Venus View

Stonewall Dems labeled "radical" by Elizabeth Dole


I got an unbelievable press release in my email this morning. These folks have really gone off the deep end on this one. In my dealings with the Stonewall Democrats, I can honestly say that the people in the organization, from professional organizers to grassroots activists, are sober, serious, moderate-thinking people. To call them "radical" is to pander to the rising tide of Christian Nationalists who are taking our country by storm.

They completely own the Republican Party. I hope the Democrats don't cave in to their underhanded and completely transparent tactics. Ted Kennedy said it well, "A vote for this amendment is a vote for bigotry pure and simple." That gives me some hope, however I have not forgotten that it was President William Jefferson Clinton who signed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996.

Here's the press release:

NRSC Issues Desperate Attack Against Stonewall Democrats
Committee Headed by Elizabeth Dole Lables Stonewall a "Radical Gay Group"
- Rick Santorum Sends Campaign Staff to Videotape Stonewall Members at Convention -

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Washington, DC - Today, National Stonewall Democrats released the following attack piece the organization received shortly after it was issued last Friday by the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). The committee, tasked with electing Republicans to the United States Senate, is chaired by Republican Senator Elizabeth Dole (NC). The following attack - sent to the entire NRSC press list - demonstrates a deep desperation on the part of congressional Republicans who face increasing charges of corruption and a rejection by voters at the ballot box this November.

The attack was released on Friday, June 2 - the opening day of the 2006 Stonewall Democrats National Convention in Pittsburgh. In addition to this attack piece, National Stonewall Democrats removed a employee of Rick Santorum's reelection campaign from the convention's opening reception after he was discovered secretly videotaping the evening's remarks and Stonewall members from across the country.

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NRSC PRESS RELEASE
The National Republican Senatorial Committee
Elizabeth Dole, Chair

For Immediate Release:
Friday, June 2, 2006
Contact: Dan Ronayne (202) XXX-XXXX

ON EVE OF SENATE GAY MARRIAGE VOTE, "SILENT BOB" HIDES BEHIND HOWARD DEAN

DNC Chair To Stand In For Silent Bob in Pittsburgh With The National Stonewall Democrats, A Radical Gay Group Backing Bob Casey, Jr.

WASHINGTON--The NRSC released the following statement regarding Howard Dean's appearance in Pittsburgh before the gay rights group the "Stonewall Democrats" this Saturday in Pittsburgh.

"As the Senate prepares to vote on The Federal Marriage Amendment, Silent Bob is ducking an appearance before a gay rights group. The fact that Casey Jr. is having Howard Dean stand in for him speaks volumes about his political courage. When given a chance to stand up for something, Casey Jr. comes up empty again," said Dan Ronayne, NRSC Spokesman. On June 5, 2006, The "Senate Meets At 2 PM To Resume Consideration Of The Motion To Proceed To S.J.Res.1, The 'Marriage Protection Amendment.'" (FNS Daybook, June 5, 2006)

DNC Chair Howard Dean Is Scheduled To Attend The National Stonewall Democrat Convention This Saturday In Pittsburgh. (National Stonewall Democrats Website, http://www.stonewalldemocrats.org/convsched/, Accessed June 1, 2006)

THE STONEWALL DEMOCRATS SUPPORT "MARRIAGE EQUALITY" FOR HOMOSEXUALS AND BACK BOB CASEY, JR. FOR U.S. SENATE

"The National Stonewall Democrats Support Full Marriage Equality For Same-Sex Families." (Eric Stern, National Stonewall Democrats Executive Director, Op-Ed, "Marriage: An Equal Responsibility," May 2005)

"U.S. Senate Candidate Bob Casey Has Won The Unanimous Endorsement Of The Capital Region Stonewall Democrats, The Harrisburg Area's Largest Political Organization Of LGBT Democrats And Straight Allies." (Capital Region Stonewall Democrats, Press Release, "Casey Gains Gay Endorsement," May 11, 2006)

And The National Stonewall Democrats' Convention Poster Features Pictures Of Senator Santorum And Says, "Pittsburgh: Where Warhol Began His Career, Where Democrats Will Help Rick Santorum End His." (National Stonewall Democrats Website, http://www.stonewalldemocrats.org/convention/, June 1, 2006)

Paid for by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. www.gopsenators.com
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National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Find out more at www.stonewalldemocrats.org.