Fred Karger Interviewed on Future of GOP in Washington Times

Here are Part I and Part II of an extensive interview I had with Joseph Cotto, of the Washington Times, on the future of the Republican Party.  I thought that you might enjoy it:
 
Part I CLICK HERE

Fred Karger on how he is building an LGBT-friendly Republican Party

 

Photo: Used with permission of Fred Karger Photo: Adam Bouska

Thursday, April 4, 2013 - The Conscience of a Realist by Joseph Cotto

Joseph Cotto

FLORIDA, April 4, 2012 — The Republican Party is in transition.

On one side, social conservatives are clamoring to maintain power amid a cultural climate which increasingly counters their views. On another side, libertarians are making strides in blending social liberalism with virtually unregulated free market capitalism. On yet another side, traditionalists are seeking a return to what might be described as the Eisenhower Era; utilizing various philosophies to achieve this end.

Finally, moderates, who have largely been maligned since the passing of Nelson Rockefeller, sense that there might be a place for them amid the shuffle.

Perhaps Fred Karger fits best into this group. A career political operative, he rose to prominence by consulting on the campaigns of notables such as Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bob Dole. His most famous cause, though, is not for a single politician, but an extremely divisive issue: same-sex marriage.

Karger brought much attention to the matter when he ran for the GOP’s presidential nomination during last year’s primaries. In doing so, he became the first openly gay candidate for the presidency. These days, he furthers the interest of not only LGBT rights but also of reasonable Republican politics as a commentator.

In this first part of our discussion, Karger tells us about advocating for LGBT rights within the GOP, if he thinks many of the Party’s anti-LGBT stances will fade away with increasing electoral support for same-sex marriage, how the Religious Right has changed the GOP, whether or not he believes that Ron Paul libertarianism is a positive influence on the Party, and what he expects the future to hold for LGBT Republicans.

Joseph F. Cotto: When one considers the Republican Party, LGBT politics are not something which typically come to mind. Is advocating for LGBT rights within the GOP really as quixotic as it sounds?

Fred Karger: The GOP is slowly coming around. Not all that long ago the Republican Party used to be the leader in civil rights. Now more and more Republican elected officials and leaders are coming out for LGBT equal rights. With 81% of 18 to 29 year olds supporting marriage equality, it’s just a matter of time.

Cotto: With increasing electoral support for same-sex marriage, do you believe that many of the GOP’s anti-LGBT stances will fade away?

Karger: We are coming off electoral victories for marriage equality in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington just last November. The Oregon Republican Party stripped anti-gay language from its 2012 party platform in a shift toward the political center. Illinois’ GOP Chairman Pat Brady recently came out for marriage equality. Illinois will soon have a legislative vote on the issue.  I live for the day when the Republican National Committee helps lead the way toward equality for all Americans just as our first Republican president did 150 years ago.

Cotto: One of the Republican Party’s key voting blocs is the Religious Right, which consists of fundamentalist Christians. Needless to say, these voters do not tend to support LGBT politics. Has this proven to be a problem for LGBT Republicans?

Karger: The Religious Right wants to cleanse the GOP of people who do not agree with them 100% of the time. I learned from Ronald Reagan that we need a big tent Republican Party, reflecting a wide variety of views, while still maintaining core Republican beliefs. The problem that the Party is now facing is that so many reasonable, mainstream Republicans have left the Party that the primaries are now dominated by the far right.

Cotto: Across the political spectrum as of late, libertarianism has become very popular. Specifically in the Republican Party, followers of Ron Paul are storming the establishment’s gates, so to speak. Do you believe that this is a positive development?

Karger: The libertarian movement within the Republican Party is making great headway thanks primarily to Ron Paul. He has had a clear and strong message of less government, and by so effectively communicating that message, has brought in a tremendous number of young people to the GOP.

Cotto: During the years ahead, as the LGBT community’s political lobby grows stronger, the GOP will undoubtedly need its support, both electorally and financially. What do you think the future holds for LGBT Republicans?

Karger: There is a huge opportunity for the LGBT community within the Republican Party right now. I get asked all the time why I don’t switch and become a Democrat. Well, the Democratic Party is in fine shape on LGBT issues. 48 Democrat U.S. Senators are supporting marriage equality. Only two Republicans support it at the moment. Change will only happen on LGBT issues in the GOP from within, which is why I am sticking around.

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Part II CLICK HERE

Fred Karger: 'The GOP should welcome all LGBT Americans'

 

Photo: LGBT rainbow flag, Friday, April 5, 2013 - by Joseph Cotto

FLORIDA, April 5, 2012 — The LGBT community is gaining unprecedented influence in American politics. How might the Republican Party become more inclusive toward it?

Many believe that if the GOP becomes more socially tolerant, it could lose some elections as fundamentalist Christian voters might stay home. However, tolerance does seem necessary if the support of younger voters is sought. What can be said about this seeming conundrum?

In this second part of our discussion, Fred Karger shares his views. A career political operative, he rose to prominence by consulting the campaigns of notables such as Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bob Dole. His most famous cause, though, is not for a single politician but for an extremely divisive issue, same-sex marriage.

Karger brought much attention to the matter when he ran for the GOP’s presidential nomination during last year’s primaries. In doing so, he became the first openly gay candidate for the presidency.

Karger also tells us about whether or not he believes that antiabortion politics will continue to be a prominent feature of GOP social policy, what he learned from his presidential run, and what inspires him to continue on in his career each day.

Joseph F. Cotto: In a summary sense, how might the Republican Party become more inclusive toward the LGBT community?

Fred Karger: The day before I filed my papers at the Federal Election Commission in Washington, DC in April 2011, I met with newly elected RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, Co-Chair Sharon Day and Chief of Staff Jeff Larson in their offices at the RNC. They welcomed me into the race, offered my campaign all the facilities of the RNC, included my campaign staff in all meetings and could not have been more cordial. The RNC had me on its list of 12 recommended candidates to be on state primary ballots, which was the principal reason that I was on so many.  This is the direction that the Republican Party needs to be taking on LGBT rights, and it should welcome all LGBT Americans into the GOP not just with words, but with actions.

Cotto: From your perspective, will antiabortion politics continue to be a prominent feature of GOP social policy?

Karger: Sadly, the politics of abortion will be around forever in this country. We need to respect each other’s positions on this highly emotional issue. President Reagan was a shining example of this. While he adamantly opposed abortion, he worked with both sides of the issue, while continuing to speak out loudly on his beliefs.

Cotto: Many believe that if the Republican Party becomes more socially tolerant, it could lose some elections as fundamentalist Christian voters might stay home. However, tolerance does seem necessary if the support of younger voters is wanted. What do you think about this seeming problem?

Karger: Republican leaders got a loud wakeup call last November 6th with the trouncing that Mitt Romney took against a weakened President Obama. Change is happening albeit all too slowly for many of us. Party leaders and elected officials will have to alter their ways. We cannot afford to drive away an entire generation of younger voters if we expect to survive as a political party.

Cotto: Last year, you ran for the GOP presidential nomination. Campaigning for national office is an undertaking so massive that few of us can fully comprehend it. What did you learn from your candidacy?

Karger: I was treated amazingly well for a first-time candidate. I learned how to run a national campaign on a very limited budget by concentrating my efforts in the first two early states of Iowa and New Hampshire. We did all the things that the big campaigns did only on a much more limited basis. From the very beginning, I needed to appear as a serious candidate, so it was imperative that everything that we did and said was well thought out and looked like a presidential candidate and campaign should look. The internet and social media afforded us the opportunity to communicate cost effectively and instantly.

I was very fortunate as the first openly gay candidate of either major political party to receive a tremendous amount of news coverage worldwide because of the historic nature of my candidacy. I also learned that the first time may not always be the path to the nomination.

Cotto: Now that our discussion is at its end, many readers are probably wondering how you came to be a noted political operative and voice for LGBT rights. What inspires you to continue on in your work each day?

Karger: I will forever remember the 16 year old girl who came up to me in a parade in Manchester, New Hampshire three days before last year’s primary. She said she was a lesbian who had struggled with that for years. She had driven many miles to meet me, shake my hand and thank me for running for president. She said that had made her life so much better. It gave her hope that she could do whatever she wanted to do in her life. I don’t even know her name, but she represented so many young people who sent emails, facebook messages, tweeted, and reached out to me with a similar message.  That’s what got me up each and every morning for the 2½ years that I campaigned for president and continues to motivate all my LGBT activism. I want kids growing up today to have a far easier time of it than so many of us did before them.

All the best,

NHDP - Kelly Ayotte Latest US Senator to Flip-Flop on Marriage, Still Supports Discriminatory Federal Laws

Why are Bradley, Guinta, & O'Brien hiding? Will they oppose future efforts to overturn NH's equality law?

Concord - Amidst pressure from the New Hampshire Democratic Party and the majority of Granite Staters, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte flip-flopped on her support for overturning New Hampshire's marriage equality law.  While running for office Ayotte had promised the extreme right wing Cornerstone Action organization she would "help with any effort to get out law back on the right place on this." [Cornerstone Action Debate 2010] But on Thursday she changed her position saying "this is a matter for the states" and "New Hampshire's already made that decision and I respect that decision."  [NHPR, 3/28/2013]

"While we are thrilled to see Kelly Ayotte finally flip-flopping on New Hampshire's state marriage equality law, the question now is will other New Hampshire Republicans follow suit?  Does Jennifer Horn plan to amend the NHGOP's party platform?  Will Jeb Bradley, Frank Guinta, and Bill O'Brien pledge to oppose future efforts to overturn New Hampshire's law?" asked Harrell Kirstein, New Hampshire Democratic Party's communications director.  "Or will they continue to stand with the far right wing and radical conservative organizations that would deny equal rights to loving New Hampshire families."

Ayotte continues to support the discriminatory 'DOMA' law that denies New Hampshire families equal protection at the federal level. [NHPR, 3/28/2013, WMUR, 3/27/2013]  Jeb Bradley voted against marriage equality as at a state senator in Concord, and voted for a constitutional amendment against marriage equality while in still Congress. [HB436 Roll Call; Roll Call 387]  Frank Guinta also voted against marriage equality while in Washington.[Concord Monitor, 11/4/2012]  As Speaker, Bill O'Brien led numerous unsuccessful attempts to repeal New Hampshire's marriage equality law. [Nashua Telegraph, 11/11/2012]

Public opinion polls continue to show overwhelming support for marriage equality both in New Hampshire and across the nation. [UNH Survey Center; Washington Post, 3/2013]

NHDP - Kelly Ayotte, NHGOP Lurch to Right of National Republicans

Democrats Call on NH Republicans to Support Equal Rights for all NH Citizens

Concord - As the Supreme Court of the United States begins hearing oral arguments on marriage equality, national Republicans have scrambled to fall in line with the majority of Americans and support equal rights for all.  Unfortunately, the New Hampshire Republican Party led by Senator Kelly Ayotte has maintained its out of touch position seeking to deny equal protection to New Hampshire citizens based solely on who they love.

Not only is the New Hampshire Republican State Committee's opposition to equal rights listed in the official Party Platform that was ratified by the delegate members of NHGOP, but New Hampshire Republican leaders have actively sought to deny equality to Granite Staters. [NHGOP.org]

·         Senator Kelly Ayotte refuses to support equal rights, has promised to help repeal New Hampshire's marriage equality law and opposes repeal of discriminatory federal statues.  [Youtube] 

·         As a member of Congress Frank Guinta backed an effort to ban same-sex marriages. [Concord Monitor, 11/4/2012]

·         Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley voted against equal marriage rights both in Concord [HB436 Roll Call] and Washington.  He even voted in favor of enshrining inequality in the United States' Constitution. [Roll Call 387]

·         As House Speaker Bill O'Brien made repealing marriage equality a legislative priority for House Republicans.  [Nashua Telegraph,11/11/2012]

"Today I am calling on New Hampshire Republicans to join with the majority of Granite Staters and the Democratic Party in supporting equal marriage rights," said New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley.  "Unfortunately New Hampshire Republicans have lurched so far to the right they are out of touch not just with the majority of Americans, but even with members of their own party nationally.  This is further evidence that the NHGOP has lost any connection to traditional New Hampshire values in its desire to become the face and voice of the Tea Party and radical social conservatives."

Numerous public opinion polls show that the majority of Granite Staters and Americans support marriage equality. [UNH Survey Center; Washington Post, 3/2013]

ICYMI: Young Conservatives For The Freedom To Marry Group Grows

Washington, DC - Today Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry announced a new campaign manager and 20 new members of its leadership committee, including three of former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman's daughters, seasoned veterans of Republican presidential and Senate campaigns, television commentators, authors, and communications strategists. The new members will be welcomed by current members Meghan McCain, Margaret Hoover, and more at a reception in Washington, DC, on March 18.

Tyler Deaton is the new Campaign Manager of Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry. Deaton, a managing director of b-fresh consulting llc, works as a lobbyist and political consultant in Manchester, New Hampshire. In 2011-2012, Deaton led the successful legislative effort to protect the freedom to marry in New Hampshire, marking the first time that a majority of Republicans voted in favor of the freedom to marry.

"The rapid growth of Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry reflects the increasing number of Republicans, libertarians, and right-of-center Americans who are completing their own journeys on marriage for same-sex couples," Deaton said. "When conservatives learn why marriage matters to gay people, they realize that they share the same values as anyone else: committing themselves to each other, making a lifetime vow of love, and protecting their families. The freedom to marry is not a Democratic or Republican value; it's an American value that we all can and should support."

New leadership members include Abby, Liddy, and Mary Anne Huntsman, who are daughters of former Utah Governor and U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman. Jon Huntsman announced his support for the freedom to marry in February, while the women have been long-term supporters of marriage. Some of the other notable names include:

• S.E. Cupp, conservative author, MSNBC host, columnist at the New York Daily News and contributing editor at Townhall Magazine
• Liz Mair, founder and president of Mair Strategies LLC and the online communications director for the 2008 Republican National Committee
• Eduardo J. Lopez-Reyes, national vice chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus
• Will Cain, a media entrepreneur, small business owner and television commentator
• Nathan Parsons, Director of Operations for Allegiance Strategies
• Shannon Kiely-Heider, a government relations director for Cummins, Inc.
• James Owens, president of Oregon Log Cabin Republicans

A complete list of the new leadership members with their pictures and biographies can be found here: http://www.freedomtomarry.org/pages/young-conservatives-leadership-committee.

Meghan McCain, Margaret Hoover, Abby Huntsman, Liddy Huntsman, and Mary Anne Huntsman are confirmed to join more than 15 other Young Conservatives at a reception on Monday, March 18, from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Lincoln Restaurant in Washington, DC. Journalists interested in attending can RSVP to angela@freedomtomarry.org.

"I am thrilled to be part of such a diverse, talented group of conservatives who believe in doing the right thing," said Abby Huntsman, host and producer for HuffPo Live and political commentator. "Freedom means freedom for everyone, and this includes the freedom to marry the person you love. Marriage for same-sex couples strengthens families and strengthens America, and it's time for conservatives to help make it a reality."

Roughly half of the Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry leadership committee members live in the Washington, DC, metro area, while the other half hail from various states including New York and New Hampshire, which have the freedom to marry; Illinois, Minnesota, and Oregon, which are working to win the freedom to marry; and Utah, which has no relationship recognition for same-sex couples. About half are male and half female, while half are straight and half are gay. They range in age from 20 to 40 years old. About 80% identify as Republican, while others identify as independent, libertarian, or otherwise conservative. Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry launched in July 2012.

Governor Hassan, Attorney General Delaney Announce New Hampshire Has Joined Multi-State Effort in Support of Marriage Equality

Office of New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan

Amicus Briefs Encourage U.S. Supreme Court to Overturn DOMA, California’s Prop 8

CONCORD – To ensure that New Hampshire’s citizens and all Americans are treated equally under the law, Governor Maggie Hassan and Attorney General Mike Delaney announced today that New Hampshire has joined more than a dozen other states in two amicus briefs to the United States Supreme Court defending the right to civil marriage for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation.

“Throughout our history, every time we have sought to include all people in the life of our democracy, we have grown stronger,” Governor Hassan said. “I’m proud that New Hampshire has led the way in ensuring marriage equality for all of our citizens, because encouraging strong marriages for loving couples strengthens families and communities. We are urging the Supreme Court to strike down these discriminatory measures because all New Hampshire married couples should receive fair and equal treatment from the federal government.”

Although New Hampshire legally recognizes their marriages, same-sex couples continue to be discriminated against by the federal government. For example, same-sex spouses on a family health plan have to pay taxes on the coverage, while other married couples do not. Same sex couples cannot file their taxes jointly. Nor can they collect survivor benefits.

“First and foremost, this is a fairness and civil rights issue, but it is also an economic issue for our state, our businesses and our families,” Governor Hassan said.

The briefs have been filed in two cases, Windsor v. United States, which challenges the federal Defense of Marriage Act, and Hollingsworth v. Perry, which challenges California’s Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriages. In the briefs, the states highlight that they have been strengthened by measures to provide marriage equality and argue that the DOMA and Prop 8 measures actually harm families by denying the multitude of legal and social benefits of marriage to same-sex couples and their children.

“Federal laws have for many years deferred to states on the issue of marriage. In order to protect New Hampshire’s law and ensure the equality of New Hampshire’s citizens we join other states on both amicus briefs,” Attorney General Delaney said. “DOMA departs from tradition by seeking to define domestic relations through federal law, and compels New Hampshire to discriminate among our own lawfully married couples. New Hampshire has a compelling interest in ensuring we can protect the rights the legislature has provided to our citizens. In addition, we urge the Court to strike Proposition 8 down because all Americans have a right to fair and equal treatment.”

Other states joining in the effort include Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington as well as the District of Columbia.