News

Log Cabin Republicans Proud to Support One of Our Own, Mike Gin, For Congress in Special Election for CA-36

April 8, 2011

(Washington, DC) – Log Cabin Republicans are proud to announce our endorsement of Redondo Beach Mayor and longtime Log Cabin Republicans member Mike Gin for Congress. California's 36th Congressional seat was recently vacated by Jane Harman, who resigned on February 8, 2011, and a special election is scheduled for May 17th.

"The people of California's 36th Congressional District need a representative who understands the need to cut the deficit and create jobs. Mike Gin is the only candidate with the experience and leadership to address government spending and economic growth. Log Cabin Republicans are excited to have one of our own running for Congress," said R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director. "In his eight years as part of the city council, followed by two terms as mayor of Redondo Beach, Mike Gin has proven himself to be a capable and talented public servant. It says a lot that Redondo Beach is one of California's few debt-free cities under his leadership, and that Mike was able to raise more than $100,000 in the first three days of his campaign. He is ready and able to join the GOP majority in Congress fighting to create jobs and turn this economy around, and Log Cabin Republicans will work to send him to Washington this summer.

"I am honored to earn Log Cabin Republicans endorsement in my bid to be the next Congressman from the South Bay," said Mike Gin. "Our shared commitment to limited government, individual freedom and personal responsibility will serve as an example to our community and our party. As an independent Republican, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Republican caucus to bring some sanity and reason to Washington."

Cooper continued, saying "If elected, Mike Gin would be among the highest ranking openly gay elected officials in the country, and the first openly gay Republican elected to Congress. In the past, Republican members of Congress such as Steve Gunderson (R-WI) and Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) have been critical in advocating for our community after coming out. We are proud to highlight Mike's strong support for employment nondiscrimination and tax equity for domestic partners, along with his status as a man who is legally married to his partner of sixteen years. Log Cabin Republicans believe in making a difference from within the party as proud Republicans, and Mike's candidacy is a shining example doing just that."