News

Text of Letter to Congressman Rick Lazio (R-NY)

December 15, 1998

The Honorable Rick Lazio
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman Lazio:

I'm writing to tell you how impressed I was with your comments about the impeachment issue last Sunday on CNN's Late Edition. When you were asked about the pressures you are facing in your district, you answered that voting against impeaching President Clinton was clearly the easier political choice, but you went on to say that you weren't making this decision simply on what was better for you, but what was better for the country. That is precisely what every Member of Congress, especially the Republicans, should be saying right now.

While you will receive letters and phone calls all day from people seeking to influence your vote, I wanted to tell you that you will continue to have the full support of Log Cabin Republicans regardless of your decision on this issue.

If I believed that this issue was some sort of attack against the President for his personal sexual behavior, clearly it would have been something I would have opposed long ago, but I don't believe this is about sex. I believe it is about honesty and the importance of honesty under oath. Every gay man and woman takes great risk in telling the truth as they come out, and we know the value of speaking the truth regardless of the personal risk.

Thank you for your principled statements, and for safeguarding your conscience for this momentous decision. We look forward to continuing to work closely with you and supporting you in future endeavors.

Sincerely,

RICHARD TAFEL
Executive Director