Almost since this blog’s inception, we have found ourselves at odd with Log Cabin. One of us (Dan), a founding president of one Log Cabin club and former vice president of another, first discovered the blog when he read a link to the other’s (Bruce) post telling Log Cabin to “stick it” for refusing to endorse the president in last fall’s election.
While we have largely been critical of the organization, questioning whether they are really Republicans, we have also praised them on occasion. We were also the blog which broke the story of Chris Barron’s involvement in John Edwards’ campaign for the Democratic nomination for president. His departure from Log Cabin offers LCR’s Executive Director Patrick Guerriero an oportunity to prove his commitment to the GOP. A commitment which many Republicans have questioned.
While we both have frequently disagreed with Chris, each of us has had met him and found him to be a bright man, a decent fellow and all-around nice guy. We wish him well in his future endeavors.
Given that an overwhelmingly majority (at least 90%) of gay Republicans voted to reelect President Bush last fall (even as many of us disagreed with his support of the Federal Marriage Amendment), Log Cabin must hire as its new political director someone who openly supported President Bush last fall. Even after the election, Patrick refused to say who he voted for, leaving some to wonder if he, like some fair-weather gay Republicans eager for media attention, voted for John Kerry.
In order to overcome the doubts of many gay Republicans, including your humble bloggers, Log Cabin needs to appoint a political director with strong and unimpeachable Republican credentials. And one who is as willing to defend conservative principles and our Republican president in gay circles as he is to promote gay issues in conservative and Republican ones.
We feel so strongly about this that this is the first “joint” posting we have ever done. We are watching, Patrick. The time is overdue that you put “Republican” planks back into the Log Cabin many of us helped build.
– GayPatriot (Bruce) and GayPatriotWest (Dan)

Hot off the presses!

For Immediate Release
November 16, 2005
Log Cabin Announces Departure of Political Director
Barron to Lead Republican Outreach Efforts for Planned Parenthood
(Washington, DC) – “Log Cabin Republicans thank Chris Barron for his loyal and professional service to this organization. He has been a huge asset to Log Cabin and we wish him the best in his new position. Chris has helped us achieve important progress in making the conservative case for gay and lesbian equality,” said Log Cabin President Patrick Guerriero.
Chris Barron joined Log Cabin as Political Director in February of 2004. He coordinated Log Cabin’s lobbying efforts to defeat the anti-family Federal Marriage Amendment. Barron also implemented a GOP lobby strategy for HIV/AIDS funding, hate crimes legislation, federal employment non-discrimination legislation, and legislation repealing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Early next month, Barron will join the Planned Parenthood Federation of America as the head of Republican outreach efforts.
“Over the past 2 years, Chris Barron was on the front lines fighting for an inclusive GOP, fueling Log Cabin’s unprecedented growth across America, and fighting to defend our families from attacks by the voices of intolerance,” said Guerriero.
“It has been an honor to serve as Log Cabin’s Political Director during one of the most important moments for our organization and for our community. I thank Patrick and the Board for their leadership during my time at Log Cabin,” said Chris Barron. “I look forward to continuing being a part of the Log Cabin family, and continuing to support this organization in its fight for basic fairness for our families.”

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Former US Senator and UN Ambassador John Danforth (R-MO) spoke today at a Log Cabin Republican gathering in St. Louis, Missouri. Here is the text of the Log Cabin Republican press release.

Senator John Danforth Addresses Log Cabin Republicans
Calls on Stronger and More Tolerant GOP
(St. Louis, MO) — Former U.S. Senator, and U.N. Ambassador, John Danforth (R-MO) addressed the Log Cabin Republicans in St. Louis, Missouri. “There is no better voice for an inclusive Republican Party than John Danforth, whose credentials as a loyal Republican, committed conservative, and man of faith are unquestionable,” said Patrick Guerriero, President of Log Cabin Republicans.
In a powerful speech Senator Danforth laid out his vision for an inclusive and tolerant GOP, and encouraged Log Cabin to “lead the fight to bring the Republican Party back to its traditional roots.”
Senator Danforth called for the nation to “take steps to recognize, respect and honor committed and loving same-sex relationships.” Senator Danforth called efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution to ban same-sex marriage “gay-bashing,” and revealed that he personally voted against the Missouri Constitutional amendment in November.
“Senator Danforth outlined a vision of the GOP that emphasizes an engaged foreign policy, a strong national defense, and a conservative fiscal policy, which at the same time honors citizens from all walks of life. That vision is the exact vision of the Log Cabin Republicans,” said Charles Stadtlander, President of the local Log Cabin Republicans of Greater St. Louis.
“We thank Senator Danforth for his bold leadership and powerful voice for basic fairness for gay and lesbian families,” concluded Guerriero.

-Bruce (GayPatriot) – gaypatriot2004@aol.com

Bridget Johnson just informed me that Log Cabin member Mike Gin has been elected Mayor of Redondo Beach, California. Congratulations, Mike!!
UPDATE (05-19-05; 6:17 PM PST): I will have more to say on this later (but am now entertaining guests from France and have little time to write), but encourage y’all to check out this article in the “LOS ANGELES TIMES.” Attempts to attack Mike for being gay backfired–indeed, they may well have increased his margin of victory.
My guess is that people looked at Mike’s record saw that in his two consecutive terms on City Council he had done a fine job. And they, like an increasing number of Americans, realize that a candidate’s sexual orientation has nothing to do with his ability to serve a city or indeed with his ability to serve a county, state or any other jurisdiction.

From the moment I walked into the “Welcome Reception” last Thursday at the Liberty Education Forum Symposium/Log Cabin National Convention in New Orleans, I could feel that things had changed since my last Log Cabin Convention in 1998. Gone was the tension between the clubs and the national office. I observed LCR President Patrick Guerriero mingling with the crowd, talking to chapter leaders just as he talked to national Board members.
This has certainly been the biggest change in the organization. When I was a club president, my fellow presidents and I found that the national office staff frequently didn’t return our phone calls and often failed to respond to our e-mails. Listening to the chapter reports on Saturday morning, I heard club presidents and other officers praise the national office for quickly responding to their concerns. They were particularly impressed with LCR National Field Director Jeff Cook who has traveled the country, helping build clubs and serving as a liaison with the local leaders and LCR national.
In New Orleans, there was a private reception for chapter presidents togther with the boards of LCR and LEF. A sign that LCR national recognizes that the clubs — and their leaders — are an integral part of the organization. When I talked to club leaders, even those who disagreed with the national office on the non-endorsement of President Bush and several policy issues, they all agreed that Patrick and Political Director Chris Barron had demonstrated a commitment to work with them; the national staff was attentive to their concerns, their phone calls were returned.
At the convention, national staff and Board members socialized with club leaders and others. They didn’t separate into their own corners and look suspiciously at one another. As Eva Young noted in a comment to a previous post, LCR has a “number of new leaders who are energized and engaged — and goal oriented.” Patrick welcomed the staff onto the stage and acknowledged their efforts. Eva notes, “That’s a big difference from the old days.” Yes, a change for the better.
[Read more…]

Back in the late 1990s when I was involved in Log Cabin, I realized that other gay organizations were not our natural allies. While I agreed with the groups on a number of issues, I often found that their leaders had a knee-jerk reaction to most problems facing society. (Just as all to many had a knee-jerk reaction to the very word, “Republican.”) If there was something wrong, they felt that the government needed to step in, either with a regulation or a handout.
Most conservatives, however, believe that individuals and private institutions, whether business, civic or religious are better equipped to handle social (and other) problems. Indeed, many of us on the right fault the Bush Administration for not being aggressive enough in containing the growth of federal spending.
This weekend in New Orleans, it seems LCR has, at least on gay issues, signed on, to the liberal worldview. They used the same words to describe the struggle for “gay rights” as do the liberal gay groups: “equality” and “fairness.” Given that LCR calls its “educational think tank,” the Liberty Education Forum, one would think that they would add the terms “liberty” and “freedom” more often to the mix.
I’m all for fairness and equal opportunity, but am concerned whenever the government tries to enforce fairness and equality. I mean, I think this blog is a good as Andrew Sullivan’s, so it’s only fair that we should get an equal number of hits. But, for whatever reason, more people read his blog than read this one. If the government tried to make it “fair” to this blog, it would either have to force people to read this blog (which could be unfair to them) or limit the number who read Andrew’s blog (which would be unfair to those (over the quota) who wanted to read it).
That policy would necessarily limit the freedom of many individuals, forcing some to read this blog and blocking others from reading Andrew’s. Since the government should protect our freedom, it shouldn’t regulate blogging. So, I accept things as they are. Even if the blogosphere appears unfair and unequal, it remains free. As it should be.
[Read more…]

During the Log Cabin Republicans National Dinner Saturday Night at the New Orleans convention, LCR showed a short video on the group’s efforts in 2004. Among other things, the video included footage of a press conference held during last summer’s Republican National Convention where LCR announced the release of TV ad claiming that the GOP was focusing on issues which divide the party. Once again it struck me as odd that, just as Republicans were coming together to rally around their nominee, Log Cabin had been focusing on divisions within the party.
Of course, it makes sense for Log Cabin to distance itself from the president’s stand on the Federal Marriage Amendment as well as the GOP platform’s plank on civil unions (and other such planks). But, it seemed odd to use an occasion for party unity to promote and distribute a commercial which highlights their differences with the GOP.
Including that press conference in the video reminded me of the most frequent criticism this blog’s readers have made about Log Cabin. They cite such examples and wonder if Log Cabin is truly interesting in promoting the GOP.
At the convention this past weekend, I noted the relative paucity of Republicans on the panels. To be sure, former New York Senator Alfonse D’Amato joined us at the Welcome Reception while former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman delivered the keynote address at the dinner (when Chris Matthews had to rush off to Rome to cover the passing of the Pope). But, these two Republicans are former elected officials. No current Republican elected official addressed the convention.
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Just over two years ago, when I first read that Patrick Guerriero was talking over Log Cabin, I contacted my friends who were still involved in the organization and asked about LCR’s new leader. To a person, they replied that he was personable and engaging and that he was making an effort to reach out to the leaders of the various clubs across the nation. I heard the same thing from those who had supported his predecessor as well as those who had criticized him.
Meeting (and observing) Patrick this weekend in New Orleans, I confirmed the comments of my friends. Before we met, I watched him interact with the people at the convention. He shook their hands enthusiastically (or hugged them warmly) and looked into their eyes when he spoke to them.
I introduced myself to him Saturday afternoon at a fundraising reception for LCR members running for office. Earlier in the day, this blog had broken the story of the lawsuit against him. And yet, when he heard my name, he knew who I was — and still greeted me warmly. He did not fault (or otherwise show any disregard for) me. I was impressed how he maintained his cool while talking to someone who has frequently criticized his leadership. He came across as a genuinely nice guy who seemed to take criticism in stride.
[Read more…]

Each day this week, I will try to write about one aspect of the LCR convention this past weekend in New Orleans. Today, I will address my biggest criticism of the event, the relative lack of debate in New Orleans. To be sure, there were diverse perspectives on a number of panels.
It might have spiced things up, however, had they invited an opponent of gay marriage to the panel which considered the topic. That panel, “Protecting our Families” did offer some interesting exchanges between Dartmouth Professor Steve Swayne and gay marriage advocate Evan Wolfson as well as thoughtful commentary by Dale Carpenter. The panel on “New Strategies for Ending Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” did not include anyone who (like your humble blogger) opposed this great injustice and folly, yet was wary of seeking to overturn the ban in the courts.
Nor was there an official event to debate the wisdom of LCR’s non-endorsement of President Bush given our Republican president’s decisive victory last November, a victory where he retained approximately 90% of the gay vote he received in 2000. I was, however, able to generate discussion of the issue when I spoke with individuals at the convention. One reader of this blog (a supporter of the president who last fall faulted Log Cabin for the non-endorsement) told me he thought that, in retrospect, the organization had done the right thing as their support for several items on the president’s agenda now holds more meaning.
[Read more…]

Tonight, at the Liberty Education Forum (LEF) silent auction, the 501 (c)(3) auxiliary to Log Cabin, I bid on and won two items. Each item acknowledges a great Republican. I won “RONNIE AND NANCY,” a book by Bob Colacello, described on the dust jacket as an “attempt to paint a portrait of a marriage that changed the course of history” as well as a polo shirt with the logo, “W the President.”
I bought these as a goodwill gesture to my hosts this weekend — and because I appreciated their acknowledgment of these two Republican presidents.
Tonight, I had the honor to meet two readers of the blog, one with whom I have corresponded in the past, another who just struck up a conversation with me (not knowing who I was). He asked why I had come to the convention; I replied because of my blog. When I identified the blog, he was a bit overwhelmed and called me a “celebrity,” the second, but not last time this weekend I would earn that title. I am flattered that he enjoys the blog and fascinated that my blogging makes me a celebrity.
I was also touched by what he and his fellow New Yorker (the one with whom I had corresponded) said about GP. Like me, they miss him on the blog — and expressed their support for him at this difficult time. Once again, the basic goodness of our readers.
As I was paying for the items that I had won, a man close to the Log Cabin leadership — but whom I had not yet met — looked at me and said, “Write good things.” So, it seems that not only does Log Cabin know about this blog, but its leaders also pay attention to what we say. They know it gets read and has an impact.
For now, I will some good things and will save the criticism for a later post. By and large, I think they did a good job with the convention. My concerns (which I will address later) involve the absence of debate in the program and the absence of a plenary to vote on organization policy and elect leadership. That Log Cabin uses the same language on gay issues as the other gay organizations. And that they made no effort to even consider whether there is a conservative view of gay issues which differs from that of the Human Rights Campaign and other mainstream gay groups.
[Read more…]

Just moments ago, Chris Barron introduced me to two people who responded on behalf of Log Cabin to the charged referenced in the posts below.
Craig Engle, counsel to Log Cabin confirms that Dwight Lodge was terminated for cause, saying, “The suit is obviously without merit, but we wish Dwight very well.”
Timothy Schoeffler, Vice Chairman of Log Cabin, added, “The Board has complete and total confidence in Patrick, his team and his stewardship of the organization.”
-Dan (AKA GayPatriotWest): GayPatriotWest@aol.com

GayPatriot Media is the among the first to obtain the court documents dated March 31, 2005 related to the wrongful dismissal suit that was filed against Log Cabin Republicans as reported on this site earlier this morning.
In the documents, former Chief Operating Officer Dwight Lodge is asking for $15 million in damages from the organization. The suit also alleges defamation of character against Mr. Lodge by Log Cabin Republicans and the Liberty Education Forum.
DEVELOPING……
UPDATE – 11:53AM — Christian Grantham has more including citations from the court documents alleging improper business practices and use of business funds by LCR Executive Director Patrick Guerriero.

While here in New Orleans to attend the Log Cabin Convention, I just received news (via e-mail) that Dwight Lodge, former chief operating office of Log Cabin Republicans (LCR) and Liberty Education Forum (LEF) has filed a lawsuit claiming he was wrongfully terminated.
UPDATE: Christian Grantham has more details and a copy of the press release.
UPDATE #2: Last night, I told LCR Political Director Chris Barron that I was committed to telling the truth about Log Cabin and encouraged him to provide me any information showing cooperation with the GOP and conservative groups. I retain that commitment in this issue. With the link in the first update to the press release at Christian’s blog, you can read the details of the case against LCR. Chris has just promised me a comment on LCR’s response when he gets a moment. He is understandably busy with the convention. And I will post that comment as soon as I get it.

I woke this morning in LA, CA and blog now from NO, LA.
At dinner tonight in the Big Easy, when one young gay Republican learned that I was GayPatriotWest, he replied that he was “Star Struck,” adding, “I feel like I’ve met a celebrity.” I think that’s the first time I’ve ever been called a celebrity. And that’s supposed to be what we Angelenos aim for. And to think I earned that “title” not for my work in the entertainment industry but for this blog.
At the convention’s “New Orleans Welcome Reception,” Eva Young did not (initially) recognize me. We had first met back in 2000 when she was at a conference in Torrance. We had a pleasant chat. I was also greeted warmly by a man who, under the name GOP Values, often criticized this blog. Steve May recognized me. I was introduced to Log Cabin Political Director Chris Barron who was very friendly.
I recognized someone. He smiled when I went up to greet him, recognizing me as well. Not until I saw his name badge did I realize that this Jeff whom I remembered from my days in D.C. was Jeff Cook, Log Cabin’s Field Director. He represents perhaps the biggest change in Log Cabin since my involvement with the organization.
When I founded the Northern Virginia club, the national office offered me no assistance. Today, Jeff is traveling the country, talking with and troubleshooting for leaders of existing clubs while helping others start up new clubs in towns that don’t yet have a chapter. Log Cabin is even helping pay for the convention expenses of two students trying to set up a chapter at their state university.
At dinner, a member of the LA club faulted Log Cabin for failing to endorse our man W last fall. He said that they could have carefully crafted a statement offering their support for the president while distancing themselves from his stance on the Federal Marriage Amendment. He indicated that he was not the only Log Cabin member to support the president, indeed, he thought that a majority of members had voted for him last fall.
So far, I can report on the friendliness of the reception here in New Orleans, both by the natives and by the people at the convention. I can also report that Log Cabin’s national office is more committed to building the grassroots than it was just a few years ago. Even so, I can’t find a place on the convention agenda for that grassroots to discuss, debate and amend the organization’s policies.
Finally, it’s clear that I’m not the only one here who voted to give another term to the man who, according to The New Republic‘s Marty Peretz is accomplishing a “genuinely momentous transformation in ways that virtually the entire foreign affairs clerisy–the cold-blooded Brent Scowcroft realist Republicans and almost all the Democrats–never thought possible.”
-Dan (AKA GayPatriotWest): GayPatriotWest@aol.com

As I prepare to depart for New Orlean to attend the Log Cabin National Convention/Liberty Education Forum National Symposium, I wanted to tell y’all why I’m taking the trip. I’m going to see whether or not Log Cabin had really changed, whether it is an organization of gay and lesbian Republicans committed to building their party or an organization of gay and lesbian Republicans dedicated to promoting the agenda of the various “gay rights'” groups in our nation’s capital.
On the one hand, I have been heartened by Log Cabin’s support of some of President Bush’s initiatives, notably Social Security reform. And by its co-sponsorship last month of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). I join Log Cabin in opposing the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment — or whatever it’s called in its latest incarnation.
On the other hand, In January, Log Cabin signed on to the Unity Statement of 22 “gay advocacy organizations, thus taking the same positions on gay issues as all of these groups, including such left-wing outfits as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) and the Stonewall Democrats.
This morning, a reader e-mailed me an article from Sunday’s Washington Post where writers Mike Allen and Dana Milbank begin their piece, noting “ The Log Cabin Republicans are looking less and less Republican.” LCR’s rhetoric, particularly on gay issues is virtually indistinguishable from that of other gay groups, notably the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
Looking less like Republicans, repeating the rhetoric of other gay groups, Log Cabin doesn’t seem to be making an effort to put forward a Republican vision of gay issues.
So, I’m traveling to New Orleans to listen and to take notes, to sit in on the panels and to see how this organization — and its affiliated education forum — present themselves. I will be talking to participants and perhaps questioning some of the organizations’ leaders.
[Read more…]

As I prepare to depart for New Orleans for the Liberty Education Forum/Log Cabin Convention, I would like to arrange to meet readers of this blog. I will be arriving in the Big Easy Thursday afternoon and expect to be at the Welcome Reception in the hotel. Please e-mail me if you’d like to join me (& other GayPatriot readers) for dinner after the reception. Or just look for me there. I may wear my “George W. Bush for President” button to identify myself.
I am also likely to attend the New Orleans Celebration Friday night and would love to join you all for a drink–and possibly dinner afterwards. Keep an eye on the blog as I expect to be blogging from the convention. Or just e-mail me to let me know you’re attending and I’ll look for you there.
And, if any of you are runners, I will be bringing my running gear and hope to find some time to run along the Mississippi–if it’s at all possible.
Looking forward to seeing some of you in New Orleans.
-Dan (AKA GayPatriotWest): GayPatriotWest@aol.com

Just returned from the Log Cabin of LA dinner featuring one of my favorite celebrities, Ben Stein, and realized that, in many ways, I am a Ben Stein Republican. It was a great event and we had an amazing table, where I was joined by a screenwriting pal of mine and his wonderful fianc?e, Dirty Harry (one of my favorite bloggers, now at Jackson’s Junction), LA Daily News Columnist and new blogger Bridget Johnson, a blog reader, BoifromTroy and my date (who happens to be a Democrat).
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Boi, Dirty Harry, Bridget, our reader and my friend’s fianc?e, none of whom I had met before. All of whom helped make the conversation at our table insightful and scintillating.
But, the highlight of the evening was Ben Stein who, simply put, gave a great speech. More than a great speech, an ideal after-dinner speech. Following a meal sponsored by a group we support, we have all been subject to a speech that goes on too long where the speaker merely pastes the name of the organization he (or she) is addressing into some canned remarks.
Not so with Ben Stein. He kept his remarks short and looked at the audience more than at his notes. He addressed his remarks to this group of gay Republicans, talking to us as if we were friends. He started off by telling a number of very funny (mostly political) jokes, then moved on to offer a short summary of why he’s a Republican. He concluded by offering a touching tale of his parents’ final days.
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This is the fourth in a series of postings from my February 4th interview with Log Cabin Republicans President, Patrick Guerriero.

Link here for Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
The third posting dealt with the question, “do you now regret spending the million dollars on the ad campaign against President Bush a year ago?” Patrick’s quick answer to that was:

Not for a single second. I believe that in the course of my life ? and I?ve in public life for over ten years now, almost 15 — it was probably singularly one of the smartest things we ever did ? for a couple reasons.

I pressed further with this topic which is the fourth installment of the interview….
GayPatriot: What have been some of the negative consequences you?ve had to deal with as a result of the million dollar ad campaign last year [opposing President Bush?s stance on the Federal Marriage Amendment]?
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We only have a few seats left at the GayPatriot table for the March 28 Dinner of the Log Cabin Republicans of Los Angeles at the Wyndham Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood. Conservative Hollywood writer Ben Stein will be the featured speaker and a gay-friendly conservative L.A. columnist will be a guest at our table.
If you’d like to join our table, please e-mail me to hold a place. (And will be allocated on first-come, first-serve basis.) Tickets are $50 a piece ($10 less than if you reserved directly through Log Cabin/LA). The events starts at 6:30 PM, with dinner at 8:00 P.M.
UPDATE: BoiFromTroy has just confirmed that he will be joining us for this dinner.
-Dan (AKA GayPatriotWest): GayPatriotWest@aol.com