Gay activists welcome lobby group chief

By Marc Shoffman • December 19, 2006 - 0:00

Mr Sammon immediately signalled an intention to move the Republicans into a more inclusive agenda

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Gay lobby group The Log Cabin Republicans has named Patrick Sammon as the organisation's new President.

Mr Sammon immediately signalled an intention to move the Republican Party into a more inclusive agenda, after disastrous mid term election results.

He said: "Log Cabin's mission is more important than ever before. I will provide a strong voice for those in our Party who believe the GOP can return to power by pursuing a unifying and inclusive conservative agenda that attracts voters from both the centre and the right."

As Log Cabin's interim leader, Sammon provided the leading conservative voice defending gays and lesbians in the Republican Party in the wake of the scandal involving disgraced former Congressman Mark Foley.

In appearances on CNN's "Larry King Live," "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer," and on MSNBC and "ABC World News," he forcefully defended gay and lesbian Republicans and blasted those who used the Foley scandal to advance their anti-gay agenda. "Patrick did an amazing job during this very challenging time," said Log Cabin National Board Chairman Tim Schoeffler.

His appointment has also been welcomed by gay campaigners,

"Log Cabin's board has selected a committed leader," said Chuck Wolfe, President of the Gay Lesbian Victory Fund. "Patrick will build on the organization's solid foundation as an important ally in the fight for equality."

Neil Giuliano, president of the Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, said: "Patrick's strong experience working in the media and his understanding of the issues facing LGBT Americans have prepared him well for this unique leadership role."

Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said: "As we enter a new session of Congress, it will be vital to seek out bipartisan support for our community's top legislative agenda items and Patrick's leadership will be essential to those efforts."

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