Senator caught in marriage fight

LITTLE FALLS, Minn. — At a recent legislative forum here residents quizzed their state senator, Paul Koering, about roads, school funding, economic development and health care. The future of two lumber barons' century-old mansions generated the most heat among participants.

Gay marriage didn't come up at all. It is one of the most divisive topics before lawmakers this election year, and it forced Koering into a statewide spotlight after he publicly confirmed what had long been speculated: He is gay.

Koering, like most lawmakers, may yet face some difficult choices on gay marriage this year. For now, he remains hopeful that his stands on taxes and health care will matter more than his sexual orientation as he seeks election to a second term. He's heard little fear or anger about his public coming out in this conservative district covering the lake and farm country of Morrison and Crow Wing counties in central Minnesota.

"As I go out and about and I talk to people, I never have heard anything negative really," said Koering, who has no announced opposition in the Republican Party.

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/politics/14014042.htm?source=rss&channel=twincities_politics

a gay republican who follows lock-step with the bush** administration agenda. They seem to be able to overlook homosexuality in these people, but you damn best not be a dem or anything but a true bushbot, because then homosexuality becomes something very very evil.

''He did it, he said, largely because he wanted to get back to work on the issues his constituents care about. He did not do it to become known as the gay legislator. He wants to be seen as a conservative, anti-abortion, pro-gun rights, anti-tax lawmaker who cares deeply about giving all Minnesotans access to health care and quality education.''

he hid his gayness in the election where he won by less than 138 votes.

not unlike anti-evolution candidates do to get elected to school boards.

i believe we can say with some authority that across the boards consrvative repukes are liars.

to long term partners because of the tax issues. If they're bringing home two male executive salaries, marriage might increase their tax burden, and the last thing they'd want is that.

Trying to trap him with this issue might not be sound strategy.