Congratulations, Bruce Harris

Timothy Kincaid

January 23rd, 2012

In November we reported that Chatham Borough, New Jersey has just elected Bruce Harris, making him the nation’s first African American gay Republican mayor. But the Star Ledger is reporting that Harris will soon be mayor no more. Governor Chris Christie is forcing him out of office… by appointing him to the state Supreme Court. Which will make him, I believe, the nation’s first African American gay Republican Supreme Court Justice.

This is kind of a big deal. I seem to recall a little issue that will soon be brought to that august body… something about civil unions not really providing the same level of equality as marriage. I don’t know Harris’ beliefs about marriage (and it would be inappropriate for us to know) but we can be certain that he does not go to the bench with a position of hostility towards our community.

And I appreciate the unique perspective and voice that Harris, as a racially minority gay man, may be able bring to the judicial process. Our opponents delight in pitting our communities against each other, and such tactics are likely to be less effective when there is someone on the bench who is part of both communities.

TampaZeke

January 23rd, 2012

“…but we can be certain that he does not go to the bench with a position of hostility towards our community.”

Have you ever heard of GOProud?

I believe Harris has stated his support for marriage equality so your statement is probably true in this instance but, not knowing that, we most certainly could not be CERTAIN that he wouldn’t go to the bench with a position of hostility towards our community. I’m pretty certain that if the likes of Barron or LaSalvia ever got such an appointment they would be most hostile to the vast majority of people in “our” “community”.

TampaZeke

January 23rd, 2012

Oh, and yes, Congrats to Mr. Harris!

JohnAGJ

January 23rd, 2012

TampaZeke: He could also be more aligned with Log Cabin Republicans, which last I checked was strongly in favor of marriage equality. Right now it’s all guesswork really since we don’t know for sure.

It’s kind of a shame for the voters of his city as they’ve hardly had any time for the man to serve in the office he ran for before he’s whisked away to something else. Eh, hope he makes a good judge regardless.

Mark F.

January 23rd, 2012

I’m sure the bigots are not happy with Gov. Christie over this.

And GOP Proud has 4 members left, I think. A total joke.

Mens sana

January 25th, 2012

Hmmm, I wonder if Christie thinks this appointment (which I welcome) will counterbalance his veto of NJ same sex marriage legislation.

boywonder3919

January 25th, 2012

After 4 years in NJ, I feel comfortable with this appointment. For the most part, New Jersey Republicans would be a Democrats almost anywhere else in the country.

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