Two GOP officials come out against Prop 8

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca and former Congressman Tom Campbell in separate statements on Friday, October 24 announced their opposition to Proposition 8, the anti-gay marriage initiative.

The men, both Republicans, join a growing list of GOP officials, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, and out lesbian San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis in opposing Prop 8.

In a statement released by the No on 8 campaign, Baca, a 43-year veteran of the department, said he was opposed to the initiative because of his experience working with members of the LGBT community.

“The gay men and lesbian women of the law enforcement community are some of the most responsible and virtuous people I know. To deny them their ability to further responsible lives outside of the job is inconsistent with the core values of public service.”

Campbell, who used to represent South Bay in Congress and formerly served as a state senator, made his statement in an editorial posted on the Republican Web site www.reason.com. In a piece entitled “Ending Marriage Discrimination in California,” Campbell said that basic Republican values lead him to oppose Prop 8.

“Republicans believe deeply that government should be limited. Government has no business making distinctions between people based on their personal lives. That’s why, as a Californian and a Republican who has held elective office at the federal and state levels, I will be voting no on Proposition 8,” Campbell wrote.