WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, issued the following statement on the automated "robo-call" released Monday in Florida by the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain.

"It's ironic that Sen. John McCain is using the same tactics that George Bush used against him in 2000 surreptiously trying to exploit anti-gay prejudice for votes," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "ﾃSo much for John McCain being above that."

News of the automated call has been flooding the political media, for updates and the latest information visit the HRC blog, HRC Back Story.

"I'm calling with an urgent Mitt Romeny [unintelligible]

"We care deeply about traditional values and protecting families. And we need someone who will not waver in the White House: Ending abortion, preserving the sanctity of marriage, stopping the trash on the airwaves and attempts to ban God from every corner of society. These issues are core to our being."

"Mitt Romney thinks he can fool us. He supported abortion on demand, even allowed a law mandating taxpayer-funding for abortion. He says he changed his mind, but he still hasn't changed the law. He told gay organizers in Massachusetts he would be a stronger advocate for special rights than even Ted Kennedy. Now, it's something different."

"Unfortunately, on issue after issue Mitt Romney has treated social issues voters as fools, thinking we won't catch on. Sorry, Mitt, we know you aren't trustworthy on the most important issue and you aren't a conservative."

"Paid for by John McCain 2008.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.