Well, we hit the ground in Minneapolis and, as you can imagine, it’s been quite hectic.  The McCain campaign did a brilliant job today of quickly stealing back the spotlight after Sen. Obama’s successful speech in Denver.  Sen. McCain’s choice for Vice President, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is a smart choice on many levels.  She unifies the GOP across the spectrum.  Plus, Gov. Palin will help appeal to disaffected Hillary supporters.  Also, so-called “pro-family” groups love her because she’s solidly pro-life.  These same groups worried McCain would choose Gov. Ridge or, worse, Sen. Joe Lieberman (gasp!)

Social conservatives are happy neither of them were picked.  But, let’s remember one thing: pro-life doesn’t equal anti-gay.  Her record on gay issues is unclear, but it’s not anti-gay and news reports say she has expressed sympathy for gays who face discrimination.  In 2006, she said she’s “not out to judge anyone and has good friends who are gay.”  Her record doesn’t necessarily mean she’s going to support pro-gay issues, but it indicates she’s an inclusive leader who isn’t a bigot.  Of course, that won’t stop many gay Democrats from calling her a bigot.  Many already have.  (Then again, for some of them, that’s all they know how to do.)

The only decision she made as governor affecting gay people benefited our community.  In late 2006, many social conservatives wanted her to sign a bill that would’ve blocked benefits for the same-sex partners of state employees.  She vetoed the bill.  Though she disagreed with the Supreme Court order that directed the state to offer the benefits, she said the anti-gay bill was unconstitutional.

We have an open mind.  So, as the campaign goes into overdrive, we look forward to learning more about Gov. Palin and her positions on these issues.

-posted by Scott Tucker