Has GOP Written Off Anti-Gay Keyes?

[freetobegay]

Chicago, Illinois) Outspoken homophobe Alan Keyes is mysteriously missing from a GOP mass mailing titled "Your 2004 Republican Team," that includes every other Republican running for office in Illinois.

Keyes is running for the US Senate against Democrat Barack Obama.

Both the Illinois Republican Party and the Keyes campaign claim the omission was not a snub but it is no secret that many in the party are embarrassed by Keyes' constant anti-gay remarks. Some Republicans have refused to appear on the same stage as Keyes.

The former conservative talk show host was tapped by the party to replace original GOP nominee Jack Ryan who dropped out after the release of court documents showing his ex-wife claimed he pressured her to have sex in front of others. (story)

http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/10/102104keyes.htm

[No2W2004]

1. a looooong time ago

The Illinois GOP had NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with Keyes being the candidate, other than failing to produce a sacrificial lamb fast enough for KKKarl Rove. Rather than face the embarrassment of not fielding a candidate, Rove picked Keyes (in a sad attempt to do a "our black guy vs. your black guy" race), and told Denny Hassart that he had to tell the Illinois GOP Keyes was their candidate.

Since then, the #1 Republican in Illinois, Former Gov. Jim Thompson, has said he will not vote for Keyes. In this state, this would be similar to Poppy saying he wouldn't vote for Jr. Even the Chairman of the Illinois GOP refuses to say directly whether or not she will vote for Keyes. He has been left of the guest list for Republican fundraisers, is not invited to speak at state GOP events, and is not welcomed in Chicago by anyone.

[terrya]

2. I suspect Judy Baar Topinka is furiously trying to wash her hands...

of this debacle. Even though she's a Republican, I hope she's not tainted by all of this.

[grannylib]

3. The very same Alan Keyes who called homosexuality "selfish

hedonism" and said when asked specifically about Mary Cheney said that she was a selfish hedonist too? Golly, where's the outrage from Ma and Pa KETTLE (calling other pots black...)
Holy shit. The same Alan Keyes who BLASTED Hillary for moving to NY to run for the senate, and is now doing the very same thing??
No, not such hypocrisy by the wrong-wing...it's not possible, is it?
:puke: :eyes:

[nixonwasbetterthanW]

4. Alan Keyes? Anti-gay? You're joking!

Of Mary Cheney, he only said, essentially: "She will burn in hell for her personal sexual activities." What a loving, caring comment!

On the other hand, he didn't OUT her, like the EVIL Demo-rats!

[belle]

5. Isn't he like 50 points behind by now?

[StevieM]

6. Written off???

I don't think they were ever looking for him to win or do well to begin with. I believe the Illinois GOP picked Keyes because they knew he would be a joke. An embarrassment for Obama to have to run against.

Obama was going win a great 20 point victory over Jack Ryan. Now he will win by 50 points, but I wouldn't call it a "great victory." (JMO) Beating Keyes doesn't prove anything and it isn't a show of strength or support IMO. I think the Illinois GOP picked Keyes in order to deny Obama a crushing victory over a credible opponent.

Steve

[tritsofme]

7. I read this on the frontpage of the Trib today

its just too funny.

Even the most staunchly Republican people I know won't be voting for Keyes. They won't vote for Obama, but they just can't justify Keyes, and these are very far right people.

[deadparrot]

8. If I were A Repug (shudder), I wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole.

He's a loose cannon, and he turns off moderates and indys (see IL Senate race for proof).