Gay Advocacy Group’s Donation to McKeon Is Puzzle to Both Sides : Politics: The Republican congressional nominee received $350 from the Log Cabin Federation. He opposes two of their priorities.

It seems an unlikely match: conservative congressional nominee Howard P. (Buck) McKeon and the Log Cabin Federation, a gay Republican advocacy group.

But there it was in McKeon’s recent campaign report--two contributions from the Log Cabin Political Action Committee totaling $350 during his tough Republican primary campaign for a newly drawn seat in northern Los Angeles County.

The money, McKeon said last week, was news to him.

“That was unsolicited,” the former Santa Clarita mayor responded, a bit sheepishly, when asked about the contributions. “I’m not aware of the group. I don’t know why they would be sending me money.”

What’s more, while McKeon said he believes that “all people should be able to live the lifestyle they want to live,” he opposes two of the Log Cabin Federation’s priorities: passage of an anti-discrimination bill and permitting gays to serve in the military.

His positions, in turn, came as news to Log Cabin officials.

“If a person came out strongly against gays in the military, we would take a second look at our support for that candidate,” said Log Cabin PAC Treasurer Jim Baird, somewhat surprised. “If Buck McKeon does not support gay issues, then we probably would not support him.”

Why, then, did the PAC, whose goal is to help elect Republicans who have a positive stance on gay issues, send money to McKeon’s campaign?

Primarily because his chief opponent was Assemblyman Phillip Wyman (R-Tehachapi), who Baird called “one of the most bigoted legislators in Sacramento.” In addition, Baird said, “From our information, Buck McKeon’s stance on civil rights is good.”

The story of McKeon’s Log Cabin contribution turns the conventional criticism of special-interest giving on its head. The usual complaint is that groups give to gain influence and candidates are only too glad to trade access and favors for much-needed campaign cash.

This can hardly be the case, however, when the candidate maintains that he doesn’t even know the donor’s identity or agenda.

“Things like that happen,” said Steven Stockmeyer, executive vice president of the National Assn. of Business PACs, which represents 110 PACs nationwide. “I’m surprised it doesn’t happen more often because campaigns don’t sit down and check who the group is and what its motive is.

“A lot of time, candidates get checks and they’re just glad to get them and the candidate doesn’t see them,” Stockmeyer said. “They’re out campaigning. All the law requires you to do is to look at the amount and make sure it’s not above the limit and it’s not a corporation or labor union.”

Federal election law limits PAC contributions to $5,000 per election and prohibits contributions from corporations or unions.

Most PACs seek to determine a candidate’s positions on their pet issues through interviews, or, more frequently, a questionnaire. However, Stockmeyer said those surveys have become so numerous and so voluminous that many candidates no longer bother to return them.

Baird said the Log Cabin makes its assessment of a candidate from the person’s public record and statements as well as advice from people who know the candidate. The PAC tends to back candidates who are “fiscally conservative and moderate on human rights issues,” he said.

The Log Cabin Federation has at least 23 chapters in 15 states, including seven clubs in California. The PAC made $31,000 in contributions to 18 candidates in primaries this year. Baird said recipients “usually receive a letter of confirmation of where the funds came from.”

McKeon, co-owner of a chain of 47 Western-wear stores, said he opposes a gay rights bill such as the one that Gov. Pete Wilson vetoed last year because “they’re asking for extra rights that I don’t think are necessary.” He’s against gays and lesbians in the armed forces, he said, because “members of the military are opposed and I would support their position until I was convinced otherwise.”

He sought to downplay the Log Cabin money.

“It’s not a big thing,” said McKeon, who is expected to win election this November in the heavily Republican 25th District, which encompasses the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys and parts of the northern San Fernando Valley. “If they would expect any kind of support on those issues, I would return it immediately. They haven’t approached me.”