Several folks have asked me "Why are you running a Republican's re-election campaign? With all of the good Democrats out there, why did you choose a Republican?" My answer remains the same each time. Scott Keller is my City-County Councilor. He has helped my family and now it's my turn to help him.
This week's NUVO magazine has an article about Scott that illustrates why I'm willing to cross the aisle. I do it because I'm proud to work for a Republican politician that gets glowing reviews for his record on LGBT rights - especially in Indiana!
Keller is quick to point to his record, which includes what he feels are some of the Council’s greatest achievements. The smoking ban, Human Rights Ordinance (HRO), Marion County Sheriff’s Department and IPD merger and a Feral Cats Colony Ordinance are all bills Keller co-sponsored that ultimately became law in Marion County.
They were some of the most controversial as well.
For his support of the HRO, Keller received death threats by those who opposed anti-discrimination statues for city/county employees. And the police merger caused him to suffer heavy criticism and accusations from some members of his own party.
“There’s a lot of satisfaction for me in doing something that will really help people in their day to day lives,” Keller says, referring to his record.
More after the jump.
Given his moderate stance on the issues, it wasn’t that surprising to those who know Keller that he chose to support the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) community by championing them via the HRO, which he co-sponsored with Democrat Councilor Jackie Nytes.
Having close friends and family members who are gay, Keller has never wavered in his commitment to ensuring equal rights and treatment under the law.
“Some of these folks I grew up with, so I know they are people like everyone else. They should have their civil rights protected and it shouldn’t be used as a wedge issue.”
Political pundits are already predicting the race in District 16 will be a close one between Keller and Bryan Mahern; Keller knows a few votes could make the critical difference in the upcoming election.
A few votes is no understatement. Last time Scott won by 3 votes in the end (interestingly enough, against former contributor Karen Celestino-Horseman). If you're in the Indianapolis area we'd love to have your help on Election Day. Just shoot me an e-mail to volunteer.
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6 Comments
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I come from three generations of people who voted for the "Man" not the "Party". Anybody who does good good deeds and stands up for what is right based on sound principals Must be rewarded if we want a political system grounded in the ideals that founded this country.
Take care
Susan Robins
Sue Robins | October 29, 2007 11:23 AM
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As many readers of bilerico know, I left the GOP in 2000, and I have seldom, if ever, supported Republican candidates since then. Scott, however, is an exception. I've known Scott for over 30 years, and he's the sort of Republican there used to be many more of--Scott votes his conscience, and does so even when his own interests would be better served by laying low. As you point out, he is a great friend of the gay community, but he is also a great friend of good government, an advocate of less partisan rancor, and more thoughtful and productive council action.
Scott deserves the unstinting support of everyone who reads this blog--and the votes and volunteerism of those who live in Indianapolis.
Sheila S. Kennedy | October 29, 2007 12:11 PM
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I'm the "Red Hot Democrat" that Scott mentioned in his interview with the Indianapolis Star last week. Sheila and Susan have perfectly articulated why we need to support someone like Scott Keller.
If candidates want our votes and our money, they need to demonstrate that they deserve both. Scott Keller has done that.
Here's to, as Sheila put it so beautifully, "great friends of the LGBT community, great friends of good government, advocates of less partisan rancor, and more thoughtful and productive council action"!
Joe Miller
jfm.myopenid.com | October 29, 2007 12:57 PM
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I'm the "Red Hot Democrat" that Scott mentioned in his interview with the Indianapolis Star last week. Sheila and Susan have perfectly articulated why we need to support someone like Scott Keller.
If candidates want our votes and our money, they need to demonstrate that they deserve both. Scott Keller has done that.
Here's to, as Sheila put it so beautifully, "great friends of the LGBT community, great friends of good government, advocates of less partisan rancor, and more thoughtful and productive council action"!
Joe Miller
jfm.myopenid.com | October 29, 2007 12:57 PM
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I met this dude a while ago. He seemed very Hoosier to me, like one of the teachers I had in high school.
Interesting work you're doing there, Bil.
Alex Blaze | October 29, 2007 2:13 PM
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Very Hoosier??
uggh *sigh*
R | October 30, 2007 2:36 PM
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