Although the Illinois Family Institute has apparently failed in its attempts to scare off corporate sponsors of next year's Gay Games, it has had greater success with five Cook Co. commissioners, all Republicans. The commissioners removed their names from a previously unanimous resolution endorsing the event and thanking its sponsors. On its website, the IFI asks supporters to thank these politicians, one of whom blamed his vote on his having "been out of the room." Organizers say they're not surprised; they, it seems, have other things to worry about, such as an upstart rival in Montreal that has, as of now, registered more athletes.