In this issue of PGN, we endorse Rob McCord for governor. If you want to know the factual reasons, please read our editorial, but in this space let me tell you why this columnist personally feels strongly about Rob.
It should first be pointed out that this column was the first in the commonwealth to point-by-point show the many reasons that Allyson Schwartz could prove to be a real contender when other politicos across the state scoffed at that idea. Well, I guess that column has now been proven correct, but at the same time Schwartz’s campaign has seen better days. As for Wolf, I’ve not met the man but his résumé to be governor is a little skimpy.
But this column is not just about facts, it’s about personal feelings. After 45 years as a gay activist, I can sense how strong a politician is on our issues within minutes of meeting him or her.
It happens seldom, but with Rob it was instantaneous. Three quick points make that clear.
In 2012 at the Pennsylvania State Democratic Convention, it was Rob McCord who led the fight to include marriage equality into the state party’s official platform. Aside from LGBT people, Rob was one of the few elected officials to speak in favor. And he even did so more passionately than the LGBT speakers. He also demanded that we as a state party demand that at the national convention, we stand with other states demanding a national Democratic marriage equality plank. He did this at a time when he was planning to run for governor. While the other candidates were spending time gathering future support, Rob was standing at the podium fighting for equality. As treasurer, he had his staff research the state’s marriage laws and discovered that many of the provisions affected by the law go through his office. As soon as he learned this, he asked his staff to draw up a legal brief supporting marriage equality and requesting the court give him standing to file an amicus brief, which it did. But more importantly is how Rob and his wife Leigh speak on the subject. To them marriage equality is personal. You see, in 1967, the marriage laws would have prevented them from marrying since they’re an interracial couple.
Rob has been a stellar state treasurer. He’s right on all the issues, but what sets him apart is that, for him, our issues are personal.
I’m proud and honored to call him my friend, and I’ll vote for him for governor with pride.
Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at [email protected].