(Note: WMUK has requested interviews from all of the Republican candidates on the ballot in Michigan’s presidential primary who are actively campaigning.)
Fred Karger says he hopes to “make history” this year just like President Barack Obama did in 2008, but with a difference. Actually, with several differences: Karger is a political consultant from Orange County, California, who is openly gay and is seeking the Republican presidential nomination.
Unlike the other GOP contenders - former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum, and former House speaker Newt Gingrich - Karger has received almost no national media attention. But he is campaigning nationally and is on the ballot in Michigan and at least seven other states. During a swing through southwest Michigan Karger spoke with WMUK’s Gordon Evans, Kalamazoo Gazette/M-Live reporter Fritz Klug and Barrett Newkirk of the Battle Creek Enquirer.
Karger, who is pro-choice on abortion, describes himself as a moderate “Rockefeller Republican” – a species he admits is endangered. He is the first openly gay candidate to seek the presidential nomination of a major party. Karger says President Obama is the best chief executive so far on gay rights issues but still only gives him a “C+”. Though a Republican, Karger actively supported Hillary Clinton’s Democratic presidential primary bid four years ago.
Karger says he hopes to convince Democrats to cross over party lines in Michigan’s February 28th primary and vote for him. He points to a jobs plan that includes giving families federal tax credits if they move to fill jobs that are open in other parts of the country. Karger says he supports what he calls “basic Republican” positions that include smaller government, a strong defense, a tough stand on law and order, and greater personal responsibility.
