Potential Defense: 'But We're Republicans. That's What We Do'

I have to admit -- this doesn't shock me that much. I mean, they're gay, yes -- but they're still Republicans.

I just find it hard to believe the worker who was fired didn't know beforehand the behavior he uncovered was simply par for the course for any Republican.

Yes -- my bias is showing. But until Karl Rove is expunged, I'm afraid it will be hard for me to think any differently.

Former Worker Sues Gay Republicans For $15 Million

Washington D.C. --  The former Chief Operating Officer for Log Cabin Republicans is suing the organization, claiming he was fired for blowing the whistle on questionable spending, and for libel.

In a suit filed in Superior Court for the District of Columbia, Dwight Lodge alleges wrongful termination, negligent supervision and defamation.

The suit claims that Lodge joined LCR in January 2004 where he streamlined the organization, helped develop online fundraising, and oversaw the running of the gay GOP group. 

But, in October, the suit says, Lodge became concerned about "improper and well-documented business and financial practices of LCR/LEF¹s Executive Director, Patrick Guerriero."

Lodge alleges that among the problems he uncovered were the "misuse of restricted funds, reclassification of funds and creation of false reports to obtain matching funds, and the reclassification of funds to hide losses incurred by certain programs for the purpose of misleading the board."

The court papers allege when Lodge presented his concerns to Guerriero last November, "Guerriero cavalierly and inexplicably dismissed Mr. Lodge¹s concerns. Within three weeks, Mr. Guerriero began disseminating defamatory rumors of Mr. Lodge¹s purported 'drug use.'"

On December 22, Lodge says, he was fired.

The suit says Lodge has "suffered, and continues to suffer, severe pain and suffering and extreme mental anguish and emotional distress," and he "has suffered and will continue to suffer a loss of earnings and other employment benefits and job opportunities."

The suit seeks $5 million for each of the three allegations plus legal fees. 

Log Cabin said it would fight the suit.

"Dwight Lodge was dismissed for good cause," LCR lawyer Craig Engle told 365Gay.com.

"The board of Log Cabin has complete confidence in Patrick Guerriero and his stewardship of the organization," Engle said from New Orleans where LCR is holding its annual convention. -- 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

Read the entire article here --> http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/04/040105lcrSuit.htm