New Goddard ad features gay couple, criticism of Reagan

A new ad sponsored by the Democratic nominee for secretary of state features a lesbian couple and their children in what may be a first in Arizona statewide political advertising.

The ad is a critique of Terry Goddard's Republican opponent for her vote in favor of the controversial Senate Bill 1062. But it's also the first time, as far as anyone can recall, that a gay couple has been portrayed in a positive light in a campaign ad for a statewide candidate.

Goddard's 30-second spot debuted this week for a limited run on network and cable television.

It features two Phoenix women and their children, saying they can't trust state Sen. Michele Reagan, the GOP nominee for secretary of state, because she voted for SB 1062 earlier this year. The bill ignited a firestorm of protest as critics said it would legalize discrimination against gays; supporters said it protected religious freedoms. Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed it.

In the ad, the couple questions how Reagan can be fair in overseeing Arizona's elections office if she voted for legislation that was seen as discriminatory against a class of people.

Equality Arizona, which advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, called the ad a "defining moment" in a post on its Facebook page.

"It really says something about where we're going in this state," said Nate Rhoten, co-chairman of Equality Arizona. The ad could be a turning point in how Arizona views gay issues, putting them in the mainstream instead of viewing them as only a minority concern, he said.

But Reagan's campaign said the ad says something about Goddard's tactics.

"I think it is unfortunate that Terry Goddard is unable to come up with any issue that relates to this campaign, so he pulls something out of his 67-year-old playbook," Kyle Moyer, Reagan's campaign manager said, calling it an attack.

"He goes straight for the knees," Moyer said.

He noted that Reagan encouraged Brewer to veto the bill after the protests erupted, and said the senators did not have the full picture on the bill's impact when they voted on it early this year. He noted a nearly identical version of the bill had passed in 2013 without a wimper, and only failed to become law because it became a casualty of the battle over Medicaid expansion.

Besides, he said, Reagan is a moderate, centrist Republican who has been friendly to gay issues.

"Her (campaign) field director is openly gay," Moyer said. "Everyone knows where Michele is on these issues."

Rhoten said that may be true, but Reagan's vote speaks volumes and "greatly diminished" support for her in the gay community.

Goddard, a former state attorney general, rejected the idea the ad was an attack and said Reagan's vote is fair game. And, he said, Reagan's support for a package of election-law changes, House Bill 2305, also would have promoted uneven treatment to certain groups. That's because the bill would have hiked the requirements for third parties, as well as many Democratic candidates, to get on the ballot, and was perceived by many Latino groups as a way to suppress their vote.

"If you're going to establish credibility in the election system in Arizona, you have to emphasize no one is discriminated against," Goddard said. "I think if the secretary of state is out to get any group, I will have serious questions about whether he or she is fair."

Rebecca Winninger, policy committee co-chair of Equality Arizona, said she couldn't recall any Arizona campaign ad featuring gay couples in such a prominent and favorable light.

"Six to eight years ago, you wouldn't have seen an ad with a gay couple being out there for a specific candidate, at least in Arizona," she said. "Maybe in places like Massachusetts or Delaware."

Reach the reporter at maryjo.pitzl@arizonarepublic.com and follow me on Twitter @maryjpitzl.