Friday, May 23, 2008

Blade Endorses Allen

The New England Blade (which describes itself as, "New England’s premier gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender newspaper") endorses Rep. Allen:

Just in the past years, [Sen. Collins] has become what some have labeled a leader in her party on GLBT issues. She was a lead co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and she is rumored to be considering a similar role in obliterating the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" rule and replacing it with a non-discrimination policy.

Many in the GLBT community view Collins as a key ally in the Senate...

Getting Collins to this point has not been easy: she refused to publicly support or oppose the 2005 referendum in Maine that sought to keep an anti-discrimination law on the books, and it was only after months and months of arm twisting that she made an overture suggesting that she might take a closer look at "Don't ask, don't tell."
Having a Republican ally in the Senate on GLBT issues has merit, and Collins carries a big stick.

In contrast, while Allen lacks the bravado of Collins, he is crystal clear on where he stands on all issues affecting the GLBT community and their families. In times of crisis, and we believe that DADT, ENDA, and any effort to undermine laws that are aimed to protect the GLBT community are clear and present danger, it is wiser to elect a lawmaker who doesn't require cajoling.

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