Campaign:
15. Describe the present or anticipated structure of your campaign organization, including paid and volunteer staff positions.
16. Who is your campaign manager and what is his or her previous campaign experience?
17. What consultants have been hired for media, polling and/or fundraising? Please describe their background, experience and extent of their relationship to your campaign.
18. Do you have the results from prior elections or any prior election data by precinct for use in targeting?
Your Strategy:
19. What is your campaign plan and strategy for winning?
20. Which demographic groups will you target and how?
22. What is your campaign theme or message?
23. What issues will you emphasize?
24. How will you identify your supporters and get them out to vote?
25. What role will volunteers play in your campaign? How will you recruit and manage them? How many will you need?
Your Campaign Finances:
26. What is your budget for both the primary and general elections? Please attach detailed expense and income budgets.
27. What communities or groups make up your base of donors?
28. Describe your fundraising plan. How much have you raised to date and from what sources? How will your raise the rest of your budget? Include a breakout by categories such as major donors, individuals, PACs, corporations, direct mail, house parties, etc. How much cash do you have on hand?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1831372/posts?page=15#15
To be clear about our mutual responsibilities and obligations, we have drafted this contract. You must accept these terms by checking the box at the end of the agreement before any decision on your endorsement can be made.
1. The Fund endorsement is for the current election only.
2. Endorsement by the Fund does not imply an electronic or mail solicitation to our donor network.
3. The timing, frequency and extent of candidate electronic communications and mailings are at the complete discretion of the Fund.
4. If the Fund does include your candidacy in an electronic or mail solicitation to our donor network, we reserve the right to stop contributions to your campaign at any time.
5. If during the course of the campaign, the candidate fails to provide the Fund with the information specified in this contract, the recommendation will be suspended and all contributions will be stopped.
This includes compliance with items 1, 2 and 4 upon receipt of the Fund endorsement.
6. Candidates who do not make a good faith effort to fulfill the terms of this contract will be ineligible for future Fund recommendations, and subject to an immediate stoppage of current campaign support.
The Fund Agrees to:
1. Appoint a Fund staff liaison to your campaign.
2. Provide access to Fund staff for advice on campaign matters.
3. Promote your candidacy in the media and to the Fund membership.
4. Send you all contributions we receive for your campaign, via first-class mail, up until the close of the election when such contributions will be sent overnight.
5. In the unlikely event that contributions are disrupted for any reason, the Fund will return them to their respective donors. Under no circumstances will the Fund hold contributor checks longer than 10 days.
Candidate Letter of Agreement Page 1 of 3
6. Ensure the confidentiality of all campaign information not meant for public broadcast, including the disclosure of fundraising goals and factual totals, up until the date of your current campaign’s general election date.
The Candidate Agrees to comply with the following items:
1. Appoint someone from the management of the campaign to serve as liaison to the Fund.
2. Add the Fund to your campaign and press mailing lists.
3. Include the Fund on appropriate campaign literature and press releases.
4. Communicate with the staff liaison in a timely manner, all information (both positive and negative) about campaign developments, including:
a. Revisions of campaign strategy
b. Fundraising results
c. New endorsements
d. Changes in key campaign personnel
5. Share the cost of solicitation mailings done by the Fund for your campaign.
6. Send thank you letters to all members who contribute to your campaign within three weeks of receiving their donations. The letter should include reference to their membership.
7. Upon request, provide the Fund with the following in a timely manner during the course of the campaign:
a. Copies of all your direct mail and walking pieces
b. Copies of all newspaper clippings referring to your campaign
c. Copies of all your media spots, if applicable
d. Copies of all pertinent polling data, if applicable
e. Copies of all your press releases
f. Copies of all your campaign disclosure reports
8. Provide the Fund with your gay and lesbian campaign donor list in the pre-approved format, within two weeks after the end of your election date.
9. Suppress the names, addresses and telephone numbers of Fund contributors from your database and agree that you or your campaign will not trade, sell, or solicit them in any way.
10. Consent to the use of name and likeness for Fund promotion.
11. Sign at least one fundraising appeal for the Fund.
12. Agree to make at least two public appearances for the Fund at a time mutually convenient to the candidate and to our organization.
Candidate Letter of Agreement Page 2 of 3
Palin is not mentioned in the endorsement. She did not apply for endorsement.
Do you have evidence that McCain applied? He may have, I don’t know. Maybe he got Fred’s adviser on board after Fred dropped out.
The only evidence I have is their own terms. I have the application process. Not only do you have to fill out the questionnaire and submit a letter requesting; but you have to sit down and be reviewed in person.
His first press release at post one confirms he sat down and did the review with them.
He has been endorsed by them many times. He will have to have a LCR Political Advisor assigned to him.
http://online.logcabin.org/news_views/reading-room-back-up/sen-john-mccain-outlines.html
—“Sen. McCain’s outreach to gay and lesbian voters is unprecedented from a GOP presidential candidate. That’s why Log Cabin was proud to endorse him.
—“The gay left has been trying to define John McCain as another George W. Bush on gay issues. His words in this interview further undermine that ridiculous argument,” said Sammon.
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