Opposition Grows
to Republican Candidate for Virginia Governor

Gay groups are sounding the alarm as Virginia attorney general Bob McDonnell gears up for a gubernatorial run in 2009. The Republican is the only member of his party to file paperwork by last month's deadline to campaign for the office now held by Democrat Tim Kaine, and he has a lengthy antigay record, the Washington Blade reports.

McDonnell, a former state delegate from Virginia Beach, voted for several antigay measures while in the legislature, including an amendment to the Virginia constitution banning same-sex marriage and civil unions (the bill passed). He also voted for a law preventing the state from recognizing out-of-state civil unions and for a bill that would have outlawed adoption by gays. McDonnell twice voted against a bill that sought to enable the partners of gay employees to receive health insurance.

McDonnell is "one of the most outspoken, homophobic elected officials in the state," Tom Osborne of the gay Democratic group Virginia Partisans told the Blade, adding that the attorney general has been an "enemy at every opportunity."

Governor Kaine's term ends in January 2010. Several Democrats are also in the race to succeed him, including former Democratic National Committee chairman and longtime Clinton ally Terry McAuliffe. (Advocate.com)