Openly Gay Democrat to Challenge Dole in North Carolina Senate Race

This post, written by Howie Klein, originally appeared on Down With Tyranny!

Two of my online pals, Pam and Teddy, were the earliest in sending me e-mails this morning. Teddy was eager that I see an exchange over at a great North Carolina blog, Blue NC. Jim Neal,who my friend Lanya from Traction has been telling me about, is the Democrat running against North Carolina's do-nothing rubber stamp Republican senator, Bob Dole's wife. He was chatting with the community online earlier this morning.

Submitted by omega_star on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 10:09am.

I've heard you're gay...

Submitted by JimNeal on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 10:18am.

I am indeed. No secret and no big deal to me-- I wouldn't be running if I didn't think otherwise

Submitted by omega_star on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 10:21am.

Do you really think a gay man can be elected in North Carolina?

Submitted by JimNeal on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 10:26am.

I'm not running this race to lose. I'm not running to make some social statement. I'm running to lead in the Senate for the voters in NC-- something Senator Dole has not done.

When people meet me, they'll see beyond the labels and into my character.

Submitted by omega_star on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 10:28am.

Where do you stand on gay marriage?

Submitted by JimNeal on Sat, 10/20/2007 - 11:05am.

It's okay if churches want to unite same-sex couples; it's okay if they don't. That's their Constitutional right which I support 100%.

But when it comes to the Government, I'm not in favor of any laws that discriminate against anyone for any reason.

The whole discussion went over very well at BlueNC-- and it certainly got Teddy's attention, who immediately asked me to contact him for Blue America. Pam wrote it up at Pam's House Blend and her post is a virtual compendium of the unsuitability of Elizabeth Dole and why Jim Neal, regardless of his sexual preference, would make an extraordinary senator for the state.