Twinkle has really outdone herself this time. From the Anniston Star (subscription required):
MONTGOMERY — The Republican Party says Rep. Lea Fite, D-Jacksonville, supports gay candidates.
The reasoning? He’s a Democrat.
An automated message left on answering machines of area residents features the voice of Alabama GOP chairwoman Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, accusing the freshman representative of supporting gay candidates, because party by-laws require Democratic candidates to support Democratic nominees.
Such requirements also can be found on the Republican side of the aisle. Cavanaugh sent a memo to GOP candidates in September, warning them that not voting for Republican leadership positions in the House and Senate would be grounds for expelling candidates from the party.
Cavanaugh’s recorded message attempts to link Fite to Patricia Todd, director of development for AIDS Alabama, who is expected to win House District 54 in Birmingham in November.
…“Patricia Todd will work to legalize same-sex marriage and gay adoption,” Cavanaugh says in the message. “Lea Fite even told The Anniston Star, I quote, ‘I’ve always been a liberal,’ and his support of an openly lesbian candidate proves it. Let’s vote ‘no’ on the gay-rights agenda by voting ‘no’ on liberal Lea Fite.”
In typical Twinkle fashion, Fite’s quote is incomplete and out of context. His actual quote, from a 2001 Calhoun County Commission meeting, was, “I’ve always been a liberal, but when it comes to money I’m a fiscal conservative.” But we all know that “liberal” is a swear word in Alabama, so she’s going to use it at every opportunity when referring to Democratic candidates.
And her attempt to smear Fite by association with Patricia Todd is pathetic. This is 2006, Twinkle. Gay people aren’t required to hide in the closet anymore, unless of course they’re Republican congressmen.
“I sort of find it comical,” [Patricia Todd] said. “I don’t even know Lea Fite. He has not been supportive of my campaign in any way. It just shows how desperate the Republicans are, that they are pulling out all the stops, that they are trying to scare people in the district. Yes, I’m openly gay, but I’m not going down to fight for gay marriage or any other issue on their list.”
…“As I recall, Ms. Todd ran on improving schools and bringing jobs to her community,” [Alabama Democratic Party Chair Joe] Turnham said. “She had white and black support, she had Democratic and Republican support. She went door-to-door talking about the issues in her district. She’s a white woman who won a majority black district in a Democratic primary. I doubt she’s there to push any agenda other than moving Alabama forward …”
Neither Twinkle nor Fite’s Republican opponent was available for comment. I wish I could believe it’s because they’re too ashamed of themselves. Alabama Republican Party Executive Director Tim Howe said the purpose of the message was to highlight Fite calling himself a liberal. When asked if the Republican party would reject openly gay candidates, his response was, “It’s kind of a hypothetical question.” I guess so.
UPDATE: Wheeler and Danny weigh in as well, and Danny has the full text of the story (scroll down) and Twinkle’s recording.
Step 1, imply or claim outright the opponent is gay. Make them deny it. Evidence? Hah!
Step 2, when Step 1 is worn out, claim “they’ll raise your taxes!” Make them deny it.
Step 3, claim your opponent’s “war on Christianity” will make it illegal to pray or read the Bible. Make them deny it!
And through it all, show John Kerry and Hillary Clinton’s pictures so much, they might as well be on the ballot.
Blather, rinse, repeat.
Kathy, FWIW, your readers can read the whole article and listen to the recording here.
“So, Mr. Candidate, when did you stop buggering your nephew?”
Desperate times call for desperate measures. And, while I’m not predicting a Dem sweep across Alabama, I do think people can only be worked into a lather of righteous indignation against the morphodites and sodomites for so long. And I think Twinkle and her gang realize that this particular weapon is losing its effectiveness.
Twinkle, Twinkle little bigot.
Someone needs to shut your spigot.
You know, I was single for a little too long and rumors started to spread about me being, you know, the “L” word. Now that I’m married, I realize how disgusting gay people are. Except for that nice Mark Foley. He just drank too much and that turned him gay.
I heard that molestation turns people gay on Larry King last night.
Thanks, Danny. (I’m not sure I want to listen to Twinkle blather, but it’s good to know I can.)
Twinkle, I knew there was something a little different about you…
While I generally vote Democratic, I cannot fathom returning to the days of an all plaintiff lawyer state Supreme Court…….
No, no Dan. You don’t “turn gay”, you CHOOSE to BE GAY. I thought you knew that!! Remember it’s a “lifestyle choice”. Oh wait! I just regained consciousness, I apologize for being such an idiot.
With a name like Twinkle it’s obvious she isn’t a lesbian. Only a drag queen would refer to themselves as Twinkle.
Only thing disgusting here “Twinkle, ” is your opinion. But like buttholes we all have one, so you’re entitled, despite how pathetic and small it shows you to be. I’m sure you’ve made your parents proud. They were probably the ones who opposed integrating our state in the 60’s.
Gotta love those “compassionate Christian” conservative’s. Just full of love and acceptance.
Just to be sure everyone is aware, our Twinkle is not that Twinkle, nor is he a drag queen. At least as far as I know.
[...] H/T Birmingham Blues [...]
Twinkster, I for one appreciate your sarcasm. “He drank too much and that turned him gay.” What a brilliant riff.
—Signed, the equally warped Del
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