Mark Warner question for you Virginians out there

[monomach]

Been hitting the google a lot to find an answer regarding Warner's position on civil rights for the gay folks.

So far, I find words that make him sound like an evangelical, and actions that make him look like a closet supporter of civil unions.

Which is it? Anyone have information I missed?

Other than this one issue, the guy looks like the perfect VP candidate (yes, I know it's not him- he's giving the keynote). Popular. Experienced. Progressive. Beloved in a very important swing-state. Young enough to run in 2016 and 2020.

What's the dealio?

[snowbear]

1. Did you check the "On the Issues" page?

~~~They may have some info. http://www.ontheissues.org/Mark_Warner.htm



Governor Mark Warner

[monomach]

2. Already checked it. It doesn't have it.

:shrug:

[monomach]

3. Holy Crap

This fell all the way down the page.

Looks like lots of people think he'd be a good VP, but no one knows whether he'd discriminate against gay people. I haven't seen it brought up in a single VP thread that contained his name.



:wow:

[onenote]

4. this may give you some information

http://www.washblade.com/2004/4-23/news/localnews/override.cfm

[monomach]

7. That's one of the things I was talking about that just confuses the question

He did something that makes him seem like a closet supporter of civil unions, but right there beneath his photo, we have:

Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, who opposes gay marriage and civil unions, said he tried to amend a law banning any type of civil unions for gay couples to allow gay couples to enter into private contracts that grant each other rights. (AP photo)

:crazy:

[Smarmie Doofus]

5. This is pretty good:

>>>>Extend hate crimes to include sexual orientation
There is no place for hate in Virginia. Mark supports Virginia’s hate crimes law, which provides tougher penalties for crimes where the individual was singled out and victimized because of race or religion. He supports expanding this law to cover individuals singled out because of sexual orientation or disability.>>>>

It's on the "On the Issues" page ... under "Civil Rights" .

[monomach]

9. It's nice and all, but it has nothing to do with civil unions.

It's just one of those things that make him look like a closet supporter.

[Smarmie Doofus]

13. It's Virginia. We might have to be content with subtext.

You know... reading between the lines.

Extending hate crimes laws to include sexual orientation is *usually* an indication that the pol 'gets it'. Marriage and even civil unions is.... my guess would be... politically unspeakable for someone running statewide in VA who hopes to win.

[ruggerson]

6. Warner is credible on gay issues, Kaine is not

n/t

[monomach]

8. Do you have any source for this...at all?

I figured out that Kaine is no good on gay civil rights, but so far...it seems like Warner is 100% been dodging giving an updated answer to the question of gay civil unions.

All we have to go on are very old quotes where he opposes them.

How did this guy get to be in the conversation without this being clarified?

[Sulawesi]

10. I have actually talked to Warner, briefly, about LGBT discrimination...

i have no concerns about his state of mind...no idea if he has been "pragmatic" in his statements or not (it is VA after all).

[VADem11]

11. Well

He's from Northern Virginia but managed to win over the rural parts of the state by being able to connect culturally (guns and Nascar) and touting a unifying message. He was pretty supportive of gay rights though, to the extent that any Democrat can be in Virginia.

[monomach]

12. Sent the Warner campaign this email. *fingers crossed*

Hello, I have a question about Gov. Warner's stance on an issue not listed in the pertinent section of the website.

Does Gov. Warner support civil unions granting equal rights, protections, and responsibilities to same-sex couples as those afforded to traditional married couples?

I understand that campaigning in Virginia may require some degree of ambiguity on the issue, but the fact that Sen. Webb admitted to supporting them despite being a much weaker candidate than Gov. Warner gives hope that this can be clarified.

Thank you very much for your time.

Here's hoping I get a real answer, rather than something "canned" and safe!

[Independent_Voice]

14. At least Warner has wiggle room; Kaine has stated his position

Kaine has publicly declared his opposition to civil unions.

As a gay person, that automatically disqualifies any politician from EVER having my vote (even if playing second fiddle on a presidential ticket)...be they Democratic, Republican, or otherwise.