Christian Alliance founder Scheffler (L) with Christian Coalition founder Ralph Reed (R)
Gay Republican Fred Karger Fights to Participate in Iowa Republican Debates
Karger, the only openly gay Republican who is considering a presidential bid in 2012, has yet to be invited to pre-caucus events hosted by religiously-connected conservative organizations in Iowa. Steve Scheffler, a Republican National Committeeman from Iowa and the president of the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition (formerly Iowa Christian Alliance), told Karger in a May 2010 e-mail message that he would "work overtime to help ensure that your political aspirations are aborted right here in Iowa." Scheffler also indicated that Karger was part of the "radical homosexual community" that wanted to "harass supporters of REAL marriage."
[ Excerpted from The Iowa Independent ]
Click to learn more about Fred Karger's campaign!
Tell the Iowa Christian Alliance: Let Fred Karger into the debate
Let Fred in to the Iowa March 7th Faith and Freedom Forum!
WHEREAS: Steve Scheffler, head of the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition is refusing to invite Fred Karger to participate in his forum.
WHEREAS: Mr. Scheffler told the Wall Street Journal that any 2012 potential candidate for President who has shown the "slightest interest" in running would be invited.
WHEREAS: Mr. Scheffler has invited at least 15 potential Presidential candidates, but refuses to invite Fred because he's gay.
THEREFORE: We urge Mr. Scheffler to extend an invitation to Fred Karger to speak at his March 7, 2011 Forum.