Catania was the first openly gay member of the D.C. Council and one of a small number of openly gay Republican office-holders . This led to a conflict within his party when President George W. Bush spoke in favor of an amendment to the United States Constitution to ban same-sex marriage . Catania opposed the amendment and became a vocal opponent of Bush 's 2004 re-election . In response , the District of Columbia Republican Committee decertified him as a delegate to the 2004 Republican National Convention . Catania announced his endorsement of the Democratic presidential candidate , John Kerry , one week prior to the convention . In September 2004 , Catania left the party and became an independent , citing his displeasure with its direction on urban and social issues . He was re-elected in 2006 and 2010 as an independent
2004 Republican National Convention
2004 Republican National Convention
David Catania