Ex-homosexual runs for San Diego City Council

Ex-homosexual runs for San Diego City Council
Christian activist vies to replace lesbian in district with major 'gay' community

A Christian activist and self-professed former homosexual is running for a City Council seat in San Diego currently held by a lesbian.

James Hartline, who says he went through a dramatic Christian conversion seven years ago, has been on the front lines of many local battles against homosexual activism, speaking out on the dangers of the "gay lifestyle."

He has told of his conversion in both secular and religious media outlets around the country, including Pat Robertson's "700 Club."

Hartline is vying for a seat that will open after current council member Toni Atkins' term expires in 2008. Council members in San Diego are limited by law to two terms.

Hartline says he now rejects a life of drugs and reckless sexual encounters that is being "replayed over and over again in gay communities and their sex clubs throughout America."

The Third District, where Hartline is running, includes the Hillcrest community, known for its large homosexual population. The last two City Council members from the district are both well-known lesbian Democrats.

Hartline recognizes his campaign will face strong competition from a powerful homosexual lobby in the district. He will run as a Republican in the June 2008 primary.

Hartline said in a statement he is entering the race to "change the politics-as-usual treadmill that is drowning out the will of the people in not only the district but the city of San Diego as well."

His campaign team will include legislative analyst Beverly Wyer, attorney Robert Sutton and financial investor Chuck Stout.

Hartlines announcement caused a stir in the local homosexual media, including the Gay and Lesbian Times, which expressed its concern about Hartline running for a seat traditionally held by homosexual activists.

Hartline's activism includes publicly exposing several registered pedophiles who were actively involved with the annual "gay pride" parade. He worked with the city attorney's office to alert authorities of blatant sexual activity in a local homosexual bathhouse, which closed its doors in April.

Hartline has also informed the public of several local porn bookstores located close to churches and schools. He was also featured in a March 2007 WND story on the involvement of middle school students in the annual "gay pride" parade.

He also has helped draw attention to the effort to save the landmark San Diego cross under threat from a lawsuit brought by an atheist.