Clinton and Edwards Oppose Anti-Gay Surgeon General Nominee
Opposition grows to the Bush Administration's nominee for surgeon general. The leading Democratic presidential candidates express reservations—and, in the case of Hillary Clinton, a promise to vote "no"—to Dr. James Holsinger. The former health director of Kentucky is under fire for a graphic, anti-gay paper written at the height of the AIDS crisis and for starting a church with an ex-gay ministry.
The Los Angeles Times reports, "Holsinger is 'a nominee who will divide America,' [Former Sen. John Edwards] said,
castigating what he termed the doctor's 'anti-gay writings and beliefs.' A
spokesman for Clinton said that she intended to oppose Holsinger's
confirmation and that she hoped Bush would reconsider the nomination." Chairman Ted Kennedy (MA), a noted gay rights supporter, also expresses reservations.
Clinton serves on the committee that will conduct hearings on Holsinger's nomination. Sens. Barack Obama (IL) and Chris Dodd (CT) serve on the same committee and voice strong concerns, but, have not said they will vote against his confirmation. "I have serious reservations about nominating someone who would inject his own anti-gay ideology into critical decisions about the health and well-being of our nation," Obama said in a statement. "I fear that Dr. Holsinger's previous comments and actions will prevent him from representing each and every individual," Dodd noted.
The Bush Administration defends its nominee and says the 1991 paper reflected scientific data from the 1980s. Given the intense opposition by gay rights groups, and, the strong positions of Charman Ted Kennedy (MA), and the leading Democratic members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee it's very likely that Holsinger will not be confirmed.
Uproar Over Surgeon General Nominee [LAT]
Obama, Dodd Voice Doubts on Holsinger [KY]
Some Background ...
Surgeon General Warning: Gay Sex Can Be Hazardous to Your Health [R20]
With all these right wing, anti American, homophobic, sexist racist churls that the Bushies keep sending up to the Hill for confirmation is amazing even with his arrogance, although, I need to hear from ALL the senators on both sides of the aisle to condemn this evil, backwards bigot.
Posted by: Luther | 09 June 2007 at 19:13