Gay Episocopal Bishop Gene Robinson, a New Hampshire resident, came out in support of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama today, endorsing the candidate in a conference call with reporters.
Said Robinson: “As my work shows me every day, leadership means bringing people together and inspiring them to live out their values. Barack Obama sees beyond the partisanship and hopelessness that have dominated in recent years, and the movement he's building is bringing vital new energy and optimism into our democratic process. I'm excited to work with Barack to bridge the old divides and make this country one again.”
Foster's Daily Democrat reports that Robinson, who has said he plans to register in a civil union with his partner of 18 years, Mark Andrews, in mid-2008, acknowledged that Obama's position on gay marriage was no better than any of the other candidates: “At this moment we have no viable candidate who is where we would like them to be on these issues.”
According to the paper he also said that while some point out Obama's lack of experience, that matters little to him: “Quite frankly, I've been quite unimpressed with the experience of other politicians and where that has gotten us in the past.”
Obama responded to Robinson's endorsement, saying, “Bishop Robinson represents the best of American values: a generous faith, a commitment to fairness and respect, and an abiding belief in the possibilities of every individual. I look forward to his support in this groundbreaking campaign.”
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