11/08/2007
Democrats Called "Shameful" in Handling of Jim Neal's NC Candidacy
The Democratic Party establishment's behavior is being called called "shameful" in the handling of North Carolina Senate candidate Jim Neal's recent disclosure that he is gay.
The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Independent Weekly reports: "'Shameful' is how Pam Spaulding, a Durham activist, puts it. Spaulding's blog, Pam's House Blend, is one of the most read gay-advocacy Web sites in the country. 'The complete lack of institutional respect for Jim Neal's candidacy based on his orientation,' she says, 'shows the two-faced nature of the Democratic party.' They want gay votes, she says. But they don't want gay candidates. Spaulding points specifically to the national Democratic Senate Campaign Committee and its chair, Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, who for unknown reasons wouldn't return Neal's phone calls. 'The cause,' Neal said, 'is that I'm not Washington's choice. I'm not Chuck Schumer's choice.'"
Jim Neal's Senate bid stirs Dems [independent weekly]
Jim Neal coverage [ pam's house blend]
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Jim Neal, Challenger to Elizabeth Dole in NC, Says He is Gay [tr]
Posted 12:05 PM EST by Andy in Democratic Party, I'm Gay, News, North Carolina | Permalink
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Sometimes, I hate Chuck Schumer. I hope Neal wins the North Carolina Democratic Senate nomination, even if it means a loss to that senile old Republican woman. But who knows? The people of North Carolina could surprise...oh, nevermind, I just hope he wins the nomination.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | Nov 8, 2007 12:57:27 PM
Thank you! Some of these Dems are just as bad as the Repubs.
Posted by: shane | Nov 8, 2007 1:00:56 PM
it has nothing to do with his being gay... as a gay liberal activist from nc, ive looked into the senatorial candidates running against elizabeth dole. neal has never been in politics, has no name recognition, and just recently moved to the state. hes not getting attention bc he isnt a prime candidate, but everyone makes it into a gay issue.
Posted by: George | Nov 8, 2007 3:33:56 PM
"shows the two-faced nature of the Democratic party"
I hope you're not just catching on to this, Ms Spaulding.
Posted by: queendru | Nov 8, 2007 4:46:43 PM
Ok, maybe somebody from the state can clue me in. This guys seems like a political nobody. I'm wondering why WOULD Chuck Schumer call this guy back unless he's a major player. Is he thinking that by being gay he should have some special "in" with the heavyweights? I'm asking here...
Posted by: Political Novice | Nov 8, 2007 6:06:34 PM
I wonder why this thread has the fewest posts? Could it be that no one wants to admit that the dems have their own set of issues with the LGBT community? I am just posing the question...
Posted by: RB | Nov 8, 2007 7:24:02 PM
Of course the Democratic Party isn't perfect when it comes to gay issues--but they're nowhere near as bad as the Republicans. At least they don't have an anti-gay plank in their platform.
Posted by: Daniel | Nov 8, 2007 7:40:52 PM
the best shot north carolina democrats have is kay hagan... she has a really good rep in the state senate and a decent shot against dole. being gay has nothing to do with why jim neal wont be the candidate
Posted by: George | Nov 9, 2007 2:31:44 PM
From all I can tell, Hagan's "really good rep" is because she's a darling of the Establishment Business Interests. She was one of three Democrats, who along with every Republican in the Senate, was rated "business-friendly" by NCFREE. She also led the charge to cut taxes on the wealthiest citizens in North Carolina, while turning a blind eye to the regressive sales tax.
And as to your final point, Neal being gay is the only reason Hagan's in this race. The minute (literally) Jim Hunt found out, he scrambled to lure Hagan into a race she had already decided to sit out.
Was "gay" the only reason? Of course not. But pretending like it wasn't a major factor in the pressure on Hagan is disingenuous at best.
Posted by: Anglico | Nov 10, 2007 1:40:21 PM
Ooops. There's suppose to be a "not" in the next to last paragraph . . . meaning "gay" is not the only reason, but it is a big reason - and specifically it is the reason Hunt got so activated.
Posted by: Anglico | Nov 10, 2007 1:42:38 PM
Chuck Schumer knows who Jim is and always has...he may not have ever run for office but he was a major fundraiser for Wes Clark, John Kerry. From what I understand he is very well known among the inner Democratic circles for his ability to raise funds. Nobody seemed to care that he was gay then...? Such hypocrisy. And for Chuckie boy to not have the common decency to return a phone call is beyond comprehension.
Posted by: Clay | Nov 13, 2007 5:44:42 PM