Politics Pedersen Plays the Gay Card
Or maybe it’s the P-I that’s playing the gay card for him. In any case, today’s article brings yet another opportunity to wonder: Is homosexuality (and $140,00) the magic formula for winning in Seattle’s 43rd District this year?
The P-I says:
Of the many qualities and qualifications Jamie Pedersen brings to the race to take Seattle’s open seat in the state House of Representatives, one may carry more weight than all the rest.Pedersen is gay.
The evidence:
The 43rd District is smack in the middle of the metropolitan area with the nation’s third-highest concentration of same-sex couples in the nation, according to 2004 data from The Gay and Lesbian Atlas.So, being the only gay candidate could matter a lot.
And…
Last month, the State Supreme Court upheld the state’s Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits gay marriage… Political observers say the anger in the gay community generated by the court ruling could mobilize gay voters. That alone could influence the outcome of the September primary, which, in the solidly Democratic district will almost certainly determine the winner.
Close readers of the Slog will know that we’ve been on both sides of the debate over whether Pedersen’s sexual preference is important. Our endorsments, out this week, should settle where we stand on that score — or, at least, where a majority of our endorsement board stands. Until then, what do you think?
Is Pedersen’s homosexuality going to make you vote for him?
Just Say NO! to identity politics.
Anyone should be weary of someone saying "Hey, you're a ____ and I'm a ______, therefore you should vote for me," especially when its not an earned characteristic.
Being gay does not make you effective. Being gay doesn't mean you know how to legislate. Being gay will only be an asset to you in 1% of the things you'd deal with as a legislator, even if you are from the 43rd, because, let's face it, most legislative issues have nothing to do with being gay.
This is a time for members of the 43rd to elect someone that is the best choice for all of the cross-sections of the district--gay, straight, enviro, education, health care, etc etc.
If you ask me, the most approachable, palatable, and qualified candidate is Bill Sherman. I have no doubt he'd represent my gay interests just as well as Pedersen, but would serve all my other values as well.
Its kind of insulting to be marginalized as just a gay voter, don't you think?