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Jones and Cardwell say yes to domestic partner benefits for federal employees
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Southern Voice, the weekly Atlanta newspaper that targets gay and lesbian readers, has an early, substantive breakdown on gay rights and the U.S. Senate race — specifically focusing on two Democrats.
Neither DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones nor former TV journalist Dale Cardwell were ready to pass judgment on the use of “don’t ask, don’t tell” in the American military.
Jones says he voted for the 2004 state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. Cardwell says he voted against it.
But both Democrats say domestic partnership benefits should be given to federal employees.
Here’s the gist:
In 2001, [Jones] and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners legislated domestic partner benefits for county employees. He said he supports extending the benefits to federal employees.
“That doesn’t endorse someone’s lifestyle,” Jones explained of his support for domestic partner benefits, which differs from his stance on gay marriage.
“That just says I want to have the type of benefits that attract the best employees,” he said.
Like Jones, Cardwell pointed to the expanding number of companies that offer domestic partner benefits to employees. Cardwell says he supports offering domestic partner benefits to federal employees.
“Why in the world should the federal government be hamstrung by not being able to recruit the best candidates in any field?” he asked.



DEL.ICIO.US


Comments
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By Whatever Vern
August 30, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Considering his past exploits, I betcha Vern is for open marriages, whether gay or straight. And funny for both of his DeKalb CEO campaigns, he never mentioned he was anti-gay marriage. Would have lost him a ton of votes in Decatur.
By Chapped Rear View
August 30, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
Since when is gay marriage an issue again? I thought that the Republicans had milked that cow dry. Of course, with Republicans turning out in droves to be gay themselves, I guess it could always pop up again.
By George Clements
August 30, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
Who is Dale Cardwell?
By Phillip
September 3, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
Dale Cardwell is the only Dem currently in the race who can beat the “do-nothing” Chambliss. It should be your civic duty to learn more about these candidates otherwise you deserve what you get.