Harold Ford Jr. got a tough reception when he spoke to a gay advocacy group and tried to explain he no longer opposes gay marriage.
Ford is considering challenging Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in this fall's Democratic primary. He moved to New York after losing the 2006 U.S. Senate race in Tennessee.
The former Tennessee congressman had voted twice for a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between
a man and a woman.
He spoke Wednesday to the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York -- a political group connecting gay and lesbian Democrats --and was interrupted numerous times by protesters. They said they don't trust him and shouted that he is "anti-gay.'' Many audience members vocally challenged him, mocking his claims that he has changed.
"Snake oil Harry, Go away!" some yelled. "We're New Yorkers, we're not stupid!" yelled another.
Ford said all he can do is explain he was wrong in the past and has changed his mind, but many say they simply can't trust the former congressman.
"It's not a matter of him evolving," said Jon Winkleman, a gay activist of over 25 years. "His actions show me that I can't trust his word."
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"New York needs a Senator who is a moral compass," added Winkleman, "Not a Senator who is a fickle weather vain."
Ford says he is close to making a decision about whether to run, as The New York Times reports he recently conducted a phone survey of New York voters.
The Times also reports that Daily News owner Mort Zuckerman has begun to seriously considering running in the Senate
race, on the Republican line. Zuckerman is reported to have met privately with former Governor George Pataki for advice
on a possible campaign.
