A Republican Illinois lawmaker who supports gay marriage is taking his name out of the running to be the next state GOP chairman. IPR’S Alex Keefe reports.
State Representative Ron Sandack was one of nine candidates looking to replace the party’s former chairman. Pat Brady resigned last week following a controversy stemming from his public support of gay marriage.
Now, Sandack says he’s heard from Republican activists, elected officials and party insiders who say his own support of same-sex marriage legislation could be a problem.
SANDACK: ...said, How’s it gonna look, replacing one party chairman who thinks the same way on marriage, when that was so divisive?
Pat Brady’s support of gay marriage riled party conservatives who were upset he went against the GOP platform. Sandack says, ultimately, his conscience dictates a ‘yes’ vote on gay marriage.
SANDACK: Sometimes that doesn’t comport with the black-letter law of the party platform.
Republican party bosses hope to choose a new chairman in the coming weeks.