Gay Lawmaker Challenges Dole

WASHINGTON — Rep. Steve Gunderson of Wisconsin, the only openly gay Republican in Congress, Wednesday challenged Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole over Dole’s rejection of a $1,000 contribution from a group of gay Republicans to his presidential campaign.

In a letter that began “Dear Bob,” Gunderson, who has endorsed Dole’s candidacy, asked Dole (R-Kan.) whether his decision to return the donation from the Log Cabin Republicans meant that he is “rejecting support of anyone who happens to be gay? If this is so, do you intend to now reject my support and request those on your staff who happen to be gay to resign?”

Dole campaign officials said a response was being prepared, but said they did not know when it would be released.

Two weeks ago, Dole’s campaign said it had returned the contribution because, campaign spokesman Nelson Warfield said, the group’s agenda was “100% at odds with Sen. Dole’s.”