Ohio: GOP runs gay-baiting ads in two state races

by: Pam Spaulding

Sun Oct 26, 2008 at 12:00:00 PM EDT

In the 85th District south of Columbus, three-term incumbent Republican John Schlichter of Washington Court House is in a tough battle against Democrat Ray Pryor.

...Schlichter's re-election chances have been hampered by Democrats bringing up his more than $434,000 in debt, including $280,000 unpaid taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. The debts result from the failure of Schlichter's farm.

As an apparent diversion, Schlichter is accusing Pryor of "re-defining the American family" and "opening the doors to special rights for special interests"--meaning that Pryor supports LGBT equality and adoption rights.

"Liberal Ray Pryor supports gay adoption," a mailer says in large print. Schlichter's radio ad says Pryor supports a "homosexual agenda."

"As our state representative, John Schlichter will continue to defend traditional marriage--preserving it as the sacred union between one man and one woman," the mailers say.

Republican Mike Keenan, an insurance salesman and Dublin city councilor, is touting his "faith in God" and belief in "strong values" as the reason why he should defeat Democrat John Carney, an attorney.

..."Our families are the bedrock of society," says Keenan's campaign literature. "Michael Keenan will strengthen families by keeping marriage between a man and a woman."

Keenan also claims that he will "make sure our government maintains respect for our Creator." He did not respond to requests for comment.

In January, [Ohio Republican Party spokesperson Scott] McClelland told the Gay People's Chronicle the GOP was planning to "do a better job reaching out to the LGBT community. We're not attempting to drive wedges between communities."