Robotexts Exploit Democrat’s Sexual Orientation Ahead of Runoff

metroweekly.com:

robotexts were sent to voters highlighting State Sen. Shevrin Jones’ (D-West Park) sexual orientation and his inability, despite surviving COVID-19, to donate plasma that might help others suffering from the disease.

Jones and other gay and bisexual men, are currently prohibited from donating blood or plasma if they’ve had sexual contact in the past three months — even if they’re involved in committed, monogamous relationships.The anti-Jones robotexts eventually backfired, resulting in Jones winning the Democratic primary and the general election.The source of the text message campaign in the Georgia runoff is unknown, but it is clear that the robotexts attempt to sensationalize Kemp’s sexual orientation and his support for LGBTQ issues.

Critics of the robotexts say they are intended to mislead voters into believing that they are coming from the Kemp campaign, and that he will prioritize LGBTQ issues over voters’ other concerns.LGBTQ Victory Fund has called on the Bruce campaign to condemn the robotexts as an underhanded political tactic that seeks to exploit primary voters’ homophobic feelings by showing Kemp and his husband kissing.“Rashaun Kemp is a proud gay man who is open with constituents about his personal life and firm in his policy positions,” Annise Parker, the president and CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, said in a statement. “Yet those opposing his election are desperate and are now sending mass texts to voters made to appear as if they are from Rashaun’s campaign.“It is no accident the robotexts are emphasizing his sexual orientation.

It is a tactic directly from the National Republican Congressional Committee playbook and aims to distract voters from his strong qualifications and district-focused policy.