Calls for Republican Leadership at 2012 Spirit of Lincoln Awards

“The Spirit of Lincoln Awards events are unique, highlighting the critical contributions of men and women like former Solicitor General under President George W. Bush, Ted Olson, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), to the fight for equality,” said Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper. “Guests at our pre-Dinner VIP Reception had the opportunity to meet with some of Log Cabin’s congressional allies, including Representatives John Campbell (R-CA), Richard Hanna (R-NY) and Nan Hayworth (R-NY). The Spirit of Lincoln Awards Dinner this year highlighted conservative champions of the freedom to marry, with former Bush administration solicitor general Ted Olson and Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) providing inspirational remarks calling on their fellow conservatives to step forward as leaders on an issue that, at its heart, is about fundamental American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Video of Mr. Olson’s remarks is available here.

After a rousing introduction by Americans for Tax Reform President, Grover Norquist, Representative Ros-Lehtinen remarked on Uncommon Courage Award honoree, Ted Olson, “There couldn’t be a more deserving person to be honored here tonight. The work Ted has done has been invaluable for the LGBT community. The arguments he has articulated in defense of equality should be viewed as the seminal work, not just for conservatives, but for all Americans who value our inherent rights of equal protection under the law, guaranteed to us all by our Constitution.”

Representative Ros-Lehtinen’s entire remarks are available here.