Patrick Sammon to
lead Log Cabin Republicans

The gay political group Log Cabin Republicans on Monday named Patrick Sammon as the organization's new president. Sammon, who has been serving as interim president following the departure of Patrick Guerriero earlier this year, also will serve as president of the Liberty Education Forum, a nonpartisan educational foundation that is associated with Log Cabin.

"I'm humbled and honored to be leading Log Cabin Republicans during this important time," Sammon said in a statement. "Log Cabin's mission is more important than ever before. I will provide a strong voice for those in our party who believe the GOP can return to power by pursuing a unifying and inclusive conservative agenda that attracts voters from both the center and the right."

The appointment drew high praise from Joe Solmonese, president of the gay rights group Human Rights Campaign. "During his time as interim president of Log Cabin Republicans and previously as vice president of the Liberty Education Forum, Patrick has established a reputation as a dedicated advocate and valued partner in our struggle for equality," Solmonese said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing a great relationship with Patrick. As we enter a new session of Congress, it will be vital to seek out bipartisan support for our community's top legislative agenda items, and Patrick's leadership will be essential to those efforts."

Log Cabin national board chairman Tim Schoeffler said the group interviewed many highly qualified people but that at the end of the day it became clear Sammon was the best person for this job. "Over the past three years, we've come to know and appreciate his work for this organization," he said. "We know Patrick will do an excellent job." (The Advocate)