SAN DIEGO – Frontrunners taking part in the GOP presidential debates continue to make headlines, while the only openly gay candidate, Fred Karger, continues to be denied a chance to participate.

San Diego Gay & Lesbian News reported a few weeks ago that Karger, despite meeting all requirements established by Fox News to participate in its Iowa debate, was denied the right to do so. Karger did not sit idly by, however, and filed an official complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

Just before the Labor Day holiday, the FEC informed Karger that his complaint is an official matter under review.

"I am very pleased to see the FEC act so quickly on my complaint,” Karger said. “I requested an expedited investigation because the next Fox News debate is only three weeks away, on September 22 in Orlando, Florida. I am hoping Fox will allow me to participate.”

While it remains to be seen what will come of his complaint, he will remain on the sidelines once again, tonight, during the GOP debate at Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif. Karger will be attending the event anyway, and supporters can expect some live tweeting.

The debate will be Gov. Rick Perry's first, so most of the media attention is focused on what he may or may not say. Interested Republicans and other voters can view the debate live on MSNBC at 5 pm PDT, or watch it online, either on MSNBC.com and Politico.com.

Following the debate, the Republican Party of San Diego County will give all local Republicans and other interested voters a unique opportunity to meet Perry tonight at 9 pm, when they host a "Meet & Greet" at the Landmark Aviation on Pacific Highway.

Chairman Tony Krvaric clarified that the event is a Republican Party event, and not a Rick Perry for President event.

"We appreciate Gov. Perry participating in the 'Meet & Greet' so that local Republicans can hear from him in person - and we hope that other candidates will agree to hold similar events with us as they come through San Diego," Krvaric said, adding that they already have several hundred RSVPs.

To attend the "meet and greet" with Rick Perry, register online.

San Diego’s mayoral candidates

San Diego’s mayoral candidates will also be out in full force, meeting constituents and potential supporters this week, as well.

Among Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher's upcoming events is the Poway Patriotic Parade on Saturday, Sept. 10, where he will join Rep. Duncan Hunter as Grand Marshal. Both are Republicans.

Fletcher recently received the endorsement of San Diego County Treasurer Dan McAllister.

“From making life and death decisions under direct enemy fire in combat, to demonstrating an ability to solve complex problems and bring people together in a political environment, Nathan has the leadership and experience to make a great mayor,” McAllister said.

“I know he will protect taxpayers and find new, innovative ways to deliver city services,” McAllister added. “He will look at every problem we face with fresh eyes and find a new approach. Nathan represents a new style, a new generation of leadership for our city and he has the vision, integrity and energy to move the city forward.”

Meanwhile, City Councilmember Carl DeMaio continues to build momentum with individual support and on Saturday, Sept. 10, will join volunteers for “signature walks” and a live “sign-a-thon” for his proposed "comprehensive pension reform" ballot measure.

The event will take place from 8:30 am to 4 pm and at the end of the walk, all volunteers will be provided a delicious barbeque lunch, courtesy of Phil’s BBQ, and will also enjoy free beer from local breweries. To volunteer or for more information about this event, email CPR@RealPensionReform.com or visit the CPR page of his website.

"Pension reform is in YOUR hands," DeMaio said in online statement.

"San Diego has had enough of this pension nightmare! Our services have been cut and our roads are in disrepair, because our hard-earned taxpayer money has been diverted from our basic services to pay for outrageous pensions for government employees. Our city can wait no longer -- we must get real pension reform now. Please be part of that historic effort by volunteering today!"

District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis will be hosting several cocktail and fundraiser receptions in the coming weeks, beginning tomorrow night, Sept. 8, at 5:30 pm, with special guest Mayor Jerry Sanders. LGBT activists Bill Beck and David Huskey will also host one of her receptions on Thursday, Oct. 6.

The sole Democrat, Rep. Bob Filner, does not have any official scheduled events until next week, when he will join Fletcher in the first mayoral debate on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Ingram Plaza in Liberty Station at 10:30 am. Debate organizers, Voice of San Diego and NBC 7 San Diego, have invited DeMaio and Dumanis too, but neither have confirmed their attendance.

To submit questions you would like to see the candidates answer, request coverage of a campaign event, or for any inquires regarding campaign coverage in the San Diego Gay & Lesbian News, please email Staff Writer Esther Rubio-Sheffrey at esther@sdgln.com or call toll-free to (877) 727-5446 x711.

As a matter of full disclosure, SDGLN Publisher Johnathan Hale has a personal relationship with Carl DeMaio. Their relationship in no way impacts the editorial decisions made by Ken Williams, SDGLN Editor in Chief, and does not influence our political coverage. All candidates are allowed to submit two pieces per month for our Commentary page. Williams can be reached at ken@sdgln.com or at (877) 727-5446, x713.