The local REALTORS Association (GCAAR) has come out against Republican candidates for public office. If you know my background you know I served as President of GCAAR in 2008 – I was surprised, disappointed and outraged by their decision.
They allege that as Republicans we’re anti-gay, anti-trans and virtually a hate group. Nothing can be farther from the truth.
- As a GCAAR leader I testified in Rockville before the County Council to add gays as a protected class in housing…and it passed.
- As a GCAAR leader I testified in Annapolis before the State Legislature to add gays to state law too as a protected class in housing…and it passed.
- Before gays could legally marry I asked the GCAAR board to add staffers' gay partners to insurance policies so they could get health benefits and death benefits…and it failed.
Sound like an anti-gay stance? No.
Obviously, as a local trade group (or professional organization) their membership tracks with partisan voting patterns…more Democrat than Republican, I get that. But I think their leadership and their hired staff have become extremists of the left and Democrat partisans over the years, and I’m ashamed at their underhandedness. They’ve asked all Republican candidates to disavow the Republican Party if they’d like to be considered for endorsement by GCAAR.
The REALTORS also take issue with our criticism of the “Trans” community. See what we’ve consistently noted HERE. We stand with the hundreds of protesters in Rockville who were not allowed to attend the School Board hearing regarding the mandatory reading of books advocating for a transgender lifestyle to underage kids in public school. They further advocate for keeping gender confusion in kids from their parents and allowing kids to use the restroom of their choice, leaving girls vulnerable to boys watching them in their bathrooms – and not informing parents of their kids' choice of gender while at school. That’s a parent’s right – not a public school’s right to keep secrets from guardians. We stand with the parents, and we stand with the Supreme Court's Montgomery County ruling in Mahmoud vs. Taylor.
Another hat I've worn? Member of the Board of Directors at the former Chestnut Lodge Psychiatric Hospital in Rockville. If you think "transgenderism" - those suffering from gender dysphoria, is settled theory you're mistaken. Saying you're something and making others agree with it is not universally accepted by any means.
As GCAAR Realtor President I made sure to be non-partisan, bi-partisan. I even got hassled by Republican members for authorizing a $5,000 gratuity to James Carville to speak at a Realtors event, to make sure both sides were always heard. That's why I'm so disappointed they've veered so far to the Left.
Let me be clear. We are not anti-gay. Just a few weeks ago I wrote about a soon to be former Council Member who asked for votes for, among other reasons, he was a gay Jew. READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE
If you have a chance, are a REALTOR or know a REALTOR please ask them why they’ve taken that tactic, that choice of one party over another – even though so many REALTORS are Republicans and Non-Affiliated. Are you allowed to be a REALTOR if you question "transgenderism"? Are you allowed to be a REALTOR if you're a Republican or non-affiliated? Will they return your dues? Report back to me with the answers. I’d really like to know.
Drop me a line at [email protected], tell me what you think about this. I’d like to hear from you…and get ready for a great election in November. We have superb, energetic candidates who are not infected with the Socialist virus. Stay tuned for a positive change in November.
Dennis Melby
2026 Republican Chairman
Montgomery County, Maryland
Check out my schedule HERE and come see me. Join my special Chairman's Club HERE.
And thanks for being a Great American.