This blog post comes to us from Andy Szekeres

Jeff Cook is an Openly Gay Republican running for Congress in New York's 19th District. He is facing Sue Kelly who's stances on gay rights issues are weak and tend to fall with the current administration. An inside source at the Log Cabin Republicans has informed me that the RNC is coming down on LCR because they are worried if Jeff beats Sue Kelly and that the seat is vulnerable.

An inside source at LCR noted that they do not want to be the scape goat for the party losing it's majority over doing the right thing. Jeff is the former Field Director for LCR and is very active within the organization. Apparently LCR feels being the majority is more important than electing a fair minded republican.

Coming under pressure from LCR national, the local Hudson Valley chapter of LCR is not backing him because he is running against a fellow Republican. Even after the same chapter already withdrew there support Sue Kelly for her support of FMA, and is looking into supporting her due to National's pressure. Following the suit of the LCR, supposed "gay friendly" GOP'ers are looking to push Jeff out in favor of Sue Kelly - an inside source close to Jim Kolbe cited I know the RNC is pushing hard for him to support Sue, as well as Congressman Chris Shays.

Also on the line is the support from the Victory Fund, who is looking to see the support of the Log Cabin Republicans. Which brings up one major point for the Gay Community, How can we win when we do not support or fellow community members? Shame on the Log Cabin Republicans for bowing into the RNC, You are the GAY ADVOCATES within the Republican Party. Are you truly going to let the RNC push you around for the sake of being on the bad side of the party? Hate to break it to you folks, you already are the 800 pound gorilla that they refuse to deal with. Also SHAME on the Victory Fund for not supporting someone with so much potential in politics and within the gay rights community. From what I have seen and heard, Jeff is truly one of the gems of the Republican Party.

I urge every gay activist, Republican, Democrat or third party to call on LCR and Victory Fund to do what is not only right but also your purpose to do. Not standing next to Jeff is a disgrace to your mission and to the GLBT community. Take 5 minutes and place a call or an e-mail to the LCR National, Hudson Valley Chapter then to the Victory Fund asking that they all support Jeff for Congress.

To learn more about Jeff Cook and his bid for congress www.jeffcook.org

To contact the Log Cabin Republicans

National office
Washington, D.C. Headquarters
Log Cabin Republicans
1607 17th St N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 347-5306
Fax: (202) 347-5224
Ask for Patrick Guerrero, the President
membership@logcabin.org

Hudson Valley Chapter
www.hv.logcabin.org
Ingrid E. Barnes, President
Martine Station
P.O. Box 8263
White Plains, NY 10602
914 206-4059
hv@logcabin.org

Victory Fund's Office
1705 DeSales Street NW,Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
Voice: 202.VICTORY
Fax: 202.289.3863

Written by
Andy Szekeres
LGBT Activist.