Sep 19, 2008  |  By: PATRICK SAMMON  | COMMENTS     

ELECTIONS ARE ABOUT choices, and this year the choice for president couldn’t be clearer. Both candidates talk about the need to change Washington, but only one candidate has the record, political courage and common-sense solutions to the challenges facing our nation.

Many on the left are trying to caricature a John McCain presidency as “Bush’s third term.” Nothing could be further from the truth — especially for LGBT Americans. Sen. McCain, unlike George W. Bush in 2004, earned Log Cabin’s endorsement because he’s an inclusive Republican who is committed to returning the GOP to its core unifying principles and ending the party’s disturbing fixation on divisive social issues.

Log Cabin has proven our willingness to stand up to members of our own party to do what is right. We took on Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney during the primaries. We stood on principle in 2004 by refusing to endorse the re-election of George W. Bush. No one knows better than Log Cabin the type of divisive campaign run by President Bush in 2004. Our organization can speak with authority when we say John McCain’s campaign bears no resemblance to that divisive campaign.

MORE THAN A few gay and lesbian Democrats have told me privately of their plan to vote for McCain. He will receive much stronger support from our community than Bush. More voters are reaching the conclusion that Sen. McCain is the right man to lead our country. His election will be good for all Americans — including LGBT Americans.

First, McCain is a maverick — a different kind of Republican who’s willing to buck his own party to stand up for what he believes. Case in point is his consistent opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment.  He’s the only candidate in this race who paid a political price for voting in a way that benefits the LGBT community. Social conservatives still distrust McCain because of his vote on the FMA. On other issues too, McCain shows a willingness to stand strong; regardless of the political consequences. From immigration reform to the Iraq troop surge to campaign finance reform to global warming, McCain is a maverick who will stand up for his beliefs.

Second, McCain is a real reformer. Throughout his career, he has built bi-partisan consensus on many critical issues. For him, change is more than a campaign slogan, change is the foundation for his 25-year political career.

Third, Sen. McCain has a better plan to jumpstart our troubled economy. Even in the midst of a difficult economic situation, Barack Obama’s first instinct is to raise taxes. His tax plan and his opposition to free trade are a jobs killer. His proposal to increase capital gains taxes and lift the cap on Social Security taxes will cause more economic problems.  McCain, on the other hand, will maintain low taxes and cut spending. He also pledges comprehensive regulatory reform of the financial system. Plus, McCain supports allowing people to invest part of their Social Security taxes. These private accounts can be left to one’s partner — something prohibited under the current system that Obama defends. McCain also supports ending the discriminatory death tax — a tax that hits gay couples particularly hard.

FOURTH, McCAIN’S HEALTHCARE reform plan would increase competition, lower prices and improve access. His plan allows people to purchase insurance across state lines thus increasing competition. McCain’s proposal emphasizes individual ownership of health insurance, rather than relying on employers. This provides stability after a job loss. And it’ll prevent discriminatory practices against gay people by an employer.  McCain’s plan also equalizes the tax disparity gay couples face with the current system. 

Fifth, he’ll provide a strong voice challenging the radical Islamic regimes that criminalize same-sex behavior — and even execute gay people. McCain wants to confront tyrants like Iran’s president. Obama wants to talk to him without preconditions.

Finally, McCain has the experience to be an effective commander in chief. With Russia’s growing influence, the threat from nuclear proliferation, the continuing challenges in the Middle East and the threat from terrorism, many LGBT voters want an experienced president answering the 3 a.m. phone call. 

Given McCain’s political courage, his record of accomplishment and his common-sense agenda for America, it is easy to understand why he will receive strong support from LGBT voters.