Former Bush campaign boss, RNC chair Ken Mehlman says he’s gay and supports gay marriage

Former Bush campaign boss, RNC chair says he’s gay

WASHINGTON — Former Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman says in a magazine interview that he is gay.

Mehlman, who was campaign manager for President George W. Bush in 2004, told The Atlantic that he came to the conclusion he is gay recently and wanted to talk about it publicly because he wants to become an advocate for gay marriage. He also thought questions would arise when he participates in an upcoming fundraiser for the group challenging California’s ballot measure opposing those marriages.

Mehlman says in the interview that he’s shared the news with family, friends and co-workers and they have been very supportive. Mehlman’s leadership positions with the Republican Party came at a time when some in the party were working to put anti-gay ballot measures before the public in several states.