"CNN, by applying
inconsistent and arbitrary criteria in deciding
who gets to participate in televised debates, is
manufacturing a narrative rather than presenting
the candidates," said R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin
Republicans Executive Director. "The pointed
exclusion of pro-equality candidates, such as
former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson and openly
gay Republican candidate Fred Karger, perpetuates
the myth that Republicans are uniform in their
opinions on social issues - a myth which hurts the
Republican Party among independents, moderates and
younger voters. As a gatekeeper to the
presidential debates, CNN has a responsibility to
accurately reflect the diversity of perspectives
present in the current crop of candidates. While
Log Cabin Republicans respect reasonable and
fairly-applied standards about who can
participate, it is ridiculous to suggest that a
two-term Republican governor from a Democratic
state with a strong record on the fiscal issues
Americans care most about today does not merit a
place in this debate."