News

Log Cabin Republicans Congratulate Governor Schwarzenegger for Resounding Election Victory

Governor's Victory Shows the Power of Inclusion

November 8, 2006

(Sacramento, CA) – "Log Cabin congratulates Governor Schwarzenegger for his re-election victory," said Jeff Bissiri, Log Cabin's California Director. "The Governor has reached out to all Californians including the gay and lesbian community. The Governor's inclusive leadership is a model for other Republicans around the nation. His re-election shows that inclusion wins," said Bissiri.

On a night when the national Republican Party suffered many defeats, Schwarzenegger's victory shows that mainstream inclusive politics is a winning strategy. "The Governor's agenda should be a model for other Republicans around the nation," said Log Cabin Executive Vice President Patrick Sammon. "Schwarzenegger won this race by pursuing a positive common sense agenda that appealed to both conservatives and mainstream voters."

Since taking office in 2003, Governor Schwarzenegger has signed over 20 bills supportive of the gay and lesbian community including expansion of domestic partnership rights, hate crimes protection, housing and employment non-discrimination laws, improving HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategies, and ending the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in the state militia. The Governor has spoken out publicly against the anti-family Federal Marriage Amendment and has been one of the nation's leading voices advocating for a "Big Tent" Republican Party.

"Log Cabin proudly endorsed Governor Schwarzenegger. Many of our members across the state volunteered on his campaign and provided important financial support for him. We look forward to continuing our support for his efforts to bring people together and build an even brighter future for the state of California," said Bissiri.

On June 29, 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger was the guest of honor at an event to support the work of Log Cabin. He made history as the first Republican governor in California to speak to the gay and lesbian community. In a rousing speech, Schwarzenegger declared that he was "committed to being a Governor for all Californians" and was "proud to stand side by side with Log Cabin in their work to offer basic fairness for gay and lesbian citizens." He went on to say, "A person should only be limited by his dreams and not by his background, and not by his heritage and not by his sexual orientation... We are united in the values of love, tolerance, and understanding... working together we can create a better future for California where everybody matters and every family counts."