CBS Blog Wonders: 'Will Openly Gay Republican Run in 2012?'

In an article on CBSNews.com's Political Hotsheet blog, Lauren Seifert described a Thursday interview with political consultant Fred Karger who claims to be considering a run for the Republican nomination for president in 2012: "Karger insists he has strong Republican credentials....What's interesting is that this longtime Republican is openly gay and may also run for president in 2012."

Karger announced his possible White House run while talking to CBS chief political consultant Marc Armbinder on for the CBSNews.com webcast 'Washington Unplugged.' Armbinder is also a writer for the liberal magazine 'The Atlantic.' Karger explained his political involvement over the years: "I've worked for President Reagan as a senior campaign consultant in 1980 and 1984. I've supported President George H. W. Bush. I've worked on nine presidential campaigns and this would be my tenth." Beyond that, it wasn't clear why he would be serious contender or why CBS would treat him as such.

Perhaps the reason lied in Karger's sexual orientation and liberal views, as Seifert declared: "[He] is a passionate supporter and activist for the repeal of the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy and other gay rights issues." Karger proclaimed: "I'm hoping this month, in lame duck, we'll get 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repealed....It's a no-brainer. It teaches younger people in this country discrimination; gay and straight. It's really a disgrace, and our country should be embarrassed."

Seifert argued that "Karger's been well received in Iowa and New Hampshire, where he's taken a number of trips to test the waters and has even released two commercials." She concluded that he "is stepping into history if he ultimately decides to run."