Anti-gay rights Reps use Elton John to raise cash
At least two members of the House of Representatives–both of whom are on record opposing gay rights–will be hosting fundraisers at the upcoming Billy Joel/Elton John “Face2Face” concert at Nationals Park on July 11.
In July 2006, Reps. John Shimkus (R-IL) and Jean Schmidt (R-OH) both voted to define marriage in the Constitution as a one man-one woman affair, according to ontheissues.org and the Human Rights Campaign.
In November 2007, both representatives voted against a measure aimed at prohibiting job discrimination based on sexual orientation. And in June 2008, they co-sponsored a bill to amend the Constitution to prevent same sex couples from marrying. Shimkus voted to ban gay adoptions in DC in July 1999. (Ontheissues records of these votes can be found here and here).
Sir Elton John has been a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and for global gay rights (see his foundation here, and attempts to raise public awareness here).
This isn’t Shimkus’ first Elton fundraiser. In 2005 the Kentucky Democrat reported:
“A spokesman for Shimkus, Steve Tomaszewski, said his boss’s fund-raiser at the Elton John concert was neither an endorsement of the singer’s politics nor a betrayal of Shimkus’ stand on gay marriage. Shimkus won’t attend himself, however, because of a scheduling conflict, Tomaszewski said.”
Tomaszewski confirmed Thursday to Party Time that the congressman will most likely not be attending the fundraiser on July 11 either. Rep. Schmidt’s director of communications would only agree to answer questions by email, and has not yet responded to Party Time.
PARTYFINDER™ Hints
Beneficiary: congressional candidate, lawmaker, or entity which collects funds raised at party
Host: person who is hosting party-often, but not always, a registered federal lobbyist
Venue Name: where the party is
Entertainment Type: type of gathering, such as "breakfast," "ski trip," "bowling"
Other Lawmakers Mentioned: lawmakers mentioned on invitation who are used as a draw for the event
Sunlight's Party Time is a project to track parties for members of Congress or congressional candidates that happen all year round in Washington, D.C. and beyond. (read more)
We also post information we receive about parties where members of Congress are expected to participate—such as convention or inaugural parties.
Since we don't hear about all the parties, you can also tell us if you know where the party is and we don't.
AntiShimkus said...
Shimkus is an idiot!
How do people continue to vote him in.
Comment posted: Jul 7, 2009 at 1:12 amRhymes With Right said...
Interestingly enough, Elton John and the Congresscritters have the same position on gay marriage.
Comment posted: Jul 7, 2009 at 9:29 amRepublican from IL said...
It’s no secret that Shimkus’ spokesman Steve Tomaszewski is openly gay.
So it’s not hard to figure out how this happens.
Shimkus is a conservative who opposes gay rights in his conservative district. But the guy is such a brainless goof, he’s completely at the mercy of his gay staff. Pretty scary.
Comment posted: Jul 7, 2009 at 11:58 amCrawford said...
Elton John was married to a woman once and divorced, so this is just nonsense. Is Elton against straight rights because he is now advocating gay rights? Of course not. Be open minded, these Congresspeople are free to associate with whomever they choose to associate for entertainment. Why would anyone discourage their participation if they learn something? Crawford
Comment posted: Jul 7, 2009 at 6:20 pmTrumpyguy said...
Shimkus and Schmidt aren’t anyi-gay, they just don’t believe gays should have the same rights as other American citizens.
Comment posted: Jul 8, 2009 at 12:39 pmThey obviously feel that allowing gays to marry will erode the strong bond of marriage that is so important to conservative America (wink).
Kelly said...
Well written…gives food for thought!
Comment posted: Jul 9, 2009 at 2:43 pmLeave a Comment