DNC Fundraiser Turning Into PR Disaster

Yesterday I posted a message from noted activist David Mixner, who says he will not attend next week's Democratic National Committee $1000/head fundraiser at the DC Mandarin Oriental.

Since then, other well-known LGBT folks such as blogger Andy Towle, Empire State Pride Agenda head Alan Van Cappelle, and former Clinton aide Richard Socarides have all announced they will not attend. And now Americablog's John Aravosis is reporting that the Washington Blade will "stake out" the event and photograph noted gays they capture entering the building.

Pam Spaulding has posted a letter from furniture mogul Mitchell Gold, who says he will "take his place at the table" but doesn't blame anybody else for pulling out. Spaulding is calling on openly gay Congress members Barney Frank, Tammy Baldwin, and Jared Polis to explain why they are still supporting the event.

And over on Politico, openly gay DNC fundraiser organizer Andy Tobias says in an email:

"If this debacle of a brief represented the president's views, I'd boycott too. I totally understand all the hurt and anger, thought Joe Solmonese['s] letter to the president was spot on. Still personally totally believe in the president. His Pride Proclamation, and his call to repeal DOMA, are genuine."

Tobias closes with: "Did I mention that the Mandarin Oriental has a 10,400-square-foot spa?" Oh, in that case, sign us ALL right fucking up!

UPDATE: The HRC's national field director, Marty Rouse, will also not attend. John Aravosis calls the event "over" without Rouse's support.