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Log Cabin Lauds HRC Endorsement of D'Amato

They Endorsed the Best Candidate – D'Amato is the Clear Choice for Gays

October 20, 1998

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The nation's largest gay Republican organization praised the endorsement of Republican Senator Alfonse D'Amato of New York by the Human Rights Campaign, announced today.

"The Human Rights Campaign chose the best candidate by far in Senator D'Amato," said Richard Tafel, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans. "He is a leader on lifting theban on gays in the military, a crusader on massive increases in funding for breast cancer and AIDS, an original co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and a respected and outspoken voice against anti-gay intolerance wherever it appears. Senator D'Amato has one of the best records on gay issues in the Senate, and will return to Washington as one of the most senior members of the majority, fighting for us every step of the way. He is the clear choice for gay New Yorkers, and the gay community across the nation looks forward to his re-election in November."

"This marks a real step forward for HRC," Tafel said. "It's a clear sign that our movement is maturing and realizing the importance of working within – not against – the Republican Party. Our political leadership must continue on that path and support the effort within the Republican Party to strengthen our friends. We look forward to working together with HRC in the fight to re-elect Senator D'Amato and advance our movement for the next generation."

"The message to the gay community is clear – Al D'Amato is the best choice," Tafel said. "Now is not the time to move backwards, and to put in a freshman Democrat who will have no influence and no effectiveness for our concerns in what will certainly be a Republican Senate. Al D'Amato is fighting on the front lines for all of us. Now is the time to unite behind his leadership and send him back to the Senate to keep fighting for New York and for gay Americans across the nation."

Log Cabin Republicans is the nation's largest gay and lesbian Republican organization, with 50+ chapters nationwide, a full-time Washington office and a federal political action committee. Log Cabin Republicans has chapters in New York City, Long Island, Rochester and a statewide New York organization. Log Cabin Republicans has endorsed Senator D'Amato and has made his re-election a top national priority in 1998. Log Cabin Republicans will represent Senator D'Amato at the Long Island rally and march against hate crimes on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00pm in Bay Shore, New York.