As ‘gay Republican,’ Karger smiles as he nudges open closed doors

“When I go into meetings and people are uncomfortable with me, it’s very difficult,’’ Karger said. “I think why didn’t I just stay in the closet?’’

At the same time, the opposition has put Karger in the position where he seems most comfortable - fighting the establishment with legal challenges and good humor. With a quick smile, a bagpiper, and a supply of blue Frisbees emblazoned with the slogan “Fred Who?’’ Karger recently campaigned door to door here. Once he drove several blocks out of his way to see a big “Karger for President’’ sign that his intern planted on his lawn.

The combative Karger filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission after he was not invited to the Iowa forum. He set up “Let Fred In’’ websites arguing why he should be invited to debates in South Carolina and New Hampshire. He bought air time during the New Hampshire debate for an ad hitting Exxon Mobil chief executive Rex Tillerson for profiting as gas prices are rising.

Bob Naylor, who worked with Karger while both campaigned for Ronald Reagan, describes Karger: “He’s mild-mannered, soft spoken, and tough as nails.’’

He’s also down-to-earth. On a recent visit house-hunting here, Karger looked at a six-bedroom house that he considered turning into a campaign headquarters, with living space for his staff, himself, and weekend volunteers, and enough bathrooms to go around. At age 61, Karger said, “I’d like my own bathroom.’’

Karger drives his own rental car, gives his cellphone number to reporters - and answers it himself. A native of Illinois, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver and attended acting school before becoming a political consultant. He quit that in 2004 and two years later came out as gay, organizing a campaign to save a gay bar from development in his hometown of Laguna Beach.