Irvine Republicans Get Campaign Cash from “Protect Marriage” Amendment’s Largest Backer

…I’m a mom with three kids and I don’t want gay pride festivals or public sex in bathrooms in my city,” said Christina Shea, leader of the coalition…

— May 1990, American Spectator, “The Evil Emperor of Irvine, California”

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Some times, zebras don’t change their stripes.

Our friend Gustavo Arellano reported in the OC Weekly this week that a number of prominent Republicans and two Democrats have accepted campaign contributions from Howard Ahmanson, the single largest backer of the new “Protect Marriage” initiative that would limit marriage as only between one man and one woman.  Ahmanson’s Fieldstead & Company philantrophy, which has given $400,000 to overturn the new Gay Marriage law via a constitutional amendment, is also responsible for writing checks to prominent Irvine politicians as well as a a host of the county’s top Republican office holders.

According to the Weekly, Ahmanson gave money to Shea’s 2006 council run and he’s given money to Irvine state asseblyman Chuck DeVore twice. 

Other prominent Republicans on the receiving end of Ahmanson’s cash are OC BOS members John Moorlach, Pat Bates, and Janet Nguyen; Dana Point Mayor Diane Harkey; State Rep and State Senate candidate (not Senator-elect) Mimi Walters, and DA (let the feds indict Carona) Tony Rackauckas.  Ahmanson also contributed to Costa Mesa councilmembers Allan Mansoor and Wendy Leece, South Orange County Community College District trustee, as well as former OC GOP chair Tom Fuentes.  

Democrats are not immune to this cash either as State Senator Lou Correa and Santa Ana council member David Benevides also took cash from Ahmanson.

Its been a few days since Gay Marriage in California is the law of the land.  The sun came up and continues to shine.  My 24 year/9 month marriage to my wife is still going strong.  Traditional American families are not being destroyed.  The wheels haven’t fallen off the bus.  So why are these politicians accepting money from someone who would deny the same rights and freedoms as straight Americans?

I’m not surprised in Shea’s case; she came to power in Irvine politics on a largely anti-gay platform as a leader of the Irvine Values Coalition.  Based on her 18 year odl quote, I certainly hope she’s learned a thing or two about gays and lesbians.  She should return her 2006 contribution from Ahmanson. 

I would call on Chuck DeVore to return his contribution too, but readers of this site already know Chuck won’t change his mind on the matter of gay marriage.