Mike Gin.

Redondo Beach, Calif., mayor-elect Mike Gin knows a thing or two about having mud slung at you. In the final days before a May 17 runoff election, a far-right political action committee mailed a flier to 6,000 homes accusing Gin, a Republican, of being a "liberal" with a "hidden agenda"--a reference to the fact that Gin, who's gay, received about $3,000 from the Washington, D.C.-based Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and contributions from the Log Cabin Republicans of California. Gin went on to win with more than 60% of the vote. The Advocate spoke to Gin, 42, a former aerospace computer scientist and Redondo Beach city councilman, about his win.

To what do you attribute your victory?

My supporters, volunteers, advisers, campaign manager--and my partner [of 10 years], Christopher Kreidel.

What do you think the people of Redondo Beach value in a leader?

Someone who will listen to their concerns [and give them] a voice in local affairs.

Hew did you reach out to those voters?

I started walking door-to-door last July. It was a goal of mine to walk the entire city. I figured I would treat this position like I was interviewing for a job, and it was important to make personal contact with the people I'd be working for.

What was your first reaction to the mailer?

Frankly, I was shocked and hurt a little. I was really disappointed the campaign had turned down that road.

Who advised you about how to respond?

My campaign manager, Jonathan Eubanks, felt it would backfire on my opponent [who is also a Republican]. I run positive campaigns about issues that people in my community really care about. For me, my sexual orientation wasn't an issue in this campaign.

As a Republican, how does it feel to be called "liberal"?

I look at myself as a progressive person but also very fiscally conservative in terms of government spending. So I really consider myself moderate.

Log Cabin has said it hopes to gain a greater voice in California state politics, How do you think your victory in Redondo Beach affects the state as a whole?

I've been surprised and honored by the attention that our little town has received. I just hope that it provides hope to gay, lesbian, and transgendered folk to get involved in the political process.

--Interview by Ryan James Kim. To read the complete Q&A click on LINKS at Advocate.com.