When Portman (back left) was a potential Romney veep, he wasn't pro-equality
Now that Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) has endorsed marriage equality, some Republican fundraisers are declaring a sea change has taken place and that pro-equality donors should
open their checkbooks to the GOP:
Republican fundraisers say the changing views of gay marriage in their party could unlock big money from GOP donors in places like New York, California and Florida — where some Republicans have kept their checkbooks closed over what they saw as misplaced priorities, at best, or intolerance, at worst, at the highest ranks of the party.
Several Republicans pointed to Sen. Rob Portman’s switch in support of gay marriage as a watershed moment for the party.
Watershed moment? Hmm. Let's take a look at the numbers:
Just a few years ago, both parties were close to all goose eggs when it came to marriage equality, but Democrats have embraced equality in a big way. So you can talk about Democratic watershed moments if you like, but as House Speaker John Boehner was
quick to confirm, Republicans are still the same old party they've always been. The only difference is that now they are actively
seeking support from people with whom they disagree.
Basically, their message is: "We're not changing, but you don't have to be on our side to give us your money, because Rob Portman." It makes about as much sense as encouraging Democratic donors to contribute to Mitt Romney because Chuck Hagel endorsed the president.