Sheriff Paul Babeu: Republican Party Needs More Acceptance

CNN's Don Lemon interviewed Pinal County, Arizona, Sheriff Paul Babeu, a conservative and once republican right hand man of Presidential nominee Mitt Romney. 

Sheriff Babeu (seen above-r) helped with Romney's campaign until he was outed as gay by his ex-boyfriend who Babeu, allegedly threatened to deport back to his country if he exposed their relationship. 

Mr. Babeu was well on his way to congress but announced last week that he wouldn't be running anymore. Instead, he plans to run for reelection as Sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona. 

The Sheriff stated that he feels he can help bridge the gap of inequality between the Republican Party and gay and lesbians. He added that the importance of the GOP having out and proud members is, "To be truly inclusive, and not just say we’re inclusive and a big tent, we’ve got to show this. We’ve got to have other people in there with a voice."

Lemon asked the sheriff about an investigation surrounding allegations, that he threatened to deport his boyfriend if he exposed their relationship, in which Babeu commented, "I asked for this investigation and I’m fully confident that I’ll be exonerated."

The fact that Sheriff Babeu believes in equality for gay and lesbians, and wants to be a gay advocate within the Republican Party is commendable. However, it isn't fair to be for equality only when it seeks to benefit one's self, as the sheriff is gay and wishes to be accepted among his peers.

If he wanted to be a force to be reckoned with why did he drop out of the race for congress? 

Doesn't he understand that being a congressman could have afforded him the opportunity to make real change in Washington, and for the country? Dropping out of the race makes it seem as if he punked out, or somebody booted him out.

If you're going to be for gay equality Sheriff Babeu, you must be for equality for all people. You can't just say gay people should be equal now because you've been outed, and how can you vote for a Republican Party that doesn't consider you to be their equal?

2012 LA