A battle has escalated between Democratic businessman Brad Schneider and incumbent Republican Congressman Robert Dold in Illinois' 10th District over LGBT equality.
Schneiderwhom the Human Rights Campaign recently endorsedrecently released an online ad condemning Dold, saying the congressman stands "with an extreme minority opposing common-sense workplace protections for millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees," according to a press release. The ad says that Dold opposes the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). (People can view the ad at http://schneiderforcongress.com/passenda.)
In a press release, Schneider's camp says that Dold, among other things, also supports the Defense of Marriage Act.
In response, Log Cabin Republicans of Illinois issued its own statement backing Dold. Spokesperson Caitlin Huxley said, "The Log Cabin Republicans and Congressman Dold have always had a close working relationship. He has had an open-door policy, hearing our concerns and issues, and has worked to advance LGBT inclusion in legislation."
However, Schneider's campaign countered with an email to Windy City Times that stated that Dold opposed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": "During the Republican Primary Election, Dold filled out a questionnaire from the Illinois Family Institute, a non-profit ministry that advocates socially conservative positions. On their survey, Dold indicated that he opposed a repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, which "would repeal the law that prohibits openly practicing homosexuals from serving in the military," according to the Institute. [Illinois Family Institute Voter Guide for Illinois Primary Election, accessed 3/10/10; H.R.1283 - 2009]"
The latter Schneider email also indicated that Dold voted to delay DADT's repeal last year, "despite the fact the Joint Chiefs Chairman and Secretary of State has voiced support for the repeal. [New York Times, 2/02/10]"
Illinois 10th Congressional District includes cities and villages such as Buffalo Grove, Round Lake Beach, Libertyville, Lake Forest and Wheeling, among others.