Gay candidate faces criticism from opposing camps

WASHINGTON (AP) – Carl DeMaio is one of three openly gay Republicans running for Congress this year, but he’s the only one who has managed to make political adversaries of both social conservative and gay rights organizations.

He’s too open about his sexual orientation for some social conservatives, but too far to the right and too quiet on social issues to win over the gay rights groups.

And that’s just fine with DeMaio, one of the GOP’s best hopes for winning a Democratic-controlled seat this year.

DeMaio is stressing fiscal conservatism as he tries to attract voters in the San Diego-area district. He says that’s what voters most care about.

Conservative groups backed another GOP candidate in California’s June primary. Meanwhile, an influential gay rights group endorsed the Democratic incumbent, Rep. Scott Peters.

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