Imagine this: A man wants to run for President on the Republican line. But he calls himself an “Independent Republican”. And he's gay and opposed Prop 8. Oh, and this is his platform:
# I will work hard to end to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
# Pass the federal Employment Anti-Discrimination law (ENDA)
# Eliminate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
Interestingly, enough, this is Fred Karger, and the more I look at him the more he appears as a competant, qualified candidate than some fringe. Here is an unapologetic Moderate Republican who got his political starts volunteering for Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, and worked as a strategist for the campaigns of Bob Dole and George H. W. Bush. He was a partner in Dolphin Group, and battled Propoisiton fiercly in 2008.
Judging by the reaction of Iowa Republican National Committeeman Steve Scheffler (also head of the Iowa Christian Alliance), Mr. Karger seems to be getting a lot of attention. Scheffler is quoted as telling Karger: “I will work overtime to help ensure that your political aspirations are aborted right here in Iowa.” That is harsh rhetoric towards a candidate with zero chance of winning like Mr. Karger, but seems appropriate judging by the hostile nature of the current Republican Party towards fellows like Mr. Karger.
It remains to be seen if Mr. Karger will have any impact at all on the 2012 race, but he would certainly liven up a primary debate.
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