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Gay News: Former chairman and man behind George W Bush's re-election campaign comes out
Ken Mehlman
Former Republican chairman is gay
Ken Mehlman, a former Republican Party chairman, who headed President Bush’s successful re-election campaign, made the admission in an interview with The Atlantic magazine, ending years of gossip and speculation.
He is the highest profile Republican to come out in a party which is widely seen as conservative and not supportive of gay rights.
“It’s taken me 43 years to get comfortable with this part of my life,” he told the magazine.
He expressed regret that during his time in office he had not done more to change some of his party’s anti-gay policies, such as opposition to gay marriage.
“I can't change the fact that I wasn't in this place personally when I was in politics, and I genuinely regret that,” he said.
“Everybody has their own path to travel, their own journey, and for me, over the past few months, I've told my family, friends, former colleagues, and current colleagues, and they've been wonderful and supportive.
“The process has been something that’s made me a happier and better person. It's something I wish I had done years ago.”
In the interview Mehlman says that after his years in public service he would now like to become an advocate for gay rights and for same-sex marriage.
