Democratic Candidates Seek Gay Vote

AP | 5/12/03

[kattracks]

ATLANTA (AP) — During his keynote address at a black-tie dinner here Saturday, Sen. John Edwards voiced his support for adoptions by gay parents.

The North Carolina senator, one of nine Democrats seeking the party's presidential nomination, isn't the only one courting gay voters. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean has touted a law he signed allowing civil unions for gays and lesbians. U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, a decorated Vietnam veteran, makes has said gays should be allowed to serve in the military.

Bill Clinton made history in 1992 by openly courting gay voters en route to the White House. Eleven years later, the courting of gay voters is under way like never before.

"In a crowded race or a close race, an energized and mobilized constituency can make a real difference," said Dave Noble, executive director of the National Stonewall Democrats, a group that promotes the agenda of gays within the party.

"Right now, we've got so many different candidates going after the community, and there's not one candidate the community has settled upon."

Exit polls from the 2000 presidential election showed that 4 percent of voters were gay and that close to three-quarters of them voted for Democrat Al Gore. In the 2004 Democratic primaries, their influence could prove pivotal, activists argue.

Several candidates for next year's race, including Edwards, have hired staff members to advise them on gay issues. U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri has said his daughter, Chrissy, will be an ambassador to gay groups. She is a lesbian.

"The gay community has become one of the constituencies you have to meet to be a viable Democrat," said Steve Elmendorf, a top adviser to Gephardt's campaign.

That was clear during this month's Democratic debate in South Carolina. The nine candidates each touted their gay-rights credentials and universally condemned anti-sodomy laws as an invasion of privacy.

Six of the nine candidates have endorsed the idea of civil unions, though most won't go as far to say they support gay marriage.

Edwards spoke Saturday night in Atlanta at an event held by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay-rights group. His speech also included calls for greater workplace protections and stepped-up efforts to find an AIDS vaccine.

"I was raised to believe in an America that embraces everybody," Edwards said.

When speaking of adoptions by gay parents, Edwards said, "In a world where far too many children are neglected or unwanted, we need to encourage responsible, loving adults to raise children, which is why I support the rights of gays and lesbians to adopt children."

Edwards did not explicitly address civil unions, though he apparently was referring to the subject when he said "not everyone of us will agree on every single issue."

During his 1998 Senate race, Edwards said he was opposed to gay marriage. Although he does not object to states' recognizing civil unions, he continues to have reservations about both gay marriage and civil unions, said Jennifer Palmieri, Edwards' campaign spokeswoman.

"It's an issue he thinks the country — and North Carolina — is not ready for," Palmieri said.

But his efforts to court the gay community could work against him in North Carolina, particularly if he ends up seeking re-election to the Senate in 2004.

If Edwards runs for the Senate, "you can sure this will be brought up," said Thad Beyle, a political science professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"It gives some ammunition to people. I think it's probably less of a big deal that it used to be, but there are still people here who are uncomfortable with this. They see homosexuality as a sin."

In a similar vein, the Democratic presidential nominee risks losing some support among swing voters in the South, analysts say. But campaign strategists downplay that potential.

"It's overrated as a general election liability," said Elmendorf, the Gephardt adviser. "In 1992, Clinton got people past the notion that if you're pro-gay rights, it will kill you in the South."

[goldstategop]

The Democrats aren't your father's party. Liberalism has come a long way, baby.

[mgc1122]

Alternate title Democrats desperate for all of the 1.8% population demographic.

[goldstategop]

Its not even 10% of the population. LOL

[Rummyfan]

Why oh why does any politician pander to this group? I know they have a lot of discretionary income but...... They make up what percent of the voting population? And how many of them actually vote (kind of busy with all the parties and such)??????

[wideawake]

DEMS SAY: WANT A PARTY TO PUSH YOUR AGENDA? WE HAVE THE OPENING YOU'RE LOOKING FOR!

[mgc1122]

It may not even be the full 1.8% ...

[wideawake]

Howard Dean theems nithe and everything, but that John Edwardth! He'th tho dreamy!

[Bigg Red]

Exit polls from the 2000 presidential election showed that 4 percent of voters were gay ...


I wonder how many were polled to find out what percentage of voters are necrophiliacs or are attracted to goats.

[thepatriot1]

During his 1998 Senate race, Edwards said he was opposed to gay marriage. Although he does not object to states' recognizing civil unions, he continues to have reservations about both gay marriage and civil unions, said Jennifer Palmieri, Edwards' campaign spokeswoman.

Whhhhaaattttt??? Sounds like a typical Dumbocrat position to me

[Salman]

Alternate title Democrats desperate for all of the 1.8% population demographic.

They'll pick up all the PC crowd as well. That's the real point.

[telebob]

This item must fall into the 'No Kidding' category. I think it's great that the Dems have come out in favor of sodomy. I think it should be a plank in the platform.

"Sodomy anywhere, anytime...vote Democratic"

[goldstategop]

Translation: A politician who wants to please both sides of the aisles by avoiding taking a principled position. Is this the kind of guy you want to be President? He's as shifty as Bill Clinton when it comes to campaign ethics.

[Nonstatist]

When speaking of adoptions by gay parents, Edwards said, ..I support the rights of gays and lesbians to adopt children."
If Edwards runs for the Senate, "you can sure this will be brought up," said Thad Beyle,

I think Edwards running for the Senate again is not gonna happen. He's either going to win the nomination or its back to the trial lawyering business.

[headsonpikes]

Sodomy is THE perfect metaphor for the Democratic Party platform in all its polymorphously perverse splendor.

[MattinNJ]

The question is, will they bend over backwards to get their vote?

[HEY4QDEMS]

This is why I love primaries of recent years.
For a Rat to get enough primary votes to secure a nomination, he/she has to embrace every radical and fringe element thus alienating the mainstream.
Years ago they used to preach civil rights and labor, now its gay marriage, old growth forests, higher taxes, no drilling, etc. etc. etc.
Repubs have had the same platform for the last thirty years, Lower Taxes, Strong Military, and Tough on Crime, and Education.
The left is killing itself as it moves closer and closer to the fringe.

I love it!