MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL, WHO'S THE MOST HOMOPHOBIC OF THEM ALL?

Mitt Romney would like Republican base voters in Iowa to think he's as bigoted as they are. His record doesn't back up his assertions but he didn't get the nickname Flip Flop Mitt for naught and I'm willing to believe him on this one. His new radio ad-- for backward areas only (not something he's running in New Hampshire)-- is all about how homophobic he claims to be. According to a piece that went out over the AP this morning Romney "has come under criticism from conservatives for his past support of some gay rights issues. [He] says he is the only major GOP candidate backing a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage."

Romney's new ad is targeted directly at evangelical Christians who are crucial to Republican politics in Iowa, where precinct caucuses traditionally launch the nominating season.

The ad, coming as Iowa is embroiled in court fight over its gay marriage ban, points to Romney's role in battling a Massachusetts court ruling that paved the way for same-sex marriages there.

"As Republicans we must oppose discrimination and defend traditional marriage: one man, one woman," Romney says in the spot.

Romney's conservative critics argue that his position on gay rights was more nuanced as Massachusetts governor and during his 1994 bid to unseat Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

Apparently Romney is worried about Iowa (and South Carolina) hate-obsessed Republicans who don't only fear and disdain gays but also lump in Mormons to "the other" category.

Romney has his own complicated history on gay rights to work through as well. He has been consistent in his opposition to gay marriage over the years, but when he ran for the U.S. Senate in 1994 and then for governor in 2002 his tone on gay rights was decidedly different than it is on the presidential campaign trail today. Back then, he portrayed himself as someone who would fight for gay equality, including partnership rights for same-sex couples. In 1994, when he ran against Senator Edward Kennedy, Mr. Romney said he supported federal legislation to bar discrimination against gays. In 2002, he also promised members of Log Cabin Republicans, a gay organization, according to several people who were at a meeting with him, that he would not champion a fight for or against gay marriage.

Keeping up with Romney's flips, flops and his general Full O' Mitt positions is a full time job. Thank goodness someone is willing to hold his nose and wade through all the muck and do it-- Romney Facts. They're the ones who found this gay pride flier from then-Governor Mitt Romney and Lt Governor Kerry Healey wishing everyone a great Gay Pride Weekend. I guess the bloom is off that rose.



So while Mitt is taking the low road of hatred and bigotry in Iowa, what's he doing to stay ahead of the rest of the pathetic pygmies™ in New Hampshire? In a state that has of late thoroughly rejected the GOP on every level he blames everything that's wrong with being a Republican on... Democrats.