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Politico: McCain Never Returned Cash from former Manhunt Chairman

Last month, the Boston Herald reported (the article is now archived but here's a duplicate) that John McCain had returned a $2,300 donation from Jonathan Crutchley, the former Chairman of the nation's largest gay sex hook-up website Manhunt.

Manhunt co-founder Larry Basile, told the Herald that Crutchley was informed the money would be returned. Said Basile: "Politically, it was just off-base, with the whole feeling over here at Manhunt. Boy, was I embarrassed when I found out he gave $2,300. [Crutchley] said, 'If John is too good for my money, I’ll give it to (presumptive Democratic nominee) Barack (Obama).'"

That never happened, according to Politico's Ben Smith: "Last month's campaign finance reports don't show a refund to Crutchley."

Crutchley was forced to step down from the board of the company, which OUT magazine reported pulls in $30 million a year from its mostly gay members, after news of the donation was revealed. Larry Basile, Manhunt's co-founder, released a statement saying that the "entire board was in disbelief" that Crutchley made the donation.

At the time, Crutchley defended his donation in a thread at Online Personals Watch. That comment has since been mysteriously deleted from the thread. Here's a screenshot we captured of it in August.

So, if Smith is correct, Crutchley's donation still sits in McCain's coffers, working hard to defeat gay rights.

Crutchley contribution not returned [politico]

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McCain Takes $2300 Contribution from Owner of Gay Sex Site Manhunt [tr]
Manhunt Chairman Jonathan Crutchley Steps Down from Board [tr]
Manhunt Responds to Account Cancelation Over McCain Donation [tr]
(image - OUT magazine - "Has Manhunt Destroyed Gay Culture?")

Manhunt Chairman Jonathan Crutchley Steps Down from Board

As a response earlier this week to revelations that Manhunt Chairman and founder Jonathan Crutchley (above, right) had maxed out his individual personal contributions to vocal gay rights opponent Senator John McCain ($2300) which we reported on Wednesday, Crutchley has apparently been pressured by the board of the company to step down as Chairman.

I received this statement made by founder Larry Basile (above, left) in my inbox late yesterday from an anonymous source at Manhunt and called Manhunt which confirmed its legitimacy. Please read the statement below:

***STATEMENT from LARRY BASILE

"There has been a depiction this week of MANHUNT being Republican. All my life, I have never voted to the right, and have always been generous to 20th Century Democrats, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, HRC, and the NGLTF.

"I was arrested at the Supreme Court and FDA in Act-Up actions, and was the founder of the Grass Roots Gay Rights Fund, which over the years has raised more than $800K. I was the Treasurer of Out Week magazine, which was a powerful force in its time. I began giving Obama donations in March 2007, and I have sent several checks that have yet to be reported. The hat and t-shirt I wear say 'Obama for President', as does the sign in front of my house. I refuse to live in a country that is so marred by war and hate. To me, Barak (sic) is by far the best candidate, probably better than we deserve.

"It should be known that Jonathan Crutchley's donation to McCain left the entire Board in disbelief. I am disappointed that we have lost some customers, and I understand the anger. It is too bad for the web site if we lose customers, but PLEASE never refer to me as a Republican. I consider it an offense.

"Earlier today, at the request of the Board, Jonathan has stepped down as Chairman. Sincerely, Larry Basile."

***END***

One last note: We never referred to Basile as a Republican. Also, though Crutchley has stepped down from the board, as far as we know he's still collecting money from thousands of gays and donating it to a presidential candidate who would deny them status as equal citizens.

Previously
Manhunt Responds to Account Cancelation Over McCain Donation [tr]
McCain Takes $2300 Contribution from Owner of Gay Sex Site Manhunt [tr]
(top photo: OUT - "Has Manhunt Destroyed Culture?")