Mike Fleck (D?) or (R?) Is being a Democrat a consolation prize?
So, in Pennsylvania, a Republican congressman recently came out as gay. (First one ever!) Now, predictably, he lost in the GOP primary for his seat. (To a write in candidate.)
But, he won the Democratic primary for his seat. (As a write-in candidate.)
http://www.centredaily.com/2014/05/27/4196189/fleck-unofficially-concedes-loss.html
I don't know how I feel about this. If he wins, he said he'll keep the (R) next to his name in order to keep "seniority on committees." But will this show him the homophobia on the right? Will it affect his voting?
I guess I don't feel like the D spot on a ballot should be a consolation prize for losing the R spot. Being gay isn't enough to be a Democrat. If it walks like an R, talks like an R, and will caucus like an R, then whether he's gay or not, he's an R. If they don't want him, we're not a "just for playing" trophy.
OTOH, if his experience teaches him something, and he comes around to Democratic values, then maybe there can be a silver lining in this crap-show.
What do you think? Am I overreacting? I guess if the D voters of his district think he's good enough for them, who am I to second guess them?
I seriously feel like I should feel strongly about this one way or the other. I just have no idea what way I should feel. I respect your opinions, help me out!
