From: Hrccomm@aol.com Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 18:14:29 -0400 Subject: Dole Ad Panders To Religious Politcial Extremists, HRC Says ________________________________________________________ NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign 1101 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 email: communications@hrcusa.org WWW: http://www.hrcusa.org ________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, Oct. 9, 1996 DOLE AD PANDERS TO RELIGIOUS POLITICAL EXTREMISTS, HRC SAYS Insidious Gay-Baiting Illustrates Desperation WASHINGTON -- In a targeted radio ad entitled "Moral Crisis," Bob Dole has once again resorted to scapegoating gay people and groveling for the votes of extremists, according to the Human Rights Campaign. "This is clearly a case of the Christian Coalition saying, Jump,' and Bob Dole responding, How low do you want me to go?'" said Daniel Zingale, HRC's political director. "Once again, Bob Dole is pandering to the religious political extreme elements of his party," The 60-second ad, which is only airing on right-wing radio stations in the Midwest, attempts to paint President Clinton as a liberal for seeking to end anti-gay discrimination in the military. It also attacks Clinton for his policies on women's health, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy. "This is just another sign that Dole's campaign is foundering," Zingale added. "When all else fails, he demagogues against gays and kowtows to anti-abortion extremists. Bob Dole's bridge to the past would be a disaster for gay and lesbian Americans." Last month, Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson told his group's annual conference it would take "a miracle from Almighty God" for Dole to win the White House. On Monday, he downgraded Dole's chances even further, predicting a Clinton "blowout" in November. The Christian Coalition, which generally aligns itself with conservative Republican candidates, has been urging Dole to put more emphasis in his campaign on the social issues such as abortion that are important to its members. Dole is not the only federal candidate resorting to using gays as political scapegoats. The Republican National Committee helped pay for a gay-bashing television ad on behalf of Sen. Jesse Helms, who is running for re-election in North Carolina. The Helms ad attacks his opponent, Harvey Gantt, for his past support for the gay and lesbian community. The Human Rights Campaign, the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country, effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support, and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest, and safe at home, at work, and in the community. - 30 -