With Friends Like These . . .

In the face of a growing number of Republican defections to Tom Henry's campaign for Fort Wayne mayor, including Kelty's own U.S. Rep. Mark Souder (R), the religious right is mounting a last ditch effort to smear Henry. Naturally, they play the gay card. An ad by the American Family Association of Indiana's PAC opens by telling Fort Wayne voters that "Christians have an important decision to make when voting for the next mayor of Fort Wayne." The ad continues:

As a city councilman, Tom Henry repeatedly authored legislation promoting the gay rights agenda. Several homosexual groups are supporting Henry, including the Human Rights Campaign, an advocate for same-sex marriage . . .

Councilman Tom Henry also refused to stand with pastors, churches and families concerned about the dangers of strip clubs and adult bookstores. Matt Kelty stands for family values . . .

As a father of four, Matt Kelty knows the dangers our kids face in today's sex-crazed world. You can trust Matt Kelty to defend our values . . .

Ironically, the ad boasts that Kelty has the support of Allen County Right to Life. It was the unreported loans Kelty received from two key leaders in that organization which led to his indictment earlier this summer on perjury and campaign finance-related charges. God's commandment not to lie must not be an equally-important "family value" to these folks. I think these folks missed their true calling in life. They unwittingly make really great comedy writers. I'm sure Comedy Central could put their talents to use.

Hat tip to Blue Indiana.

UPDATE: It's official. The ad completely backfired on Kelty. Even Allen Co. GOP Chairman Steve Shine is criticizing the ad as promoting intolerance. “As someone whose roots come from a class of people once persecuted for its religious beliefs, it pains me to hear even a hint of intolerance associated with a candidate of an organization I chair,” said Shine, who is Jewish. “I will not accept intolerance, real or perceived.”