Homosexual, Christian Groups Squabble in Miami-Dade Mayoral Race

The Miami-Dade mayoral race has spun off a sideline squabble between a homosexual-activist group and the Christian Family Coalition, with both groups touting their members' economic clout.

The gay-promoting SAVE Dade this week endorsed Carlos Gimenez, calling the county commissioner "profamily." CFC has not officially endorsed in the contest, but is widely considered to favor Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina.

SAVE Dade blasted the conservative CFC's "misguided attacks," which SAVE executive director CJ Ortuno called "a major disservice to the residents of Miami-Dade."

Ortuno went on to brag about the gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender community's "buying power," which he characterized as "north of $743 billion" nationally.

Responding, CFC leader Anthony Verdugo, issued this statement:

"How ironic that a group claiming to promote 'tolerance, diversity and equality,' would go into hate-mode, and launch such a hurtful and discriminatory attack against Florida's largest human rights and social justice advocacy organization simply for expressing an opinion different from theirs.

"While SAVE Dade claims this election is about 'growth' and the 'economy,' this is not the reason for their existence, nor is it the reason their donors and financial supporters give them money. The only questions this group asks candidates, according to their own 'voter guide,' deal with an individual's very personal and private sexual preferences, homosexual adoption, the extension of homosexual marriage benefits and the creation of an advisory board made up exclusively of people who claim to be homosexual, bisexual or transgender."

Saying he didn't see anything about tourism or job growth in the SAVE Dade materials, Verdugo estimated that the buying power of CFC and its allies "tops $1 trillion.

In terms of candidate financing, Robaina holds a wide lead over his opponent heading into the June 28 runoff. The latest reports show Robaina raising $1.209 million vs. $450,018 for Gimenez.