Oklahoma's first openly gay elected official says the owners of the Sonics are not anti-gay and "deserve the best of hospitality that Seattle, King County and the people of Washington have to offer."

Jim Roth, chairman of the of Oklahoma Board of County Commissioners, wrote a letter published in The Seattle Times sports section today responding to news that two of the Sonics owners were the most generous backers of Gary Bauer's anti-gay marriage group. Aubrey McClendon and Tom Ward together donated more than $1 million in 2004 and 2005 to Americans United to Preserve Marriage.

Roth was reacting to a column by Steve Kelley that warned "political beliefs that might fly in Oklahoma City can crash and burn in Seattle."

Roth's letter refers to McClendon and Clay Bennett, the principal owner, but not to Ward. Roth became Oklahoma's first openly gay politican when he was elected in 2002. He wrote in his letter:

From the beginning, Clay and Aubrey initiated a genuine kindness and friendship toward my partner and me. They have publicly and consistently supported me, even pushing back when right-wing attacks have occurred. Their support is unconditional and has helped improve the overall climate for expanding tolerance here at home.

Roth also said that support for Gary Bauer's group was not about conservative social values, but about the oil business. In the 2004 elections there were anti-gay marriage ballot measures in 11 states. They were seen as key to driving up Republican turn out. Roth wrote:

While I do not agree with the works of Gary Bauer and others of his ilk who would deny equal benefits to citizens of this great American democracy, I do believe that contributions to his cause were probably more about economic interests, ballot measures swaying Senate control and impact on the energy sector.

UPDATE: At the P-I, columnist Robert Jamieson spoke to Roth for a Saturday column:

"I want you to judge them on the whole," said the voice on the other end of the phone. "And not on one issue."

By "them," the voice was referring to the new Sonics owners from Oklahoma — Clay Bennett, Aubrey McClendon and Tom Ward.

Jamieson framed the issue with a question:

Should we, the taxpayers, support owners who seek public subsidies for a new sports arena, particularly if those owners back a cause that clashes with local values held dear to many?

The columnist had answered the question himself two days earlier. He said no one should care what the Sonics owners do outside of running a basketball team.

It could turn inane quickly: Does Mr. or Mrs. Corporate Muckety-muck support transsexual hemp farmers who use chemical-free makeup and orca-safe biofuel? Check.

I haven't seen ballot measures, millions in campaign donations, legislation, Supreme Court cases, protests, debates, anger and divisive civil discord surrounding that issue. But I'm sure it could just be a slippery-slope away.