Microsoft Cuts Ties to Ralph Reed as Lobbyist.

The Microsoft Corporation . . . severed ties with Ralph Reed . . . a month after liberals, upset that Microsoft had withdrawn its support for a gay rights bill [in Washington,] urged the company to stop using Mr. Reed as a political consultant. The bill died by a single vote in the State Senate on April 21, and the company has since said it will support such legislation in the future.

[A company spokeswoman said, "It would not be appropriate to have a consultant on retainer that is seeking elective office at the same time."

(5-28-05, The Associated Press.)