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Log Cabin Republicans Expand National Advertising Campaign to Arizona

Arizona is key state in effort to defend the Constitution and help build a more inclusive Republican Party

May 13, 2004

(Phoenix, AZ) – Log Cabin Republicans are continuing to expand their advertising campaign to defend the United States Constitution. Today, Log Cabin is taking their fight to defend the Constitution into Arizona. Log Cabin's 30-second television commercial will begin airing in Phoenix on May 13th. "Arizona has a proud history of principled leadership from conservative Republican politicians. An anti-family Constitutional amendment violates these conservative values and principles," said Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Patrick Guerriero.

Broadcasting this commercial in Arizona is part of an expansion of Log Cabin's $1,000,000 effort to defend the Constitution. This effort includes not only the television ad, but also print ads, the most intense lobbying effort in its history, and the grassroots mobilization of Log Cabin members across America.

"While American military service members risk their lives to bring freedom and liberty to the people of Iraq, some politicians here at home are trying to damage the meaning of liberty in the United States," continued Guerriero. "At a time when our country is at war, the nation should be united, yet some political leaders have chosen to divide the American family and divide the American people by pushing this discriminatory amendment," said Guerriero.

Arizona legislators have been considering a resolution to encourage Congressional passage of the anti-family Federal Marriage Amendment. "Arizona Republican state lawmakers have a choice – be a party of inclusion, liberty and equality or be a party of fear, exclusion and discrimination," said former Arizona Republican State Representative Steve May.

"The 2002 campaign for Governor in Arizona is an example of what happens when the GOP goes too far to the right. Matt Salmon was too extreme on too many issues, so he lost the race for governor in a state Republicans should control. To be the majority party in this state and this country, the GOP must embrace its core principles: limited government, low taxes, a strong defense, personal responsibility and individual freedom. Extremism will lead to defeat," continued May.

"Historically, Constitutional amendments have been used to fulfill the promise of equality and protect the meaning of liberty," said Jan Dahl, Co-Chair of the Arizona Human Rights Fund. "This anti-family Constitutional amendment would use our nation's most sacred document to make gay and lesbian Americans second-class citizens. This amendment would weaken our country's foundation."

Log Cabin's television commercial uses excerpts from then Vice-Presidential candidate Dick Cheney during his 2000 debate with Senator Joe Lieberman. Referring to the legal recognition of same-sex relationships, Mr. Cheney said, "That matter is regulated by the states. I think different states are likely to come to different conclusions, and that's appropriate. I don't think there should necessarily be a federal policy in this area."

"Vice-President Dick Cheney makes a powerful case against amending our sacred Constitution. His position in 2000 is as true today as it was when he said it," continued Guerriero.

Log Cabin kicked off its defend the Constitution campaign on March 10th. The Cheney commercial has been airing in Washington, D.C. and nine other states around the nation including, Missouri, Florida, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, New Mexico and California. Today, the ad began running statewide in Colorado, the home state of FMA's chief sponsors Senator Wayne Allard and Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave.

"Log Cabin has received unprecedented support from our gay and straight allies around the nation. We also are encouraged by the growing number of courageous GOP members of Congress and Republican leaders around the nation who are speaking out against this amendment. These inclusive voices represent the future of our Party. We applaud those federal and state lawmakers from Arizona who have stood up in defense of freedom and fairness, to silence the voices of intolerance and discrimination."

"As Republicans, it is our obligation to speak out when our party is headed in the wrong direction. If the GOP doesn't change course, this party risks ending up on the wrong side of history," concluded Guerriero.

The commercial can be viewed at www.logcabin.org.