Aaron Thread?

I don't think that's true at all. Even back in the 90s, openly gay Republicans were getting re-elected in conservative-leaning districts. Jim Kolbe. Steve Gunderson.

His career was ended by his money scandal and his resignation, but mostly by all the oppo ammo there is against him, from the hands-down-the-pants at Coachella to photos like this. I think he was looking for a comeback until the original Coachella fiasco (whatever year that was).

He might have been able to come back from the money stuff (he was found not guilty after all) but not the sex stuff (which is not the same as coming out).