On August 2, 2005, Paul Hackett shocked the political world by getting 48% in a special election in Ohio's 2nd Congressional District - a conservative district that previously elected Republicans with over 70% of the vote.

What was the secret of Hackett's success? Hackett didn't let Republicans frame the debate, and he didn't mince words.

Here is Paul Hackett in his own words.

Gay Marriage:

• Gay marriage—who the hell cares?  If you're gay you're gay—more power to you. What you want is to be treated fairly by the law and any American who doesn't think that should be the case is, frankly, un-American."