Gay Candidate Squeaks Out Victory in Fla. Mayoral Race
by Kilian Melloy
Wednesday Apr 14, 2010
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=104555The initial results show that an openly gay candidate for mayor of Gainseville, Florida, won the office--but by the narrowest of margins. So slim was Craig Lowe's April 13 victory--35 votes--that the results must by law be re-tabulated, reported local newspaper The Gainesville Sun on April 14.
Lowe won despite a flier campaign accusing him of trying to foist a "gay agenda" on the city.
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The fliers, reported EDGE in a Feb. 24 article, were distributed by a nebulous group called "Concerned Citizens of Gainesville." The fliers used what has become a common tactic on the right to attack gay candidates and those who are GLBT equality advocates, warning that Lowe--who spoke in support of a local anti-discrimination ordinance--was " 'responsible' for legally allowing men into women's restrooms!" Added the flier, "If you believe that the women's restroom is no place for a man then... Say no to Lowe for mayor of Gainesville!"
