That makes two of us

He may have done more for the LGBT community than any other straight leader, but did it occur to him that he is running against three gay men and he should distinguish himself from them?

Yeah it does take courage to apologize, but it takes something else to commit a lewd act in public while walking precincts and then continue to run once you have been caught.

"John Hartley isn't gay"

Why point this out in the first place? It implies that he feels the need to distiguish himself, and there exists some shame about being gay. Am I the only one who see's this?

I'm told that Hartley has recently purchased the Weed Whacker franchise for Normal Heights.

John Hartley does not need to 'splain himself, he needs to spank himself.

Are you people really putting down gays? I find it offensive. It's no different than putting down black, jews, or any other ethnic group.

Gina, with all due respect, you need to rein in your constant emotion over your family member (as noted from other posts). I see absolutely nothing in this post or in the comments thus far that could be construed as "putting down gays." Unless you somehow believe that posting a mail piece that Hartley himself has chosen to send out to thousands about his position on LGBT-related issues is putting them down. The puns in the comments are about Hartley's "incident," not about anything else.

I know quite a few members of the groups Gina mentioned who would be very offended by HER comments that being gay is comparable to their ethnicity.

Relieved, all I'm saying is that you shouldn't disrespect any group of people. There is gay community, just as there are Jewish communities and black communities. Being gay isn't an illness to be cured any more than being Jewish is curable. They understand what it's like to have people not like them based on religion or skin color. People don't like gays based on sexual orientation. It's not a choice, in any of these cases, despite what James Hartline says.

Barry, I see what you're saying and maybe I'm a little too sensitive, but he's my baby brother. I'll work on that, but I'll never stop fighting for my family or any oppressed group of people.

It has not been absolute proven fact that it is not a choice anymore than someone can claim it is 100% genetic. So believe what you want but until it is proven to absolutely be 100% genetic don't try to force me to believe that there is no choice involved!

Gina has it wrong; she would frame the issue as anti-homosexuality... When in fact it is about candidates who are just plain immoral...Many still believe that persons lacking a sound moral basis are not qualified to be leaders of the people. Until recently, the tenets of Christianity defined morality in our country. Now our leaders are increasingly defining their morality based on secular perspectives and theory and expediency. No wonder we are continually bombarded with scandal after scandal from both parties leaders. In years past the exposed adulterer would have resigned in disgrace, no more. We would now trust a man or woman in office has been proven to betray the one who was nearest and dearest to them. We as voters then put our heads in the sand, all the while believing that they would not betray the voter. The Bible clearly defines what sin is. Far be it for me to make that determination. However, Gina seems to be attempting to redefine the long held views of morality based upon her particular family situation, just like our esteemed mayor did recently. The sad part is that whenever someone has the gall to point these issues out they are immediately characterized as a "hater" and "homophobe", or a "right wing nut" with the intended convenient purpose of stifling legitimate debate. Recently, I read a response on another local blog where a lefty stated it was the influence of Christians in schools that has led to the decline of America. This statement was made despite the fact God was removed from the schools in the 1950’s. I think it was Jefferson who stated the people will get exactly the kind of leadership they deserve. Let’s be careful about making excuses for our candidates and leaders. And when you vote for a candidate who is unrepentant about their moral flaws, you are not doing the candidate a favor by enabling them in their particular immoral behavior. And please, when you attack me for stating my opinion, please do so with argument preceding the conclusion.

"In years past the exposed adulterer would have resigned in disgrace, no more. We would now trust a man or woman in office has been proven to betray the one who was nearest and dearest to them" Which is why JFK was such a hero

Gina said:
"Are you people really putting down gays? I find it offensive. It's no different than putting down black, jews, or any other ethnic group."

Gina you know what really bothers me, is when republicans are called Nazi's. My grandfather fought in WWII. I'd like to see the same birkinstock punks call the 80-90 year old republicans who fought at Normandy, Bastonge and Iwo Jima, Nazi's.

I have seen "racism" from the right and at best it is a sentiment more of annoyance. From the left it is nothing less than sheer hatred. When I see on the Huffington post the venomous attacks, things like wishing that Tony Stow had died of cancer. And the funeral turned campaign rally of Paul Wellstone. When you get your car vandalized with a leftist remark because you have a bush cheaney bumpersticker on it. You might be a little annoyed too.