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Election Victories from Coast to Coast for Fair Minded Republicans

Log Cabin Congratulates Victorious Endorsed Candidates

November 9, 2005

(Washington, DC) – "Election Day 2005 reminds us that inclusion wins," said Log Cabin Republicans President Patrick Guerriero. "From Mayor Bloomberg's decisive win in New York City, to the defeat of an anti-gay initiative in Maine, to wins in Washington State, Georgia, and California for Log Cabin endorsed candidates, voters supported the politics of inclusion. Election Day 2005 should remind national GOP leaders that our nation is hungry for an end to the politics of division."

In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg cruised to re-election, defeating Democrat Fernando Ferrer by almost 20 points. "Log Cabin was proud to be the only gay group to stand with Mayor Bloomberg. We look forward to working with Mayor Bloomberg on issues of basic fairness for all New York City residents over the next four years," continued Guerriero.

In Maine, voters rejected an effort by anti-gay extremists to roll back basic protections for gay people. "The people of Maine have stood up for basic fairness. Voters rejected the politics of fear and division by saying it's wrong to discriminate against gay and lesbian people," said Log Cabin Political Director Chris Barron.

In San Diego, Log Cabin's endorsed candidate, Jerry Sanders was elected Mayor. In Washington State, Log Cabin Washington President Dave Kaplan won a seat on the Des Moines City Council, a suburb of Seattle. In Georgia, Log Cabin member Brian Bates finished first in the balloting and will be in a run-off for a seat on the Doraville City Council, an Atlanta suburb.

Also in New York City, Log Cabin Board member Patrick Murphy ran a spirited campaign for City Council. Murphy's campaign was endorsed by the Victory Fund, Empire State Pride Agenda, Mayor Bloomberg and Log Cabin. "While Patrick Murphy came up short this time, we are confident he will be an important voice in New York City politics in the coming years," said Barron.

Additionally, Log Cabin recognizes the strong campaigns run by Dave Schulz for City Council in Toledo and Bill Schmidt for City Council in Peekskill, New York.

As expected, the battle for basic fairness suffered a setback in Texas. Voters approved an anti-gay constitutional amendment. "We are disappointed by this outcome, but we are proud of the grassroots campaigning done by Log Cabin members in Texas. This battle is not over as we continue educating fair-minded voters in the months and years ahead about why they should support basic fairness and equality for gay and lesbian people," concluded Guerriero.