I wonder how many more contribs from prominent gays it would take to send the Republican far right far enough into orbit to divert them past November. ;-(
DC
On Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 12:07 PM, Doug Henwood <dhenwood at panix.com> wrote:
> <http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=&sc3=&id=79182>
>
> Crutchley steps down from Manhunt board over McCain contribution
> by Ethan Jacobs
> staff reporter
> Wednesday Aug 20, 2008
>
> Jonathan Crutchley, the Manhunt.net co-founder whose $2300 contribution to
> John McCain created an uproar in the LGBT blogosphere after it was reported
> on by the Towleroad blog last week, has stepped down as chair of the
> company's board after angry Manhunt customers closed their accounts.
>
> The Cambridge-based Manhunt is a worldwide purveyor of online gay hookups.
>
> Larry Basile, who co-founded the company with Crutchley and who is now the
> sole board member, issued a statement announcing Crutchley's decision and
> emphasizing his own commitment to LGBT rights and Democratic causes. Basile
> claims that Crutchley's donation "left the entire board in disbelief," but
> according to the company's filings with the Massachusetts Secretary of
> State's Office Basile and Crutchley are the only members of the company's
> board of directors.
>
> "There has been a depiction this week of MANHUNT being Republican. All my
> life, I have never voted to the right, and have always been generous to 20th
> Century Democrats, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, HRC, and the
> NGLTF," wrote Basile in his statement. "I was arrested at the Supreme Court
> and FDA in Act-Up actions, and was the founder of the Grass Roots Gay Rights
> Fund, which over the years has raised more than $800K. I was the Treasurer
> of Out Week magazine, which was a powerful force in its time. I began giving
> Obama donations in March 2007, and I have sent several checks that have yet
> to be reported. ... It should be known that Jonathan Crutchley's donation to
> McCain left the entire Board in disbelief. I am disappointed that we have
> lost some customers, and I understand the anger. It is too bad for the web
> site if we lose customers, but PLEASE never refer to me as a Republican. I
> consider it an offense. Earlier today, at the request of the Board, Jonathan
> has stepped down as Chairman."
>
> There are several unanswered questions about the impact Crutchley's
> departure from the board of Manhunt has on his relationship with the
> company. Manhunt provided Bay Windows with Basile's statement but declined
> to comment further for this story. It is unclear whether Crutchley retains
> his stake in the ownership of Manhunt or continues to derive income from the
> company. It is also unclear whether he has any role in the day-to-day
> operations of the company.
>
> The fate of Crutchley's $2300 contribution to the McCain campaign is also
> unknown. Basile told the Boston Herald that the McCain campaign informed
> Crutchley his donation would be returned, and Basile claimed that Crutchley
> plans to donate the money to the Obama campaign. Jeff Grappone, a spokesman
> for McCain, did not respond to a request to comment for this story.
>
>
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