2008-10-02 02:56:03 -

- Window Media LLC William Kapfer, Co-President, 646-695-0266 wkapfer@window-media.com Window Media LLC, the nation's largest gay publishing group, today announced that John McCain, in a historic first for the gay press, granted an exclusive interview to Window Media Co-President William Kapfer, answering questions on a wide range of issues.

McCain's decision to answer questions submitted to him

in writing by Kapfer marks the first known time a Republican presidential nominee has agreed to an interview with a gay publication. In the interview, Sen. McCain talks openly about three gay people in his life who helped shape his thinking on GLBT issues. He also talks about same-sex marriage, California's Prop 8 and, in a noteworthy exchange, says he is open to reviewing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The full interview is available at washingtonblade.com.

"This interview with Sen. McCain marks an important milestone for the gay press, as more and more politicians from both major parties recognize the importance of the GLBT vote," said Washington Blade editor Kevin Naff. "The Blade's pages are open to everyone and we will continue to reach out to politicians of all stripes as we cover this exciting election."

"I believe that the GLBT press has an obligation to provide equal time to both parties," said Window Media Co-President William Kapfer. "I was pleased that Senator McCain agreed to answer the questions I submitted, as I felt our readers needed information from both candidates to be able to make an informed decision. As this was an important story for our community, I chose to break it in the Washington Blade -- the newspaper of record for the LGBT community."

About the Washington Blade:

Founded in 1969, Washington Blade is the longest continuously published lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender newspaper in the United States. The Blade's commitment to the highest journalistic standards has earned it numerous awards and the honor of being the newspaper of record for the LGBT community of Washington, DC and the nation.

About Window Media:

Window Media, through its holdings and in partnerships with HX Media, operates top quality gay and lesbian newspapers, websites and lifestyle magazines with a combined weekly readership of 750,000. Window Media and HX publications include Washington Blade, Southern Voice, David Atlanta, New York Blade, South Florida Blade, 411 Magazine, HX, New England Blade and the nationally circulated Genre Magazine.

GOP Nominee Says He's Open to Reviewing the Military's "Don't Ask,
Don't Tell" Policy