Jim Neal for US Senate: Letter from donor Charles Merrill
Jim Neal is running for US Senate representing North Carolina as an openly gay man. Donor Charles Merrill, of the Merrill Lynch family, explain why Neal is not a typical politician.
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By Charles Merrill | Contact
Charles Merrill (of the Merrill Lynch family) is a philanthropist, artist and activist. He came out in 1990 after the death of his wife. His philanthropy includes The Freedom from Religion Foundation and several LGBT rights causes. He calls his art "Activism Art" as it includes LGBT and religious symbolism. Merrill, the activist, stopped paying taxes to the US government to protest President Bush's support of a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.
Combining all his talents, Merrill donates the proceeds of his New York Gallery to the Williams Institute UCLA Sexual Orientation Legal Think Tank.
He now lives in Palm Springs after having lived in North Carolina. Perhaps he is the ideal donor to an openly gay man running for Senate in North Carolina.
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As you know, Jim Neal is not your typical political candidate. In fact, he is not a politician at all. He is a single father who raised his sons while working as an investment banker, and later, as a financial consultant, and he understands that it takes more than pandering to the public and a catchy slogan to solve the everyday problems faced by the average American.
Although Jim is not running as "the token gay candidate," he is one of the first openly gay men to run a legitimate campaign for U.S. Senate in our Nation's history. His candidacy is another step toward advancing the civil rights of all Americans, whether they are gay or straight. As you know, the LGBT community is facing a critical point in its struggle for equality. For years, LGBT rights have been infringed, ignored or dismissed by politicians, pundits and beltway insiders because the community is considered politically dangerous. Too often, LGBT money and support is welcomed during an election, and at its conclusion, the issues that are most important to the community are placed on the back burner.
Jim is incredibly proud of the strong support and interest the LGBT community has shown to his candidacy. He is not going to hide who he is - but his campaign is about more than his sexuality. He believes very strongly that he will be elected based on his appeal as a fiscally responsible candidate who understands that being the next Senator from the State of North Carolina means he will represent all the people of the state, not just the ones who voted for him.
Senator Dole is vulnerable, and it is going to take support from people like you and others who understand this election is more than just symbolic; it's a chance to change the conversation in Washington. Much like the election of Montana Senator Jon Tester, who ran on his experience in the real world and not inside the Beltway, Jim will win this election because his voice speaks for real people.
The campaign is there to answer any questions or concerns and will always be available to you and anyone else you know who can help Jim become the next freshman Senator from North Carolina.
All my Best,
Charles Merrill
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