News

Statement Regarding Bob Dole for President Campaign Action on Gay Donation

August 25, 1995

(Washington, DC) – On the eve of its 6th annual national convention in Cincinnati, the nation's largest gay Republican organization was informed that the presidential campaign of Senator Robert Dole is returning a donation of $1,000 made in June by Log Cabin Republicans PAC, citing that they were "unaware" of the donation.

"With full knowledge of senior Dole campaign officials, many of our members contributed the maximum amount, and I have told them that it's time to demand their money back," said Richard Tafel, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans.

"Furthermore, there are gay people in every Republican campaign, some in high positions, and I hope this will lead them to confront their candidates once and for all."

"We are extremely disappointed over this incident," said Tafel. "We were encouraged by the Dole campaign for months to support them financially, and any indication that they were unaware of our involvement is dishonest."

Deb Price, a Washington-based columnist for the Detroit News, contacted the Dole campaign and made inquiries on the LCR PAC donation after reviewing reports filed at the Federal Election Commission.

In a letter to Tafel in May, Dole campaign finance chairman John Moran acknowledged meeting with Log Cabin to discuss raising funds from its members, and attached a list of fundraising events, adding "Senator Dole and I would appreciate any assistance you could give us in turning out your members at each event. I am looking forward to working with you."

Campaign press spokesman Nelson Warfield said in a written statement that the campaign and Log Cabin Republicans are so divergent in their views that the campaign could not keep the donation, which was cashed on June 23, 1995.

"This was an unnecessary and dishonest action which could completely change the dynamic among moderate Republicans who thought they were safe supporting Bob Dole against Phil Gramm," Tafel said. "Now he has become Phil Gramm, and moderates should look elsewhere."