Tucson: Jim Kolbe, openly gay GOP congressman to step down

[swimmernsecretsea]

Christopher Curtis, PlanetOut Network
Monday, November 28, 2005 / 04:49 PM

U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe of Tucson, the only openly gay Republican in Congress, announced Wednesday he won't seek a 12th term in 2006.

"I have concluded that it is time for the people of southern Arizona and me to walk down different paths," he said in a statement.

Kolbe, 63, was first elected in 1984. He first acknowledged his sexuality in 1996.

In 2000, Kolbe became the first out gay Republican to speak at a Republican National Convention, addressing the convention and the nation in prime time.

In 2004, he argued against attempts to pass the anti-gay Federal Marriage Amendment. The same year, he easily won re-election to an 11th term, capturing 61 percent of the general vote.

Full Link: http://www.planetout.com/news/article.html?2005/11/28/3

[Ian David]

1. Tired of being the only openly gay Republican in Congress...

He now has his sights on becoming the only openly Republican homosexual in America.

[Erika]

3. Why does any GLBT vote GOP?

Idaho does have an openly lesbian in our state reps. She's doing a fantastic job. She's a well educated teacher and advocate for children. I hope she stays. She is a democrat in a very red state.

[Ian David]

4. The GOP helps them financially, while the Dems fight for their rights

The Democrats spend their political and financial capital protecting their rights, while their rich Republican friends have the connections they need to do business.

They get to have their cake and eat it too-- or so they think.

Also, many wealthy gay people thought that Bush's plan to privatize Social Security would give them a way to provide financially for their gay partners.

Something like 20% of gay people voted for Bush in 2004.

[ronnykmarshall]

6. The FLog Cabin Speaks:

Patrick Guerriero, president of gay GOP group the Log Cabin Republicans, described Kolbe's career as "groundbreaking."

"As a loyal Republican, Jim Kolbe never wavered in making a conservative case that all Americans should be treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation," Guerriero said.



Hey Patty ,

Go Cheney yourself, Miss Thing.

[readmylips]

2. Tucosn is Arizona's largest democrat city....

why can't they elect a democrat.

[dbackjon]

5. A Democrat has an excellent chance of picking up this seat.

Jim Kolbe was well-liked and respected by both Moderate Republicans and Democrats alike (Conservative Reps hate him, he almost always had an evangelical Republican primary opponent).