The Log Cabin Republicans today endorsed Mitt Romney for President, stating “We Are Americans First.” The Log Cabin Republicans are the oldest gay Republicans organization. The endorsement comes immediately after Barack Obama won his third debate in a landslide, and just days after a top Romney advisor stated Governor Romney supports allowing hospitals to deny same-sex couples hospital visitation rights.
READ: Romney: Hospital Visitation For Gay Couples Are ‘Benefits’ Not Rights
“After careful consideration and consultation with our members and chapters, as well as communication with Mitt Romney and his campaign team, the National Board of Directors of the Log Cabin Republicans has elected to endorse Governor Romney for president,” the LCR said via an email statement, which indicates less than enthusiastic support:
“The decision to endorse is the right one for our members, our community, and for the nation as a whole,” said Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director, R. Clarke Cooper. “Despite our disagreement with Governor Romney on the issue of marriage, on balance it is clear that in today’s economic climate, concern for the future of our country must be the highest priority. We are Republicans, and we agree with Governor Romney’s vision for America in which success is a virtue, equal opportunity is ensured, and leaders recognize that it is the American people, not government, that build our nation and fuel its prosperity. On issues of particular concern to the LGBT community, we believe Governor Romney will move the ball forward compared to past Republican presidents. No matter who is in the White House, it is crucial our community always has a credible voice speaking out on behalf of LGBT Americans. Log Cabin Republicans will be that voice to President Mitt Romney.”
If the Log Cab Republicans think they “will be that voice to President Mitt Romney,” they are even more sadly mistaken than they were when they thought they had a voice in the drafting of the Republican National Committee platform, which, as many believe, was moved farther right on social issues, thanks to their mere presence.
Claiming that on “issues of particular concern to the LGBT community, we believe Governor Romney will move the ball forward compared to past Republican presidents,” the Log Cabin Republicans, and their president, R. Clarke Cooper, are deluding themselves. Mitt Romney signed the National Organization For Marriage’s pledge, which requires:
- Support and send to the states a federal marriage amendment defining marriage as one man and one woman,
- Defend DOMA in court,
- Appoint judges and an attorney general who will respect the original meaning of the Constitution,
- Appoint a presidential commission to investigate harassment of traditional marriage supporters,
- Support legislation that would return to the people of D.C. their right to vote for marriage.
Perhaps Mr. Cooper would care to explain how this “moves the ball forward compared to past Republican presidents.” It actually is more radical and right wing than any previous U.S. president, period. Just like Mitt Romney.