Romney Once Endorsed a Gay Rights-Loving, Anti-Bush Liberal

Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.

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Neal Broverman

November 02 2011 4:20 PM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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It's not news that presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has a mixed record when it comes to LGBT support, but many don't know that the Republican once endorsed a mayor who supported same-sex marriage and the impeachment of George W. Bush.

Back in 2003, Romney endorsed Rocky Anderson, who was running for re-election as mayor of Salt Lake City. Anderson and Romney became acquainted when Romney served as President and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Winter Olympics. Anderson, who served as mayor until 2008, was a liberal leader who supported same-sex marriage and once held a fundraiser at a gay nightclub. Anderson also condemned President George W. Bush's decision to invade Iraq in 2003 and frequently called for his impeachment.

"Rocky Anderson is a strong leader and a great man," Romney said in a 2003 Anderson campaign video. "He's innovative, he's gutsy, and he's a team builder. That's why he's such a great leader." Watch the video below.