Log Cabin Republicans back slate of 3

The Greater Cincinnati Log Cabin Republicans endorsed three candidates for Cincinnati City Council at a reception at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse this morning.

Leslie E. Ghiz got the "full endorsement" of the gay Republican group. John Eby and Paul McGhee were "recommended."

Log Cabin President Ted Jackson said all three were "good strong Republicans who also support fairness and equality." But the group singled out Ghiz for its highest accolades, saying she was the only Republican candidate to support the repeal of Article XII in 2003. (Article XII was the 1993 charter amendment that prohibited City Council from passing a gay rights ordinance until it was repealed last year.)

"The best thing about this group is that it makes me feel good about being in the Republican Party," Ghiz said. "It's tough to be a Republican in Cincinnati, Ohio."

Ghiz and Eby are endorsed Republicans. McGhee is a registered Democrat who sought the GOP endorsement but is running as an independent. Jackson said McGhee has worked for Republican campaigns and causes in recent years.

Not endorsed were incumbent Republican Councilmen Sam Malone and Chris Monzel. Malone, who ran the campaign last year opposing the repeal of Article XII, wouldn't even talk to the group, Jackson said. Monzel was more receptive, but stuck to his opposition to gay rights.

"That was one, for me personally, that kind of tore me up," Jackson said. "Chris is a great Republican and a good guy."