HRC is now accusing me of being a tool of the religious right! Money quote:
HRC’s vice president for programs, David Smith, went a step further, accusing Sullivan of advancing the interests of anti-gay groups from the religious right. "There’s nobody happier about what Andrew Sullivan is doing than Tony Perkins and James Dobson," Smith said.
LOL. HRC’s executive director, Joe Solmonese, has said that I am a "a conservative Republican who’s never been willing to acknowledge that Democrats are any better than Republicans for our community." Readers know that I am not now and never have been a Republican, that I endorsed Kerry in 2004 and the Democrats last fall. When I endorsed Bush in 2000, I did so while fully conceding that Gore was better on gay issues. But I’m not just a one-issue person. I do, however, care passionately about gay equality and was working hard for it while Joe Solmonese was an Emily’s List operative. All I am asking for is basic transparency and accountability from the biggest gay group out there. My five questions stand. I will publish HRC’s full response to them at any length they choose, with no commentary from me. Smearing me is not a response. It’s an avoidance mechanism. Answer the questions:
What do you regard as your three most significant legislative or organizational achievements in the last five years?
What percentage of the 2006 budget for all of HRC (both foundation and lobbying group) was taken up by fundraising, events, mortgage payments and administration?
What percentage was devoted to lobbying and organizing?
What are your goals for the 2007 – 2009 legislative session?
How many people are on your bi-partisan board and how many are registered Republicans?
Are these simple matters of fact an unreasonable request?
The Dish 