Rachel Hoff, a young woman who lost her race to become the leader of the Young Republicans National Federation, was reportedly the subject of  anonymous innuendo about her sexual orientation because she favors civil unions for same-sex couples, according to reporting by John Avlon of the Daily Beast:

An anonymously built temporary Web site mentions Hoff’s alleged involvement in improperly notarized absentee ballots for South Dakota Senator John Thune, but quickly stoops lower. Hoff’s support for same-sex civil unions seems to be the real scandal, expressed in lil’ Lee Atwater tones:

Unfortunately, it doesn’t end there with Hoff: As one of only a very few Young Republicans nationwide in favor of Civil Unions, Rachel Hoff attempted to convince the YRNF in 2007 to adopt a stance IN FAVOR OF CIVIL UNIONS. Although Rachel was not wearing a dress like her female counterparts, but her typical suite (sic), her attempt was met with ridicule and frustration. It was overwhelmingly shot down and left the idea in many delegates minds of: Why would Rachel Hoff support Civil Unions?

Hoff lost to Audra Shay, who has been the subject of criticism based on comments on her Facebook page that appear to make light of racially charged humor.  Shay rejected those charges.  The annual convention of Young Republicans took place this weekend in Indianapolis.