Is Tammy Baldwin selling out the gay community?

She's one of 16 co-chairs of Pres-elect Obama's inauguration committee.

Baldwin one of 16 co-chairs that include: former Presidents Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter along with relatives of Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.

Debbie Mesloh, a spokeswoman for the inauguration, said she couldn't say whether criticism from gay rights groups over the Warren announcement contributed to the selection of Baldwin.

I'm shocked that would even come up. It smacks of quota-filling. Of cynical use of Baldwin's homosexuality as a political tool. It suggests that she herself, her politics, her accomplishments have nothing to do with her appointment - she's only there to smooth things over with the gay community. It makes her nothing but a token. A chip. A piece of chattel.

But wait:

Jerilyn Goodman, a spokeswoman for Baldwin, said the Madison Democrat was asked to co-chair the inaugural "a few weeks ago," before the Warren controversy erupted.

How could Goodman know the invitation came "before the Warren controversy erupted" when the inauguration spokeswoman didn’t know whether the two were connected?

Well, whatever. Surely, Baldwin will use this appointment to defend Gay-Americans and gay rights from the likes of Warren, a known homophobe.

Right? Won’t she?

Goodman said Baldwin would have no comment on Obama's pick of Warren to lead the invocation.

Slap in the face. Baldwin’s totally sold out.