Marietta attorney enters GOP race for Saxby Chambliss’ seat — and supports gay marriage

A rrecent poll by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution also showed that a plurality of Georgian’s supported marriage equality, a big change since 2004 when nearly 80 percent of voters approved a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

Gardner, who founded the law firm Gardner Groff Greenwald & Villanueva in 1995, also said:

“The Republican Party has never been as narrow as it is today. Ronald Reagan’s Big Tent party isn’t what it used to be,” said Gardner.

“It is wrong to pursue policies that pit one group against another or which are intolerant of people’s differences. I cannot agree that the morality of some be the law of the land for all.”

In August, WSB-radio reported there was a good chance Gardner would jump in the crowded race if he could raise $250,000. At that time he noted he was a “social moderate” who does not oppose same-sex marriage.

Chambliss announced he was retiring from the Senate in January because of “frustration, both at a lack of leadership from the White House and at the dearth of meaningful action from Congress, especially on issues that are the foundation of our nation’s economic health.”

There are seven other Republicans seeking the GOP nomination, including extreme right-wingers who are also anti-gay Rep. Paul Broun, Rep. Phil Gingrey and former secretary of state Karen Handel.

Democrats in the race include Michelle Nunn, daughter of former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, who has said “on a personal favor she favors gay marriage,” and Branko Radulovacki, a metro Atlanta physician who goes by the nickname “Dr. Rad” and supports marriage equality. His website currently has a large rainbow flag on it as he courts the LGBT vote and asks for people to march with him in this Sunday’s Atlanta Pride parade.

Photo: Georgia Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Art Gardner says he supports marriage equality. (via Facebook)