You’ll know Andrew Ian Dodge, who sometimes comments below the line here. Consistently libertarian, he’s running against the Republican incumbent, backed by the Tea Party:
Andrew Ian Dodge, a tea party-backed Republican challenger to U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, called for Maine GOP Chairman Charlie Webster to resign because of his connection to a series of ads calling for a “no” vote on Question 1.
The ad in question has been called “distasteful” by some and “homophobic” by others because they question the motives of EqualityMaine in supporting Question 1. EqualityMaine is behind a citizens’ initiative that would allow same-sex couples the right to marry.
Dodge’s words Tuesday were particularly strong.
“The gay-bashing and xenophobic advertisements run recently by those against ballot Question 1 should be condemned by all Maine residents,” the candidate wrote in a statement. “This kind of campaigning totally undermines Maine’s image — especially to those looking to invest or to relocate a business here.
“If Charlie Webster is behind the content of these advertisements, he should step down. The tone of such publicity is detrimental to the good reputation of the Republican Party and the State of Maine.
Webster has defended the ads.
You can see a short TV item about the brouhaha, here.
The first comment on the news item?
“Oh nooo Mr. Bill. I agree with a Tea Partier. LOL”
As one observer put it, Andrew Ian Dodge is running to Snowe’s Right and Left at the same time. I wonder if he’ll succeed.
Gene adds: Despite the gay-bashing and scare tactics, Question 1 passed overwhelmingly.
