Senate candidate confirms that he's gay, says it's 'no secret and no big deal'

[sabra]

Source: USA Today

Jim Neal wants to be the first openly gay member of the U.S. Senate. The Associated Press reports that a spokesman confirmed this morning that the North Carolina Democrat is homosexual. The confirmation followed a discussion about the candidate's sexual orientation that took place this weekend on a liberal blog.

Here's what someone identified as Neal said in response to questions on BlueNC.com: "I am indeed. No secret and no big deal to me -- I wouldn't be running if I didn't think otherwise. ... I'm not running this race to make some social statement. I'm running to lead in the Senate for the voters in NC -- something Sen. Dole has not done. ... When people meet me, they'll see beyond the labels and into my character."

Neal, a former investment banker, is the only candidate who has announced plans to challenge GOP Sen. Elizabeth Dole in next year's general election.

Read more: http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2007/10/senate-candidat.html

[TechBear_Seattle]

1. Rough state for him, but best of luck n/t

[xchrom]

2. very, very cool that he's running. nt

[Kikosexy2]

9. Well...

since he's out...there's no need for toe-tapping restroom scandals and denials...or emailing page-boys...

[xchrom]

14. it's hard for me to imagine -- but i think you think more about sex

that other people are having than a republick party person.

[rodeodance]

3. I am glad the story is printed.

[Yael]

4. Edwards has trouble in NC. This guy has an uphill battle, I'm afraid

How popular is Elizabeth Dole?

[pattmarty]

5. Let's see; North Carolina, Democrat, Gay, 622 votes.

[knowledgeispwr]

11. Oh com'on now...

North Carolina isn't that bad and while it'd be a tough battle, there is dissatisfaction regarding Lizzy Dole.

[pattmarty]

12. No disrespect intended, but wake up. This is still the USA.

[Hydra]

16. Unlikely to make a huge dent- say 51%

But it's a start. The more people that run out of the closet, the more likely there will be fewer issues about toe-tapping and the "in defense of marriage" amendment will start to sink.

[struggle4progress]

21. We'll see.

[AndyA]

6. Best wishes to Jim in his run for the Senate.

We need a few like him in there to offset the crazies like Jim Inhofe.

I hope he wins, Elizabeth Dole has to be a horrible representative for the people of North Carolina.

[soothsayer]

7. That's a good answer he gave. Hope he wins!

[Turbineguy]

8. "...No secret and no big deal..."

That's how it should be.

[Baby Snooks]

10. Elizabeth Dole is smiling...

It will take a miracle for an openly gay man to win a Senate seat in this country. The only one who might is Barney Frank who at least has proven his abilities as a congressman. Which is what Jim Neal should have run for. A congressional seat where those who know him might vote for him without regard to his sexual orientation. Reality is reality. Especially in North Carolina.

[leQ]

13. i too wish him the best of luck in a race that's indeed got some deep potholes.

[Baby Snooks]

15. As do I

If nothing else it will force some people in North Carolina to move beyond their stereotypical impression of gay men. And who knows, compared to Elizabeth Dole, he might look like the better choice and win. Never say never. Even on a steep uphill climb. Or particularly on one.

[robinlynne]

17. about time. The rest of the world has been doing it for years. at least a large part of the

rest of the world.

[Olney Blue]

18. Does he have the political experience and chops to bury E. Dole?

I hope so. She needs to retire and spend more time with Bob, Jr.

[struggle4progress]

19. Well! He just knocked THAT issue off the table. Now he has to talk about REAL issues!

[Doctor_J]

20. Too bad he's not running in ME against "Suzy Q" or in OR

against Gordo. His chances in NC seem remote.

[gratuitous]

22. We'll see . . .

North Carolina is changing, and so is the country. I don't think Mrs. Dole has been all that impressive, and if Jim Neal can be, he can win over a lot of folks who are more interested in getting a good Senator instead of worrying about who does what with their genitalia.

And I think there are significant numbers of people like that in North Carolina.