Sen. Roy Ashburn: "I am gay."

Oh, Ali19... Of course you dont' want to see two gay men! Why would someone as repressed and afraid of their blatant closeted homosexuality want to see something that they are afraid to be? You're showing signs of a homophobe... and you know what they say, homophobes are more than likely gay themselves. Also, I know his family. They already knew he was gay and accepted it. Go figure this - they thought it was best to keep it a secret. Turns out that they thought that people in a place like Kern County wouldn't be able to handle a homosexual running for office instead of being beaten in a bar. I wonder why....

Who cares about Senator AssBurn being gay. I bet you his wife does, does that mean shes been with all the guys hes been with since they are married??

Really people what;'s the big deal? So he lied, wow wonder of all wonders a dishonest politician. Really people because all of our elected officials ever tell you the truth. Uhh no they don';t they tell you what you want to here and then do something totally opposite. Get a grip Bakersfield really! Go out and clean up your streets and quick such hypocrits you all sound pathetic.

I am a gay man born and raised in Bakersfield. My family has lived on the same property for 108 years and we are a deep rooted part of the community. As conservative as Bakersfield is I believe that the people can be full of love and tolerance so it is with this thought that my friends and I have publicly fought for our equal rights in our community. This fight has often if not always included a powerful local opponent - Roy Ashburn. Every time this man had the chance to bark and pander for the Republican effort to take away civil rights and oppress his fellow community members - he did. As a local barista I would serve him coffee at least once a week and I can remember his disapproving stares at my out and proud style. If there is one thing we have learned about Roy Ashburn it's that he is not proud. It doesn't matter if you are gay or straight, conservative or liberal - you should always be proud of who you are and do what you can do to help people get through the day. --for all the rest of my gays out there who are thinking it - Roy we are revoking your gay card dude, sorry we don't want you either. -Ryan Travis Winslow, Bakersfield CA

Don't fret, Ali19 -- regardless of his personal predilections, Ashburn made sure to be as oppressive of homosexuals as his constituents wanted him to be. Kern County's hatred of gays was maintained under Ashburn's watch. The only thing that might make you happier is MLK voting against the right for Negroes to vote.

For one, this does effect his job performance because we had voted for him knowing that he will allow for our voice to be heard. He ran with the political view that he was against gay marriage. There was a video that eye witness had that showed how he spoke so loudly against some gay marriage proposal. If it did not effect his job why did he not state he way gay. If he had ran being gay in Bakersfield, I could guarantee you 100% that he would not have gotten the position regardless to anything else. He is a republican for god sacks. I am a republican and I feel betrayed because He showed that he was something when he is someone else. I am excited that he won't run for office anymore. In other words he would have not been reelected again. He could move out of Bakersfield with his boyfriend, because last thing I want to see is him or his boyfriend. Lastly, he betrayed his wife and four kids. Just thinking of it shows me how some people could be hypocrites like him until they get what they want. I have a lot more to say but I will end it with this note " Regardless to him apologizing to his constituents, in my opinion it won't be accepted, it's not about the apology. It's the fact that we trusted him, we relied on him... we heard his voice, we stood on his side, we cheered for him, we supported him, we didn't doubt him, we gave him our voice for others to hear... This may not effect Bakersfield directly, but i assure you it does indirectly"

Yes, Mr. Ashburn broke the law when he made the decision to drink and drive and he should receive the same punishment as any other DUI 1st offender would. At the same time, I fully understand the compexities of trying to keep private and public life seperate. It's a double edged sword in Kern County if you are gay, let alone conservative. Ask Mr. Mettler, he won't acknowledge any emails I send regarding Tea Party activities. I am a 52 yr. old female service connected veteran and a registered republican. I am still chastised. After the Prop 8 vote, I learned 100% who was a friend, and those that were acquaintances. You don't have to like Mr. Ashburns politics but, don't judge his political actions under a different microscope because he has suddenly been outed. It takes more courage to be gay, with character and standards than it does to be straight and judgemental. I have yet to see anyone walk on water. Leave the hell and religion and Jesus out of this. I am a good person. I have a good heart. I will go to heaven. Hypocrites don't open and close heavens gates. I remember what it was like back in the 70's up til now 2010. I didn't choose this lifestyle, but I do embrace it and demand respect as a human being and I believe Mr. Ashburn deserves the same respect. Until you have walked in anothers shoes, don't judge. This was is and continues to be a difficult life to live because of hatred and misunderstanding. Instead of burning Mr. Ashburn at the stake, try and see the human side of the situation. Respect his family, especially his children no matter their age. Channel the energy spent being mean and nasty in another direction. Like our military, our veterans, our elderly, volunteer work etc...I expect this whole thing will get very ignorant and as a woman that has lived in many places...Bakersfield has a long way to go with regard to human and civil rights and respect for others, and at the same time it has some beautiful and wonderful people. Elaine Myers,Taft

Your question tonight regarding Ashburn is poorly written. The question has an assumption that the public support his job as a State Senator. And that his announcement about being gay might change public opinion. His situation is complex. Try to write a question that does not assume that everyone liked the job he did.