I'm a Gay (and Unpopular) American

More voters liked McGreevey during his scandalous days

Five years after his mouth-dropping "I'm a gay American" speech, former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey is less popular than when left office.

McGreevey's "I'm a gay American" speech

62-percent of voters in the Garden State say they have an unfavorable opinion of McGreevey now.

That compares to a 53-percent unfavorable rating when he resigned after admitting he'd had an extramarital affair with another man.

McGreevey was married at the time.

21-percent of voters right now have a favorable view of McGreevey compared to 32-percent when the scandal broke.

"People change their opinions over the years for a variety of reasons, said Peter Woolley, professor of political science and director of the poll at Fairleigh Dickinson University. "Some people digest or reconsider information. Some people simplify the historical record, or have it simplified for them by overly brief media references. Some just forget."

McGreevey now lives as an openly gay man with his partner, and is studying to become an Episcopal priest.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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