Chris Pfauser is an openly gay man. He is a business consultant. And heâs a former Wisconsin resident. Oh, and heâs also the uncle of Rebecca Kleefisch, the Republican lieutenant governor candidate who had to apologize for comparing gay marriage to man-clock marriage. Pfauser isnât impressed with her apology, so much so that heâs helping her opponent get elected.
âI was incredibly disappointed,â Pfauser, who now lives in Michigan with his partner Rob Gow, says of his niece. âShe must finally be feeling the pressure. Unfortunately, I donât think she really means it.â
Heâs been no fan of his sisterâs daughterâs campaign, where sheâs running with gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker â so he gave $500 to the Democratic campaign of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
He said he was close to Kleefisch when they were younger, pointing out that he is closer in age to the former television reporter than he is to her mother. He said he was something like an older brother to Kleefisch. Never during that time did she express any objection to his relationship with his partner, Rob Gow, who runs a real estate business for properties along Chicagoâs North Shore. The couple recently moved to New Buffalo, Mich. âFor years, I was told and led to believe that she was in full support of my relationship,â Pfauser said.
In fact, he said, he has talked with Kleefisch and his relatives about Gow on many occasions, particularly at holiday gatherings. âObviously, Rob has been a part of their life growing up,â Pfauser said. âWeâve always been, for years, welcome and felt love and support from my sister and her kids.â In a statement, Kleefisch said Thursday that she still respects her uncle and his partner but opposes gay marriage.
So why is Pfauser speaking out now? Because, he says, he doesnât want to look back on this election and see himself as the new Mary Cheney, speaking out only when itâs took late. He notes Kleefischâs apology is âfor being insensitive,â not for believing what she does. [Journal Sentinel]
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~R~
Good for him! đ