Opening Statement Delivered at Press Conference at Southern Republican

Leadership Conference New Orleans, LA April 10, 2010

I am strongly considering becoming a candidate for President of the United States in 2012. I would run as an Independent Republican, and would likely be the only true outsider in the field.

I did not come about this decision lightly. It would be a serious undertaking.

I would be an unconventional candidate, and if I run, I will wage an unconventional campaign.

I want to help determine the direction of this country, and in the process, work to redefine the Republican Party.

I would be the first openly gay candidate to seek the nomination of a major political party as its Presidential candidate.

My thirty-five years of experience as a fighter in politics places me in a unique position to run. I have worked on nine Presidential campaigns; this would be my tenth. I have managed dozens of other campaigns all over the country, and would bring that wealth of experience to my own candidacy.

I would build a credible campaign, and would strive to engage and register new and younger voters. My campaign would be highly strategic, and utilize the latest in digital media technology to attract volunteers and raise the necessary funds.

I would discuss issues important to the gay and lesbian community

  • I will work hard to end to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
  • Pass the federal Employment Anti-Discrimination law (ENDA)
  • Eliminate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
  • Make Gay Marriage the law of the land and
  • Make finding a cure for HIV / AIDS and a vaccine to prevent HIV a new national priority.

My positions and ideas on other issues will be forthcoming. I will work quickly to surround myself with the best and brightest experts. I will address the important issues: the economy and job creation, America’s wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, homeland security, health care, the deficit and education.

Our nation is facing many challenges right now. We need new and creative leaders to solve them.

I will work tirelessly to bring back the spirit in every man, woman and child to help remake America the land of opportunity and equality for all.

Shirley Chisholm captivated the nation when she ran for President as this country’s first serious black and female candidate in 1972. Her campaign paved the way for Jesse Jackson’s Presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, and the election of Barack Obama as our 44th President in 2008.

A new chapter in American history begins in New Orleans today.


Mother Jones cover and inside spread

He was one of the GOP’s top dark-arts operators. Now he’s riding into battle to save gay marriage—and unmask the Mormon Church.

Who’s that masked man gracing the pages of Mother Jones? It’s the founder of Californians Against Hate, Fred Karger. Read the article online at the link.