Obviously I support the idea of a political donation by Eric Hovde to a liberal legislative candidate in Pennsylvania who supported gay rights. I think it important for wide segments of society to work in concert to promote equality and fairness for gay people.
So on one level Hovde should be applauded for making a political donation in 2004 of $500 to a candidate who favored abortion rights, needle exchange programs, condom distribution in schools, legal protection for transgender individuals and a same-sex marriage amendment.
In the end Andrew Hohns, the Democratic candidate, failed to win but did place second in a three-way primary.
What seems to stand out about the Hohns campaign was his vow to make the concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community “a cornerstone of my efforts and energies” if elected.
If the story ended there one could state that Hovde was playing to his better angels. To repeat, that part of the story is one Hovde can be proud about for the rest of his life.
But this political tale, as Wisconsin residents are well aware, has run smack into the 800-pound wall of hypocrisy.
Eric Hovde who is one of four Republicans vying for the open U.S. Senate seat now says, as he seeks conservative votes, that marriage should be between one man and one women. Over the past months Hovde has tried in all ways to run hard to the right when challenging the other candidates for the nomination.
The winner of the primary will face Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who is openly lesbian in the fall election.
I am at a loss as to say what might reek more than hypocrisy in politics.
So many of Hovde’s actions and statements over the past months runs counter to his support for a pro-choice candidate who supported gay marriage.
In order to compete for the most conservative voters in the GOP primary Hovde has trotted out every piece of red-meat that he can find to showcase his desire to be the Tea Party favorite.
Vast amounts of his money might spin a theme, or create a narrative. But the past donation to a liberal Democratic candidate also sends a message, and it adds to the larger narrative about the wild-eyed desire of Hovde to now say and do anything to win a place in the senate.
Republicans have a choice to make come Tuesday.
They might be reminded that hypocrisy is not a good color on any candidate, and looks even worse when standing in the senate chamber.
The GOP needs to vote with a clear head come the primary election.
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