A video released today by Republicans Against 8 draws a direct comparison between two Republican California Governors—Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger—and their positions on California ballot measures that would eliminate rights for gays and lesbians.

In 1978, Governor Reagan opposed the Briggs Initiative, which would have eliminated the right of gay and lesbian Californians to teach in public schools. He called the measure “costly,” and said that it had the potential to cause “undue harm.” Voters listened, and Proposition 6 was defeated.

In April 2008, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger told the National Convention of Log Cabin Republicans that he was against a constitutional amendment to eliminate the right to marry for same-sex couples. Video of Governor Schwarzenegger declaring, “I will always be there to fight against that,” is featured in the sixty-second video.

“Ronald Reagan is a conservative icon because of his efforts to spread freedom around the globe,” said Republicans Against 8 Campaign Manager Scott Schmidt. “Conservatives need to remember that Ronald Reagan was opposed to taking away people’s rights. Were he still with us today, Ronald Reagan would be in good company with another Republican Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.”

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The Advocate tells the backstory of the two latest ads from Republicans Against 8.

Schmidt said the effort is an example of the “unprecedented cooperation in the gay community to beat Prop. 8. I am a Republican, Lance Black isn’t one. … It doesn’t matter who you are — Democrat, Republican, Trojan, Bruin — we want to work together to accomplish the same goal.”

The two ads feature an impressive roster of everyday gay citizens, including a Vietnam veteran and a Boeing rocket scientist, two people who say they have devoted their careers to protecting the rights and lives of Americans. The ads urge Californians to now step up and return the favor on November 4.

You can help make sure as many people as possible see our ads with your contribution today!

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“The governor of Massachusetts has made it very clear that he recognizes this is a competitive and lucrative industry and he’d do everything he can to attract companies,” Fischer said. “And this is a sure opportunity for Massachusetts to feature its benefits that are not available in California should Proposition 8 pass.”

In San Diego, biotechnology companies and those that provide services to them employ nearly 40,000 people at 710 companies. Biotechnology is the state’s second largest high-tech industry, generating $73 billion in revenue annually and employing more than 267,000 people.

Companies in other high-paying and globally competitive industries also oppose Proposition 8. They include Silicon Valley giants Google and Apple and San Diego’s Qualcomm, which donated $5,000 to the opposition campaign, according to state records.

That is the message delivered by Republican Proposition 8 opponent Brad Torgan.  Help keep business in California and Vote NO on 8!

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I’m a 20-year-old Log Cabin Republican, and being that, you know that I support gay marriage whole-heartedly, but one thing I cannot seem to understand is why everyone is making this a gay issue. This has never been a gay issue, just as interracial marriage was never a race issue. It’s a social issue and here’s why:The description of the proposition reads: “Eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry.” Remove the term “same-sex” and replace it with any other social group, such as African Americans, brown-eyed persons, or those with disabilities. Would you deny those rights as well? Don’t those people deserve to be treated equally under the law?

The “No on Proposition 8″ campaign has done a good job at distancing itself from it being a gay issue. However, the “Yes on 8″ campaign hasn’t, using advertisements of teaching tolerance of homosexuality in schools, churches being sued, and so on. I’ve yet to hear one thing about homosexuality being taught in public schools, but I don’t think it would be that bad of an idea.

Be sure to read the whole thing, then sign up to join Andrew as a Republican Against 8!

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“We are Friends, We are neighbors…We are Republicans, We Are Democrats,” states, “Join Us,” one of the newest ads produced by Republicans Against 8. “Join Us” features a cast including Log Cabin members Steven Sion, Carol Newman, and Len Greco, West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Chairman Joe Clapsaddle and Here! TV Network stars Brian Nolan and David Moretti.

Putting a gay and lesbian face on the effort to defeat Proposition 8, Republicans Against 8’s newest ads were directed by “Milk” screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, with the production and post-production facilities donated by World of Wonder, with the special assistance of Regent Media. This was an exemplary case of bipartisan cooperation as we enter the final week of this campaign.

With your support, we can make sure that as many people as possible Join Us! on November 4. Please consider making a contribution today.

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“Defending Freedom” is one of two ads released today by Republicans Against 8. Directed by “Milk” screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, “Defending Freedom” tells the story of three gay and lesbian Californians.

Speaking directly to straight Californians, “Defending Freedom” highlights the accomplishments of gay and lesbian Californians in protecting the rights of their fellow Americans. Former U.S. Prosecutor Carol Newman, Boeing Rocket Scientist Sherry Green and Vietnam Veteran Paul Fredrix talk about their role in protecting the freedoms of their fellow Americans, then ask their fellow Californians to defend their freedoms by voting “NO” on Proposition 8.

Read the backstory on the unprecedented cooperation that went into making this ad on The Advocate, and if you can, please contribute to help us share this ad with other Californians.

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“The Gay men and lesbian women of the law enforcement community are some of the most responsible and virtuous people I know. To deny them their ability to further responsible lives outside of the job is inconsistent with the core values of public service,” said Baca.

Baca joins Tom Campbell and Jim Cunneen as the third major Republican to come out against Proposition 8 in the last twenty four hours.

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Republicans also care about jobs; and as a business proposition, it makes no sense to support Prop. 8. Discrimination at any level is bad for business. California has always made itself stronger by welcoming, not excluding, people who want to work hard and build better futures for themselves and their communities. What kind of a message does it send to workers, of any background, that we are willing to codify discrimination into our state constitution?

Gay couples are asking for a chance to play by the rules. We can give them that chance. For those of us who are proud of our party’s and our state’s reputation for fairness and against discrimination, our choice is very clear: No on Proposition 8.

Campbell is just the latest Republican to oppose Proposition 8.  Join him today and become a Republican Against 8!

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Mr. Cunneen shares one way to get out the vote when he writes: “I’ve been telling everyone to vote no!”

If you cannot give your time or give your financial resources to the campaign, that is the least you can do–tell your friends and family and everyone you know to vote No on 8!

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Would you run backwards? Would you bike backwards? Then why take California backwards?

That’s what Republicans Against 8 is asking California voters in its latest online ad, “Backwards,” released today.

“Backwards” urges voters from across the political spectrum to protect the California Dream for all families by voting No on Proposition 8–”It’s unfair. It’s unnecessary. It’s Backwards.”

Help Republicans Against 8 share this video with as many voters as possible by contributing $25, $250 or $2500 today!

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