WASHINGTON– The LGBTQ Victory Fund condemned a mailer sent by Illinois Republican Party chairman Tim Schneider attacking his openly LGBTQ opponent in the race for Cook County Commissioner on Friday.
In the mailer sent by Schneider, an altered photo of Victory Fund endorsed candidate Kevin Morrison shows him with a limp wrist and on tiptoes, which the Victory Fund called “a clear anti-gay dog whistle attacking the historic LGBTQ candidate.” And the ad reached homes on National Coming Out Day. Morrison would become the first openly LGBTQ person to serve on the Cook County Commission if he beats Schneider in November.
“Let me be clear: Tim Schneider and his team knew exactly what they were doing when they altered a photo of Kevin Morrison to show him with a limp wrist and on his tiptoes,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President and CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. “Schneider is taking a page from the playbook of his pal in the White House – engaging in the divisive and destructive politics that Donald Trump thrives on. For too long, openly LGBTQ candidates were defeated by opponents who appealed to homophobia in a desperate effort to win votes, but I am confident this attack ad will backfire on Schneider. He has misread and misjudged his constituents, which is unsurprising given how rarely he interacts with or listens to them. Cook County voters are demanding leaders who unite their constituents, respect differences, and put forward positive solutions for the region. Kevin is running to do just that, and we are thrilled he is on his way to becoming the first openly LGBTQ person to serve on the commission.”