Romney’s gay aide quits under pressure

Richard Grenell, longtime Republican foreign policy spokesman, submitted his resignation on Tuesday after anti-gay elements within the Republican Party censured his appointment, The New York Times reported.

However, the Romney campaign issued a statement emphasizing that it tried to talk Grenell out of leaving when the issue was first raised. Romney’s senior staff members, including his campaign manager, pleaded with Grenell not to leave, but he insisted that the controversy would sideline him and eventually harm the campaign.

Grenell was widely considered as a loyal conservative to Republican during eight years as director of communications for four US ambassadors to the United Nations during the George Bush administration. He was reportedly especially close to John R. Bolton, the hardline diplomat known for his bluntness and hawkishness.

The departure of Grenell reflects major challenges the Romney campaign faces as it tries to widen its appeal to more moderate Republican voters without alienating social conservatives who make up the party’s base.

MFB/JR

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