Anti-Gay Oregonian Runs for U.S. Senate

Chair of the Oregon Citizens Alliance Lon Mabon made a surprising move last week to file GOP primary candidacy papers for a U.S. Senate seat minutes before the deadline. Mabon will compete with former ally Gordon Smith in the May primary to replace retiring Sen. Mark Hatfield. Some of Mabon's opponents indicate his bid signals an attempt to revitalize lagging interest in his organization.

Mabon has lead anti-gay rights campaigns in Oregon and sponsored two anti-gay state ballot initiatives defeated by voters. He is currently pursuing a third measure to restrict homosexual rights legislation and another to ban late-term abortions. He has also been involved in the state initiative to ban affirmative action.

Media Resources: The Nando Net and the Associated Press - March 17, 1996

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