Susanne Atanus, who is vying for the GOP nomination in the Ninth Congressional District of Illinois and has blamed bad weather on gay marriage, is lobbying for gay votes.

Atanus late last month blamed natural disasters, dementia and autism on same-sex marriage and abortion.

“God is angry,” Atanus said during a meeting with the editorial board of the Daily Herald. “We are provoking him with abortions and same-sex marriage and civil unions. Same-sex activity is going to increase AIDS. If it's in our military, it will weaken our military. We need to respect God.”

Illinois GOP officials responded by asking Atanus to withdraw from the race, calling her remarks “offensive.”

In comments to Chicago gay weekly Windy City Times, Atanus reiterated that “God is super angry.”

“Gay marriage is not appropriate, and it doesn't look right, and it breeds AIDS,” Atanus stated.

Atanus said she believes the LGBT community should support her candidacy because she backs medical partner benefits for gay couples and gays will benefit from a stronger economy.

“You can tell the community that I called to reach out to them, that I need them, and they need me,” Atanus said.