News

Log Cabin Republicans Endorses Slade Gorton for Re-Election

Senator Voices AIDS Funding Support and Opposition to Anti-Gay Discrimination

October 19, 2000

(Washington, DC) – In one of the closest Senate races this year, the nation's largest gay Republican organization and its Washington state chapter have endorsed Senator Slade Gorton (R) for re-election.

The incumbent Senator sought the endorsement of Log Cabin Republicans of Washington in both a meeting with and letter to the chapter's leadership. At the meeting in May 2000, Senator Gorton expressed his opposition to employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and pointed to a written office policy that covers his gay and lesbian Congressional employees. Gorton also reiterated his support for AIDS funding, notably through the Ryan White CARE Act, which he co-sponsored for reauthorization this year.

In a letter to Log Cabin Republicans Washington requesting an endorsement, Gorton reiterated his stand against anti-gay discrimination, and extended it to include political appointees. "As we discussed, I oppose employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation," Gorton wrote. "I do not consider sexual orientation as a factor when I hire my staff and nor do I believe that sexual orientation should be a factor in the appointment or confirmation of public officials."

"Senator Gorton has sent a clear signal to the people of his state that he will oppose anti-gay discrimination and continue delivering increased AIDS funding to Washington," said Rich Tafel, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans.

"We have built a strong working relationship with Senator Gorton, and we believe there is room for greater progress for the people of Washington thanks to that relationship," said Marrell Livesay, president of Log Cabin Republicans Washington. "Senator Gorton was instrumental in securing funding for Seattle's AIDS hospice, the Bailey-Boushay House, and has publicly come out against anti-gay discrimination. We look forward to working with Senator Gorton in the next Congress on the issues we care about."

Gorton also supports tax reform and retaining hydroelectric dams in the Northwest to provide clean, renewable energy – policy positions endorsed by Log Cabin Republicans Washington.