Victory in the News
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Victory Fund announces ‘Ten Races to Watch’
Mon, Oct 11th 2010, 13:08A gay Republican seeking office in the Nevada State Legislature and a gay politician vying to become mayor of a Kentucky city are among the candidates the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund is highlighting as part of its recently announced “Ten Races to Watch.”
On Monday, the Victory Fund identified the names of ten endorsed candidates in races that the organization believes could have a significant impact on LGBT community.
The ten candidates represent a portion of the 164 candidates the organization has endorsed in all of 2010 and more than 100 candidates who are facing election in November, according to the Victory Fund.
In a statement, Chuck Wolfe, the Victory Fund’s president, predicted that 2010 will be “a banner year” for the organization and its mission to elect openly LGBT people to public office.
“We know out elected officials can be a leading political indicator of real change, so it’s exciting to see so many candidates stepping up to run for office this year,” Wolfe said.
The Victory Fund statement highlights each of the candidates running in the “Ten Races to Watch” in alphabetical order:
Chuck Wolfe: A Banner Year for Gay Politics
Thu, Oct 7th 2010, 09:09This year may not turn out to be the best one for congressional Democrats, but it’s likely to be a historic one for openly LGBT candidates across the country.
The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has endorsed 163 out candidates for offices ranging from local school boards to Congress, making this our largest endorsement slate ever. But the numbers alone don’t describe how transformative some of these races may be, especially in places and offices that have never had openly LGBT office holders.
Of course last Tuesday brought one of the year’s biggest victories; Providence, R.I., Mayor David Cicilline won the Democratic primary to replace Rep. Patrick Kennedy in the House of Representatives. In deep blue Rhode Island, this win means David is well-positioned to become the fourth sitting openly gay Member of Congress, joining Reps. Tammy Baldwin, Barney Frank and Jared Polis.
Steve Pougnet is the Democratic nominee for Congress in the 45th Congressional District in California. The current mayor of Palm Springs could become the first openly gay parent in Congress if he defeats the incumbent, Rep. Mary Bono Mack.
Adding more out members of Congress will further expose their straight colleagues to the reality of who we are. When the House debates things like partnership rights or military service, they’ll be talking about the lives and experiences not only of some abstract community, but of colleagues who may be standing next to them on the House floor. There is tremendous power in that.
But congressional politics are only part of the story. Victory Fund candidates are seeing success in key states where legislatures are close to enacting laws that will represent concrete progress toward full equality for LGBT people, and their voices will be vital in those debates.
In Maryland, three gay and lesbian candidates are set to join four out incumbents in the state legislature, giving the state an unprecedented seven openly LGBT lawmakers. This is phenomenal news for same-sex couples who will be pushing for a marriage equality bill next year--a bill Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has promised he’ll sign.
In Ohio, Nickie Antonio will take a seat in the State House after winning her hard-fought primary. She faces no general election opponent, so she will become the first openly LGBT member of the Ohio state legislature. It’s likely lawmakers will again try to pass legislation banning employment discrimination against LGBT people, and Nickie’s voice will figure prominently in that fight.
In Colorado, Lucia Guzman won her primary to keep the State Senate seat she was appointed to earlier this year. Her win this November will give Colorado four gay or lesbian state lawmakers next year, when advocates will try to finally pass a bill protecting the rights of same-sex couples.
And last Saturday in Hawaii, the state’s two out legislators won tough re-election primaries. They’ll likely try again next year to pass a sweeping civil unions bill, and this time Gov. Linda Lingle won’t be around to veto it.
Our progress demands our participation in the political process--not just as advocates or lobbyists, but as voting representatives of our local communities and the LGBT community. Pro-equality legislation is far more likely in places where out candidates run and win, so much so that it has become a leading political indicator of progress to come.
When they win, these candidates and dozens more like them around the country won’t represent victories just for a party or even a set of policy goals. They’ll become the face and voice of the LGBT community in the places where they serve. They’ll become our most important champions for real change, for true equality and for the idea that all Americans deserve the rights and responsibilities our Democracy promises.
As established organizations face new perspectives and groups, LGBT advocacy is evolving – despite setbacks and challenges
Thu, Oct 7th 2010, 09:00For groups like the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, which works to
elect qualified LGBT candidates, this has impacted the organization's
work.
''My job is to work with the candidates and the officials,'' Victory
Fund President Chuck Wolfe says. ''Anything I can do that helps them
win, that's what we do. And, in some cases, that's advising candidates
on how to traverse some of these questions when organizations might
disagree with each other on positions.''
With House in question, is Frank ’running scared’?
Tue, Oct 5th 2010, 15:42Frank is both a Democrat and a Democratic leader. He
chairs the House Financial Services Committee. He’s also the most senior
and most visible of the House’s three openly gay members.
While
he’s gotten $9,000 from the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and almost
$9,500 from the Human Rights Campaign, that’s less than three percent of
the $635,500 he’s received from various political action committees. In
all, as of the Aug. 25 report to the Federal Elections Commission, his
campaign has raised $2.4 million.
U.S. Could Get First Openly Gay Lieutenant Governor
Mon, Oct 4th 2010, 09:12Also, the Victory Fund has stated their support for the state senator: "Tisei has earned the respect of his colleagues and stands an excellent chance of becoming the party’s nominee for Lieutenant Governor if he can beat back the forces of intolerance on the extreme right wing of his party. A group has emerged that’s urging Republican voters to reject Tisei because of his strong support for marriage equality, his support of teachers and because of his pro-choice stand."
http://www.towleroad.com/2010/10/us-could-get-first-lieutenant-governor.htmlOfficial to Face Hearing Over Blog Attacks
Mon, Oct 4th 2010, 09:05
Mr. Armstrong, who did not respond to a request for an interview, was an intern this summer with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and in the past with the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.
Denis Dison, communication
“We are advocating that nobody engage in the type of harassment that he was engaging in,” Mr. Dison said.
Mich. assistant attorney general's blog targeting gay student leader raises free speech issues
Fri, Oct 1st 2010, 10:20"This is just another tactic bringing awareness to what Chris really
stands for," Shirvell said. "The substance of the matter is, Chris
Armstrong is a radical homosexual activist who got elected partly funded
by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund to promote a very deeply radical
agenda at the University of Michigan. ... I'm a Christian citizen
exercising my First Amendment rights."
Denis Dison,
spokesman for the Washington-based organization, denied that the fund
donated money to Armstrong's campaign earlier this year. Dison said
Armstrong, who was an intern with the fund two summers ago, told him
about Shirvell's actions and he urged him to report Shirvell to police.
"It sounded like it was getting a little strange," Dison said. "I think everyone thinks it has crossed the line."
"If I'm a gay person living in Michigan, this does not
instill confidence that the attorney general's office has my best
interests at heart," he added. "It's surprising that you would keep an
employee who would damage the credibility of the work that you're trying
to do in the state."
Mich. AG's Blog Targets Gay Student President
Fri, Oct 1st 2010, 10:10Shirvell replied: "Chris Armstrong is a radical homosexual activist who
got elected, partly funded by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, to
promote a very deeply radical agenda. ... His biggest issue is
gender-neutral housing."
Denis Dison, spokesman for the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, which helps
gay political candidates mount campaigns, tells the Upshot that
Armstrong was an intern at their offices two years ago and went through
candidate training at that time, but has received no funds from them.
They do not endorse student government politicians.
Regional elections spotlight LGBT issues
Fri, Oct 1st 2010, 10:032010 Victory Fund Gay & Lesbian Leadership Awards honors Speaker Pelosi
Thu, Sep 30th 2010, 14:10The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund held its gala awards ceremony honoring House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the W Hotel on Wednesday. Protesters outside of the hotel called on Pelosi to renew funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). Inside the hotel, attendees paid up to $1,200 to support the Victory Fund as well as to have the opportunity to network and enjoy sushi and complimentary drinks. Speakers included actor Leslie Jordan, the Victory Fund’s president and CEO Chuck Wolfe, as well as members of congress Tammy Baldwin, Barney Frank and Nancy Pelosi.
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2010/09/30/2010-victory-fund-gay-lesbian-leadership-awards-honors-speaker-pelosi/Obama's DADT Dilemma
Thu, Sep 30th 2010, 13:56House speaker Nancy Pelosi acknowledged the administration’s predicament last night following an event where she received an award from the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund for her work on LGBT issues. During her speech, Pelosi reiterated her pledge to an adoring crowd that “’don’t ask, don’t tell’ would “be gone by the end of the year.”
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/09/30/Obamas_DADT_Dilemma/Pelosi foresees ‘Don’t Ask’ end by year’s end
Thu, Sep 30th 2010, 10:47The speaker spoke to reporters after she gave a speech at the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Awards at the W Hotel, which was hosted by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.
During her speech, Pelosi made similar assurances and promised that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will be “gone by the end of the year.”
“Some are here tonight who serve in the military,” she said. “God bless you for your courage and your patriotism. … But because of courage of some of them, this will be gone by the end of the year.”
Pelosi previously predicted in May that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” would be “a memory” by the end of this year during an interview with the Hill newspaper.
Speaking to reporters, Pelosi said Congress got the ball rolling on repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to get lawmakers on record on the issue and so the change would be “in statute and all of that.”
The House in May passed an amendment that would repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as part of the fiscal year 2011 defense authorization bill.
“But even the bill that we passed said that it was contingent upon the recommendation of the president’s … review,” she said. “The only difference would be statute versus the president [making a policy change.]”
Pressed on whether she thinks the executive branch would ultimately be responsible for ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Pelosi replied, “That’s where it was anyway.”
“Others wanted to have more, so we tried to do more,” she said. “We’ll work very closely to try to see what happens after the election.”
Pelosi has previously said President Obama can issue an executive order to stop discharges under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” without action from Congress.
Supporters of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal have been calling on Obama since the beginning of his administration to issue an order to stop the discharges under the law, but the president hasn’t taken such action.
Asked whether she would call on Obama to issue an order to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Pelosi replied, “That is the unfolding that we will see.”
“I’m very pleased with the course that the president’s on, but I think that they we shouldn’t be discharging people until that happens — so that, we have a little separation of — in terms of policy on that,” Pelosi said.
Pelosi added House members who support “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal were “very disappointed” the Senate didn’t have sufficient votes to end a filibuster on moving forward with legislation that would end the law.
“In the Senate, the Republicans held up the bill entirely so it couldn’t even be considered, so it was very disappointing,” she said. “They went really out of their way to try to block this.”
Pelosi also reiterated her position that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act wouldn’t see a House vote until legislative action is complete on repealing the 1993 law barring open service in the U.S. military.
“I told everyone that right from the start — that if we want to go down the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ route, then we’d have to put ENDA in a different place,” she said.
Pelosi said initial plans for the 111th Congress were to take on hate crimes protections legislation followed by ENDA and then “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” But she said the House ended up acting on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” first before ENDA because there was “a lot of enthusiasm about changing the order.”
During her speech, Pelosi maintained the importance of the mid-term elections and said “the fabric of our middle class and strength of our democracy” is at stake.
Pelosi added that the election results will also “accelerate the pace of passing ENDA or set us back.”
The speaker said she believes the votes are in the U.S. House to pass ENDA, but expressed concern about a motion to recommit that could derail the bill.
The motion to recommit is a legislative manuever that opponents of ENDA could use to scuttle the bill when it comes to the House floor.
“I think we have the votes for it, but we have to resist the motion to recommit,” Pelosi said. “We can’t pass the bill unless we can resist all of the bad things that they could do to the bill along the way.”
Also speaking at the event were gay Reps. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).
During his speech, Frank emphasized the importance of keeping a Democratic majority in the next Congress and questioned those who would criticize lawmakers who support LGBT rights for the lack of progress on pro-LGBT bills.
“I understand people being unhappy about that,” he said. “What I do not understand is people who think that the way to respond to the fact that we weren’t able to get things done is further to empower the people who kept us from getting them done.”
Frank urged attendees to “bitch and fight” all the way to the polls to re-elect a Democratic majority in the U.S. House because Pelosi has been such a strong supporter of LGBT rights.
“Neither Tammy, nor I, nor anybody else has ever had to ask for her to support us,” Frank said. “We take that for granted and she has been the been the single most important public official in the history of the United States to be fully committed to our agenda not just as a matter of support, but as matter of her own personal involvement.”
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2010/09/30/pelosi-foresees-dont-ask-end-by-years-end/Pelosi: DADT "will be gone by the end of the year"
Thu, Sep 30th 2010, 09:04House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was optimistic about the end of the military's ban on gay and lesbian service, saying on Wednesday night, "'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' will be gone by the end of the year. It will just be a sad memory." This, she said, despite last week's vote in the Senate against bringing the bill containing repeal language to the floor for debate.
Talking about "the pain [DADT] has caused people," Pelosi told the crowd at the Victory Fund's 10th annual Gay & Lesbian Leadership Awards that "some are here tonight who served in our military. ... Because of the courage of some of them, this will be gone by the end of the year."
Pelosi was introduced by Reps. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), who had been, in turn, introduced by Victory Fund president Chuck Wolfe.
Her comments, however, about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act -- a bill sponsored by Frank -- were far more equivocal.
Pelosi -- whose decision not to bring ENDA the House floor for a vote has led to multiple occasions in which people were arrested for protesting that inaction -- on Wednesday said that the upcoming mid-term elections were essential to moving forward the bill outlawing anti-LGBT job discrimination.
"[A] lot is riding on this election," she told the crowd gathered at the W Hotel's main ballroom on Wednesday evening. "And part of the choice that will be made will either accelerate the pace of passing ENDA or set us back, and we have to realize that. We have to realize that."
For the co-director of Get Equal, the organization involved in those protests of Pelosi, tonight's speech was about leadership -- but more about, in Robin McGehee's view, Pelosi's lack of leadership on the bill.
Talking to Metro Weekly, McGehee said, "Leadership is about doing the right thing, not the politically safe thing. What I heard her saying is that even with controlling both chambers of Congress and having a Democratic president -- even with all of that -- her leadership has not been able to get ENDA passed out of committee and onto the floor.
"I don't want to have a Republican-dominated Congress. But I also don't believe we're the only progressive community dissatisfied with the lack of leadership," McGehee said. "I feel like she's punting on our position and our rights and yet asking us to give, and I'll give when we get equal. I'll vote for her, but I'm not going to give money or time."
WATCH: Victory Fund Asks What's at Stake for LGBT Voters on Nov. 2
Tue, Sep 28th 2010, 13:49Thinking of sitting out the mid-term elections on Nov. 2? Don't.
The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund releases a hard-hitting new web video entitled "What Will You Lose?" to explain what is at stake for the LGBT community. And there are dozens of reasons to vote in November, from health care reform to the Supreme Court. Most important: Preventing anti-gay conservatives from controlling Congress.
Shout out to hottie Democratic National Committee member Evan Low at 1:00, the mayor of Campbell, California and the youngest openly gay mayor in the country. And thanks to the Victory Fund for its help in electing Maryland's Mary Washington, the second openly lesbian Black legislator in the nation.
Victory Fund Video: What Will You Lose?
Mon, Sep 27th 2010, 15:16With five weeks remaining before the midterm elections, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund has launched a video campaign asking people to express what they will lose should antigay extremists succeed in consolidating their power.
The stark video cites antigay rhetoric from incumbents up for reelection like U.S. senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina and Oklahoma state representative Sally Kern. Some of the rights deemed to be at stake have not even been won yet, which points to the video's role as a motivation tool for disaffected Democratic voters.
“If they win, they'll kick brave troops out of the military, stop partner visitation rights in hospitals, and prevent gays and lesbians from adopting kids who need loving homes,” says the Victory Fund.
The campaign invites viewers to submit their own 15-second video about what they will lose in the event of antigay extremist wins.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/09/27/Victory_Fund_Video_What_Will_You_Lose/Gay And Lesbian Victory Fund Takes On Social Conservatives
Mon, Sep 27th 2010, 15:06The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund released a jarring new video called "What Will You Lose?" in which they highlight what LGBT Americans would lose should social conservatives like Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) get their way. So, what's on the list: love, freedom, and dignity, among other things.
http://www.towleroad.com/2010/09/gay-and-lesbian-victory-fund-takes-on-social-conservatives.htmlJordan to Emcee Awards
Mon, Sep 27th 2010, 15:01Comedian and actor Leslie Jordan will be the emcee at the 10th annual Gay and Lesbian Leadership Awards at the W on Wednesday evening.
The event will honor Speaker Nancy Pelosi and will feature remarks from Reps. Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin.
A conversation with Houston Mayor Annise Parker
Mon, Sep 27th 2010, 14:15With 2.2 million constituents, Parker said she couldn’t be just the gay mayor, but she would continue to use her position to advance LGBT rights when possible. She helps raise money and speaks for the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund around the country and said their training was extremely helpful.
http://www.dallasvoice.com/annise-parker-2-1045640.htmlGay Houston Mayor Gets High Marks
Mon, Sep 27th 2010, 14:12A new poll indicates that a solid majority of Houston residents say that Mayor Annise Parker is doing a “good” or “excellent” job.
The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund reported on the poll from 11 News/KUHF-Houston Public Radio.
“Fourteen percent of poll respondents rated Parker’s job performance as ‘excellent,’” reported the Victory Fund’s blog, GayPolitics.com. “Forty-two percent said she was doing a ‘good’ job. Twenty-seven percent described her performance as ‘fair,’ and just six percent said she was doing a ‘poor’ job.”
Parker was elected last December and made Houston the largest U.S. city to date to elect an openly gay mayor.
SLIDESHOW: Victory Fund Brunch NYC
Mon, Sep 27th 2010, 14:10Today I attended the first annual Victory Fund brunch in NYC, where headliner Rep. Barney Frank talked at length about the difficulties we face in the repeal of DADT and even getting ENDA to a vote. Comedian Alec Mapa hosted, NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn spoke, anti-Quinn activists protested outside, and a literal who's who of political homorati mingled over mimosas.
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/09/slideshow-victory-fund-brunch-nyc.htmlMary Washington to Become 2nd Blk Openly Lesbian State Lawmaker
Mon, Sep 27th 2010, 14:07Brava and congratulations to Mary Washington, who was one of 33 openly LGBT candidates in the nation endorsed by the Victory Fund during this cycle. Washington follows in the footsteps of Georgia's Simone Bell, who in December 2009 became the first openly lesbian black state legislator in U.S. history. Connecticut's Jason Bartlett and Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox are the nation's only openly Black male state legislators.
http://rodonline.typepad.com/rodonline/2010/09/mary-washington-on-track-to-become-americas-2nd-black-openly-lesbian-state-legislator.htmlPrimary results: 29 of 33 openly gay candidates advance, Victory Fund says
Mon, Sep 27th 2010, 14:04Tuesday’s primaries brought mostly good news to openly gay candidates supported by the Victory Fund, as 29 of 33 pols either advanced in primaries or won their elections outright.
Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, was in Providence, R.I., Tuesday night as Providence Mayor David Cicilline was declared the winner of the Democratic primary to represent Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District. Rhode Island is a very blue state, and so is the district, thus Cicilline immediately becomes the favorite to win in November.
“I’m very grateful that the Victory Fund and their supporters believe in this campaign, and I thank you for your hard work on our behalf. Together we really can change politics in Rhode Island and across the country, and make sure that all Americans have a voice in their government. I hope you’ll continue to stand with us as we work hard for a big victory this November,” Cicilline said in a statement.
If elected, Cicilline would become the fourth openly LGBT member of Congress.
Gay Pols Nearly Sweep Primaries
Mon, Sep 27th 2010, 14:00Twenty-nine of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund's 33 endorsed candidates in primary contests Tuesday won their party's nomination or the election outright.
The Maryland legislature will have at least seven openly gay and lesbian members if three newcomers who won primaries Tuesday join four incumbent members. House of delegates candidates Luke Clippinger, Bonnie Cullison, and Mary Washington hope to join incumbents Annie Kaiser, Maggie McIntosh, and Heather Mizeur along with state senator Richard Madaleno. Washington would be only the second out lesbian African-American state legislator in the United States if elected.
Denis Dison, a spokesman for the Victory Fund, said the wins in Maryland will be key for a possible push in the Maryland legislature to pass a marriage equality bill, which Gov. Martin O'Malley said he would sign into law if he were to be reelected.
"It's going to be a powerful thing for people to talk openly about what this legislation means to them," he told The Advocate.
One of the more notable wins on primary night was that of Providence, R.I., mayor David Cicilline, who is running to represent the state's first congressional district. If elected in November, he would become the fourth out member of the U.S. House of Representatives, joining Barney Frank, Tammy Baldwin, and Jared Polis.
“I’m very grateful that the Victory Fund and their supporters believe in this campaign, and I thank you for your hard work on our behalf," he said in a statement. "Together we really can change politics in Rhode Island and across the country and make sure that all Americans have a voice in their government. I hope you’ll continue to stand with us as we work hard for a big victory this November.”
Dison said the results from last night overall were "remarkable," but the premier race for his organization was Cicilline's primary, which he won in a heavily Democratic district.
"He does have a Republican opponent, so we're not out of the woods, but the fact that he is the top vote=getter in a race with four Democratic candidates is a good sign."
In New York, Monroe County legislature minority leader Harry Bronson won the primary for his state assembly district. Bronson would be the only out gay New York state legislator from the upstate region, since the five currently in the senate or assembly are from the New York City area.
Bronson is running to replace longtime assemblywoman Susan John. Bronson said he planned to continue John's focus on labor and jobs, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. John is retiring after a 20-year career in the legislature.
Looking toward the November vote, Dison said there are more than 100 Victory Fund–backed candidates up for election.
LGBT Rhode Islanders largely applaud Cicilline’s victory
Mon, Sep 27th 2010, 13:54Cicilline has received the backing of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign. In addition, two openly gay state politicians endorsed Cicilline: House Majority Leader Gordon Fox (D-Providence) and state Rep. Frank Ferri (D-Warwick).
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=110366Beyer falls short in bid for legislature
Mon, Sep 27th 2010, 13:50Elsewhere in Maryland, seven openly gay and lesbian candidates won their races. Incumbent Dels. Heather Mizeur (D-Dist. 20), Maggie McIntosh (D-Dist. 43) and Anne Kaiser (D-Dist. 14) advanced to the general election, along with newcomers Mary Washington (D-Dist. 43), Luke Clippinger (D-Dist. 46) and Bonnie Cullison (D-Dist. 19). Gay Sen. Rich Madaleno (D-Dist. 18) also won his race. With those victories, Maryland is poised to join just a handful of states served by seven openly gay and lesbian state legislators, according to a statement from the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2010/09/15/beyer-concedes-maryland-primary-race/Cicilline Wins in RI, Stachowski Loses in NY, O'Donnell Wins in DE
Wed, Sep 15th 2010, 10:45"The 49-year-old Providence mayor cruised to a comfortable victory
Tuesday, winning more than a third of the vote in a hard-fought four-way
race, according to unofficial election results."
Said Victory Fund CEO and President Chuck Wolfe of Cicilline's win:
"Adding more authentic LGBT voices to Congress is a Victory Fund
priority, and Mayor Cicilline’s win tonight puts us one giant step
closer to doing just that. When he wins this November, he will join
Tammy Baldwin, Barney Frank and Jared Polis as the only openly gay and
lesbian members of Congress—our greatest champions for real change and
real progress toward full equality. We’re proud to have supported Mayor
Cicilline throughout his political career, and thrilled about this
historic victory."
Dems Give Nod To Openly Gay David Cicilline For Congress
Wed, Sep 15th 2010, 10:39The 48-year-old Cicilline, who has
served two terms as mayor of Providence, enjoys the endorsement of
the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a group that supports openly gay
elected officials, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's
largest gay rights advocate.
ldquo;Adding more authentic LGBT voices to
Congress is a Victory Fund priority, and Mayor Cicilline's win
tonight puts us one giant step closer to doing just that,” Chuck
Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, said in a statement.
HRC President Joe Solmonese cheered
Cicilline's win.
“We are thrilled that David Cicilline
has advanced to the general election,” he said in a statement. “He
has proven himself as a state senator and strong mayor and will no
doubt be an active and effective congressman in promoting equality
for all people.”
Denis Dison, a Victory Fund vice
president, told On Top Magazine that the increasing numbers of
openly gay elected officials is slowly changing the political
landscape.
“Every year more and more brave
people are stepping up to run for office while being honest about who
they are,” Dison said. “That's going to change politics in
America.”
Gay candidates for Congress draw interest, hope
Mon, Sep 13th 2010, 14:56"There are so few people
on the Hill who can speak authentically about what these things mean in
their own lives," said Denis Dison, spokesman for the Gay and Lesbian
Victory Fund, a group that works to elect gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender politicians. "We are vastly underrepresented."
Sexual
orientation and gay marriage are not the flashpoints in this midterm
election that they have been in the past. There are no statewide ballot
measures on gay marriage this November, and polls have shown a growing acceptance of same-sex
unions. Five states now allow gay marriage, including Rhode Island's
neighbors Massachusetts and Connecticut.
That has bolstered the hopes of advocates, who would like to see the number of openly gay members of Congress increase.
The
Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay
rights group, has poured money into both races. The California seat has
also been targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's
"Red to Blue" program as one of the seats it sees as having the best
chances of moving from Republican to Democrat, although analysts say it
could still be tough in what's expected to be a Republican year.
A fourth openly gay member of Congress?
Mon, Sep 13th 2010, 14:48Among the national LGBT groups that have endorsed Cicilline are the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Human Rights Campaign.
Robin Brand, deputy executive director of the Victory Fund, said Cicilline is “doing very well” as he approaches his primary.
“He’s working very hard; he’s raised a very competitive amount of money,” she said. “We are feeling that he’s in a very strong position going into Sept. 14.”
Cicilline’s main opponent in the primary is William Lynch, former head of the Rhode Island State Democratic Party. Other candidates in the running are Anthony Gemma, a businessman, and David Segal, a Rhode Island State House member.
Brand said primary results are sometimes hard to predict because turnout is often unpredictable, so Cicilline’s chances next week will depend on the ground game of getting out supporters.
“You’re also trying to message to a relatively small number of voters,” she said. “A lot of times, primary campaigns are really driven by endorsements and by personal connections to the community.”
But Cicilline has a number of factors in his favor as he enters the Democratic primary. A poll published last month by Brown University found the Providence mayor leading in the pack of Democratic candidates.
According to the poll, 32 percent said they would vote for Cicilline while 15 percent would support Lynch, 11 percent would support Gemma and 5 percent would support Segal.
Still, a number of votes could be up for grabs. In the poll, 35 percent of respondents identified as undecided.
Cicilline has also been a powerhouse fundraiser whose war chest dwarfs other Democratic opponents in the race.
According to the most recent Federal Election Commission reports, Cicilline has raised $1.16 million for his campaign and has more than $900,000 in cash on hand.
Comparatively, Lynch has raised $286,000, Gemma has raised $240,000 and Segal has raised $144,000.
Brand said both the poll and the fundraising numbers “absolutely” bode well for Cicilline as the primary approaches.
“You’d rather be ahead than behind, especially if we’re talking significant spread margins, which have been demonstrated not only in the fundraising, but also in the polling,” she said.
But Brand said the Cicilline campaign is “taking nothing for granted” despite these numbers and has “been building a strong field organization for months” in anticipation of the primary.
Still, Cicilline’s opponents are hammering on the problems facing Providence during his stewardship of the city as mayor, such as underperforming schools and high unemployment.
In a radio debate on Aug. 18, Gemma said Providence was in “shambles” and said Cicilline is not fit to serve in Congress, while Lynch said city schools are a “disaster,” according to the Associated Press.
Cicilline didn’t attend Wednesday’s debate reportedly because it was held during the “Buddy Cianci Show.” The show’s host, Cicilline’s predecessor as mayor, served time in federal prison for corruption.
In response to these criticisms, Brand said the situation in Rhode Island isn’t different from many other places that are facing economic problems.
“The frustration that voters are feeling about the state of the economy is happening across the country,” she said. “I think what voters are looking for is strong leaders, and David Cicilline is a strong leader.”
Brand said the Victory Fund hasn’t seen Cicilline’s Democratic challengers employ anti-gay campaign tactics in an attempt to derail the candidate in the primary.
Gay Navajo man poised to join Ariz. Senate
Thu, Sep 2nd 2010, 09:20"In most places, minorities are underrepresented in government," said Denis Dison, vice president external affairs at Victory Fund. "That’s especially true for LGBT people. Only about 500 or more than 500,000 elected officials in the U.S. are openly LGBT."
The Victory Fund endorsed Jackson’s campaign. And Dison said: "Jack easily met all our endorsement criteria."
"LGBT people who are also racial or ethnic minorities tell a more accurate story about our community," he added. "It’s part of our strength that we identify as a community, but I think we’re even stronger when we realize we’re also a subset of every other community, including the Navajo Nation."
For his part, Jackson he said he will work to bring equality to all Arizonans.
Mehlman news fuels divisive reaction
Fri, Aug 27th 2010, 15:01Meanwhile the Victory Fund, a gay and lesbian political group, issued a more tepid response, saying, "We hope the fact that Ken Mehlman has reached this level of honesty will now encourage other political leaders to reject divisive anti-gay campaign tactics which, as Mr. Mehlman now admits, are purely cynical attempts to manipulate the American public."
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/26/mehlman-news-fuels-divisive-reaction/Mehlman coming out draws mixed reactions
Fri, Aug 27th 2010, 14:59Chuck Wolfe, CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, said he was
hoping to win Mehlman’s support on LGBT issues in the future.
“Coming out is a personal decision, and it can have a profound impact
on families, friends, colleagues and constituents,” Wolfe said. “We
hope the fact that Ken Mehlman has reached this level of honesty will
now encourage other political leaders to reject divisive anti-gay
campaign tactics which, as Mr. Mehlman now admits, are purely cynical
attempts to manipulate the American public.”
Political Notebook: State lawmakers endorse Oakland judicial candidate
Fri, Aug 27th 2010, 14:54Equality California PAC, the political arm of the statewide LGBT group, and the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund are co-hosting this weekend's fundraiser for Kolakowski. The event costs $100 and will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the home of EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors and his partner James Williamson, co-chair of the San Francisco LGBT Community Center's board.
http://ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=5028Right and Left Alike Pile on Out Former RNC Chair Ken Mehlman
Thu, Aug 26th 2010, 17:42"We hope the fact that Ken Mehlman has reached this level of honesty will now encourage other political leaders to reject divisive anti-gay campaign tactics which, as Mr. Mehlman now admits, are purely cynical attempts to manipulate the American public," said Chuck Wolfe, the head of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a political organization that supports GLBT candidates in races around the nation.
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=109588Ken Mehlman: I'm 'At Peace' With Myself, There's 'Absolutely' Room For Gays In The GOP
Thu, Aug 26th 2010, 17:36Many high-profile LGBT activists have already embraced Mehlman since his announcement earlier Wednesday. "We hope the fact that Ken Mehlman has reached this level of honesty will now encourage other political leaders to reject divisive anti-gay campaign tactics which, as Mr. Mehlman now admits, are purely cynical attempts to manipulate the American public," Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund President and CEO Chuck Wolfe said in a public statement. Openly gay Democratic strategist Steve Elmendorf told the Huffington Post that it was "great for the community to get new converts" because "until we get 51 percent of the American public supporting us on these issues, it's really important that we welcome people who want to come help us."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/25/ken-mehlman-gay-interview-marriage-equality_n_695040.htmlMixed Primary Night for Gay Pols
Thu, Aug 26th 2010, 17:31Jack Jackson Jr., a former Arizona state representative who once ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, essentially won election to the state senate Tuesday night, as he won the Democratic nomination and has no opponent in the general election. According to Denis Dison at the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, with Jackson, there will be at least five openly LGBT people in the Arizona state legislature when the new session convenes. Jackson, a member of the Navajo Nation, spent the evening celebrating with his colleague Tom Chabin, who won his state house race Tuesday.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/08/25/Gay_Pols_Win_Big_or_Go_Home/Richard Sorian Latest Openly Gay Obama Appointee
Mon, Aug 23rd 2010, 09:31In June, the White House announced that
Obama has appointed more openly gay staffers than the administrations
of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton combined.
ThePresidential
Appointments Project, a community driven effort coordinated by
the Gay &
Lesbian Victory Fund, was responsible for bringing many of the
appointments, including Sorian, to the attention of administration
officials.
The Gaying of CT Politics
Fri, Aug 20th 2010, 11:08“It’s still very rare for an openly gay or lesbian candidate to win
statewide office,” says Denis Dison, a spokesman for the national Gay
and Lesbian Victory Fund. “Not many even run.”
“There are still states where they’ve never had an openly gay or
lesbian state legislator,” Dison says, citing Florida and Pennsylvania
as two examples. In Connecticut, where gay state lawmakers are now
almost routine, Dison says “The electorate becomes more used to it; the
media becomes more used to it. It just becomes less controversial and
less interesting.”
SDGLN to host LGBT candidates forum on Aug. 30 at Anthology
Wed, Aug 18th 2010, 17:18Denis Dison, vice president of external affairs for the Gay &
Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute, said San Diego is a model
for the rest of the country.
"San Diego is a Victory Fund success story. The LGBT community there
has really embraced our mission, which is to change politics by electing
openly LGBT candidates for public office,” Dison said.
“Some of the city's true LGBT heroes have been its elected officials, and we're proud to have played a role in that."
3 gay nominees held up in Senate
Fri, Aug 13th 2010, 09:14The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has pushed for the appointment of LGBT people through the federal government as the coalition leader in the Presidential Appointments Project.
Denis Dison, a Victory Fund spokesperson, said he had no knowledge of anti-gay bias holding up the confirmation process.
“My understanding is there are tons of nominees that are still being held,” Dison said. “I think that if the president is nominating a number of LGBT people, they’re just as likely to get caught up in the politics as straight nominees.”
Victory Fund To Host First New York Brunch In September!
Thu, Aug 12th 2010, 15:49One of the most anticipated events every April in Washington DC is the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund's annual brunch. The sold out event in the Mayflower Hotel attracts Washington's best and brightest. This year the Victory Fund is launching its first New York Brunch to be held on September 19th at noon. The elegant Mandarin Oriental Hotel is the location of this event.
The lineup is impressive and the list is just the beginning: Congressman Barney Frank who is Chair of the House of Representatives Banking Committee, New York City Council President Christine Quinn and President of the Victory Fund Chuck Wolfe. My favorite part of this event is that comedian and talented actor Alec Mapa is going to be Master of Ceremonies. Without a doubt, he is one of the funniest people in the entertainment industry. If you've ever seen his one man theatrical show, you know what I am talking about.
Legendary New York activist Joy Tomchin and I have agreed to CoChair the event. There are a number of table captains already. You can order your tickets by clicking here. This promises to be a fun event.
Out With the Old
Thu, Aug 12th 2010, 15:38Bryce Bennett, a gay 25-year-old seeking a seat in Montana’s house of representatives, hopes his promise to create jobs and fight pollution wins voters over. Bennett captured the Democratic primary for the relatively liberal district around Missoula, giving him a good shot of taking the seat of retiring congressman Robin Hamilton. Like Washington and Pougnet, the University of Montana graduate has been endorsed by the Victory Fund, the D.C.-based group that works to elect gay candidates to office.
“Being young and gay isn’t helping or hurting the campaign,” Bennett says. “Everyone I talk to tells me they want a legislator who will roll up their sleeves and deliver.”
Optimism may be a political requirement for candidates, but both Szekeres and Denis Dison, the communications vice president for the Victory Fund, sound a more cautious note.
Electoral success for gay candidates in yesterday's primaries
Wed, Aug 11th 2010, 14:25Via Denis Dison at Gay Politics, there were some big wins for Victory Fund endorsed candidates in primaries in Connecticut, Colorado and Georgia. And, it looks good for all three moving towards November:
In Connecticut, Kevin Lembo (pictured) won the Democratic primary for State Comptroller. Now a favorite to win the general election, Lembo’s on his way to becoming one of just a handful of openly LGBT candidates to win statewide office in the U.S.
Colorado State Senator Lucia Guzman won her Democratic primary, and is well-positioned to keep the seat to which she was recently appointed. Guzman is an ordained minister and an out lesbian who hopes to invigorate efforts to pass legislation that secures key partnership rights for LGBT people and their families.
In Atlanta, Joan Garner, an openly lesbian African-American, won her race for a seat on the Fulton County Commission. Because no other candidates qualified to be on the ballot in November, she will become the commission’s first openly LGBT member.
Congrats.
Time to call her Commissioner-elect Joan Garner
Wed, Aug 11th 2010, 12:25Garner collected the endorsements of three key LGBT groups – Georgia Equality, Atlanta Stonewall Democrats and the national Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund – on her way to victory, along with deep support from key LGBT political types. Waites dismissed those endorsements and didn’t publicly court gay voters, though she did receive a late endorsement from a co-owner of the Eagle. The Atlanta Progressive News’ Matthew Cardinale, a gay activist and journalist, also endorsed Waites.
With the win, Garner joins Alex Wan and Simone Bell in making local LGBT electoral history. Wan won a runoff last December to become the first openly gay man – and third overall openly LGBT person – to serve on the Atlanta City Council. Bell won a special election last year to become the nation’s first openly lesbian African-American state lawmaker. Bell faces no opposition this November in her campaign to win a full term in the General Assembly.
Gay Candidates Make Primary Election Gains
Wed, Aug 11th 2010, 10:47Openly gay and lesbian candidates backed by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund scored primary election day wins in Colorado, Connecticut and Georgia on Tuesday.
According to the Victory Fund’s blog, GayPolitics.com, winners include Kevin Lembo, who won the Democratic primary for state comptroller in Connecticut. He appears poised to win the general election, and become one of few openly LGBT candidates to win statewide office.
In Colorado, the Victory Fund reports that state senator Lucia Guzman, an ordained minister and out lesbian, won her primary and looks on track to keep the seat to which she was recently appointed. And Joan Garner, an openly lesbian African-American, won her race for a seat on the Fulton County Commission in Atlanta, where she faces no opposition in November and will become the commission’s first openly gay member.
Candidate profile: Lieutenant governor Democrat Howard touts a broad appeal
Fri, Aug 6th 2010, 09:38Howard, who is openly gay, said he frequently hears from voters that his
being gay is not an issue, but that they won't support him because they
are worried he can not get elected because he is gay.
Vermont
Freedom to Marry, the organization which lobbied to get the same sex
marriage bill passed during the last biennium, did not endorse anyone in
the lieutenant governor's race, something which disappointed him given
that he worked to convince fellow lawmakers to support the bill he
cosponsored and given that voted for it to pass despite a veto, Howard
said.
“It was one of the proudest moments of my career,” he said.
Thursday Howard won an endorsement from a national group, the National Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.
Judge's personal life debated after gay ruling
Fri, Aug 6th 2010, 09:26In response, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a political action committee for gay candidates, launched an online petition accusing Gallagher's group of "gay-baiting."
But the debate raises the question: Why is sexuality different from
other personal characteristics judges posses? Can a female judge rule on
abortion issues? A black judge on civil rights?
Maggie Gallagher Blasts Prop 8 Ruling, Judge
Fri, Aug 6th 2010, 09:16The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a group that promotes openly gay elected officials, initiated
a petition drive Thursday against Gallagher's remarks.
"Sign this petition and tell Maggie gay-baiting has no place in the national debate over LGBT equality,” the petition says.
Sexual Orientation an Open Issue for Cicilline
Thu, Aug 5th 2010, 10:24Cicilline’s candidacy has drawn the attention of at least two national interest groups, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign. Both have helped bundle campaign contributions for the mayor in recent weeks and are considering funneling more resources into the district before the primary on Sept. 14.
The HRC helped coordinate a July fundraiser for Cicilline in Philadelphia, while the Victory Fund recently helped arrange donor meetings in California.
“It’s exciting to see an openly gay candidate as the frontrunner,” HRC Political Action Committee Director Mike Mings said, noting that his organization would likely send “at least one staffer” to Rhode Island in the coming weeks to help coordinate field operations. “It’s uncommon to have someone in such a good position.”
Victory Fund President Chuck Wolfe, who has already visited Cicilline in Rhode Island multiple times this cycle, acknowledged that gay candidates regularly face bias across the country.
“It’s definitely going on, but it’s obviously less in New England,” he said. “But there is the church question: How strong is the Catholic church and how strong will any church influence be?”
The organizations have endorsed Cicilline and two other openly gay Congressional candidates this cycle. But Cicilline has the best chance of becoming the fourth openly gay Member in the next Congress, following Democratic Reps. Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), Jared Polis (Colo.) and Barney Frank (Mass.).
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003718548&cpage=1Iowa Senator Matt McCoy Called 'Chief Sodomite' At NOM Rally
Mon, Aug 2nd 2010, 17:32McCoy, who has served four terms in the state Senate,has the endorsement of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a group that supports openly gay elected officials.
"McCoy has been instrumental in promoting equality across Iowa for years,” the group said in its endorsement. “When a ban [on] marriage equality was proposed in 2005, Republicans controlled the state Senate – without Matt's eloquent advocacy, many onlookers believe the ban would have passed."
http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=6148&MediaType=1&Category=26Parker to China: Gay Rights Good for Business
Mon, Aug 2nd 2010, 14:47According to GayPolitics.com, Parker is on her first trip abroad since being elected in December, when Houston become the largest U.S. city to date to elect an openly gay mayor. The purpose of her visit to China is to encourage business links, especially new direct air carrier routes, between Houston and Shanghai.
http://advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/08/02/Parker_Visits_China,_Speaks_about_Gay_Rights/Cicilline "continues to accept hundreds of thousands of dollars in lobbyist, corporate PAC and insider money to fund his campaign."
Mon, Aug 2nd 2010, 11:43Lynch also said that Cicilline received contributions from "corporate PACs." Our review showed that of the almost $35,000 Cicilline accepted from Political Action Committees this year, only about $6,000 or so came from so-called "corporate PACs," which we defined as a political committee directly associated with a corporate entity, such as a law firm. We did not include those affiliated with ideological causes such as the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which also gave to Cicilline.
Add the lobbyist and corporate PAC contributions and you get just under $50,000. That's roughly 4.3 percent of the $1.16 million he accepted this year. It's hardly the "hundreds of thousands of dollars" that Lynch talks about.
The joy of giving
Fri, Jul 30th 2010, 09:17“We’ve long been … supporters of the [Gay & Lesbian] Victory Fund,” Fleming said. “It’s been one of the chief tenets of the Victory Fund that it’s really terrific to have friends, but it’s even better to have folks from our own community elected.”
Although there has been criticism that the Obama administration and Congress have not moved quickly enough on pro-LGBT legislation, Fleming said this perceived lack of progress hasn’t been a factor in his advice as Bohnett’s political director.
Queery: Denis Dison
Fri, Jul 30th 2010, 09:13That was 20 years ago. Four years ago, the 42-year-old self-described political junkie joined the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund where he’s vice president for external affairs. He’d worked in editorial and marketing jobs before but he’s been putting his writing skills to use blogging at Fund-sponsored gaypolitics.com and is also a spokesperson for the organization.
“It can be a bit jarring moving from the non-profit world, but I saw this as a unique opportunity to contribute to the greater equality of LGBT people and I’ve always felt if you have the opportunity to work for the community you’re part of, you should take it.” Things are “incredibly busy,” he says. This year’s batch of 147 Fund-backed hopefuls includes six (three incumbents) running for congressional seats.
Garner's Fulton bid enjoys gay support
Tue, Jul 20th 2010, 15:41Garner has picked up a host of endorsements in the race, from gay groups Georgia Equality, Atlanta Stonewall Democrats and Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, to the Atlanta Realtors Political Action Committee and Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council, AFL-CIO. The Committee for a Better Atlanta even chimed in, giving Garner its “well qualified” seal of approval.
Ashburn: It's time for Republicans to fight for gay rights
Tue, Jul 20th 2010, 15:35In the piece published on the website gaypolitics.com, run by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund that supports gay and lesbian candidates for office, Ashburn writes, "Gay people being treated with respect and having the same opportunities for a good life regardless of sexual orientation should not be topics of political debate. How can it possibly be that there is a partisan political divide over equal rights in America?"
Ashburn had one of the Legislature's strongest records of voting against bills to expand rights for LGBT Californians, but he says he deeply regrets those votes and wrote, "I look back now knowing there is so much more I could have done to inform the public about LGBT people and to fight for equal rights under the law. Regrettably and selfishly, I took another path in my life and political career -- I chose to conceal who I truly am and to then actually vote against the best interests of people like me. All this was done because I was afraid -- terrified, really -- that somehow I would be revealed as gay."
Tossing the rainbow hat into the ring
Tue, Jul 20th 2010, 13:20If elected, Washington, a real estate agent, could become just the second openly lesbian African-American state legislator in the country.
"I am running for the Maryland House of Delegates because I believe the district needs more vigorous, more progressive leadership and the community needs elected officials who can inspire public trust, serve as a catalyst for positive change and work effectively to expand social and economic justice," Washington told OUTloud.
The native of Philadelphia earned a Ph.D in Sociology from Johns Hopkins University. Washington is troubled that divisions along the lines of race, class and sexual orientation plague the district and the city—a condition she says has persisted for decades. "I’m afraid the city just hasn’t had the kind of representation we need, the kind of leadership we need to bring our communities together."
She admits it's a challenge, but she loves challenges. "My work has been all about bringing people from all walks of life together to solve city problems. Throughout my career, I have worked with all kinds of people – rich and poor, black and white, gay and straight – to create social change."
Washington, who also received an endorsement from the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, believes her record on lgbt issues will convince people she will be a powerful advocate in Annapolis. She has argued on behalf of same-sex couples having the right to choose civil marriage. As an elder at the First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church, she worked with church leadership to back a Friend of the Court brief supporting the Deane and Polyak lawsuit for equal marriage rights in Maryland. And she advocated equal marriage rights as a member of the Stonewall Democrats of Central Maryland as well as other forums.
She strongly supports state judges who are willing to endorse second-parent adoptions for gay and lesbian families in Baltimore and Maryland. "I believe we must ensure that children of gay families and gay children of straight families are treated fairly in our schools, that sex education curricula do not treat homosexuality as a medical condition or pathology and that lgbt students have the same rights to meet in our public schools as all other students do."
Gay Fla. city councilman seeks U.S. House seat
Fri, Jul 16th 2010, 12:02Among the national LGBT organizations that are backing Galvin are the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and the National Stonewall Democrats. Galvin said Florida Together, a local LGBT organization, also has thrown its support behind him.
Denis Dison, spokesperson for the Victory Fund, said his organization endorsed Galvin because he met the criteria considered in the organization’s endorsements. Such criteria include having a plan necessary to raise the money to compete.
“The political team and our board both agreed that there was a path to victory for Scott,” he said.
One of the factors that Dison cited in the Victory Fund’s endorsement was the crowded Democratic primary.
“When there are nine people running for this nomination, it’s much different than if you just have one or two people competing,” Dison said.
On political homophobia, fear and being like the NRA
Wed, Jul 14th 2010, 09:37Yesterday, the Victory Fund's Chuck Wolfe has a post at Bilerico about political fear. He basically describes political homophobia. People inside the beltway know exactly what this is. They hear it from our supposed allies all the time:
In the last decade these numbers have moved in only one direction--toward fairness and inclusion. And yet, Congress still hasn't enacted significant protections for LGBT Americans. Why?
Fear, mostly. Fear that despite their distinct minority status, anti-LGBT extremists wield inordinate power when directly challenged. Swat that nest, the thinking goes, and the hornets will swarm. Incumbents, especially this year, aren't eager to add perceived obstacles to reelection.
LGBT activists often debate whether this fear is rational. On one side are Beltway types who see it up close every day. It's the elephant in the room at every conversation with a moderate Democratic senator from the Midwest, a gay Republican staffer for a House member, and even White House strategists.
Whether one believes it's rational or not, this fear exists, and it's part of working in LGBT politics in Washington. It must be understood, or the conversation stops.
The conversation stops because people in these DC offices don't fear us. They fear the other side. And, although candidates often want our support (mostly money), they won't take the votes necessary to give us our rights. Wolfe's solution is: "Our job as advocates is to come together to find a solution, address the fear and create the conditions to win."
We do need to create the conditions to win. And, we're not going to get there by playing nice. For one thing, our advocates need to call out "political homophobia" when they see it. And, we need to make politicians fear us, not our opponents.
Wolfe: Who's afraid of equality?
Mon, Jul 12th 2010, 13:07What's keeping Congress from enacting broadly popular LGBT equality legislation? The Victory Fund's president and CEO, Chuck Wolfe, weighs in.
http://www.bilerico.com/2010/07/whos_afraid_of_equality.phpMessage heard: "The gAyTM is closed." So what now?
Mon, Jul 12th 2010, 11:42The Victory Fund is dedicated supporting LGBT and allied candidates. The Progressive Majority is also a pro-equality progressive political fund you can trust with your money. You should also consider supporting Progressives who have fought for us (even if they happen to be Democratic). Candidates in my region include Jim McDermott and Suzan DelBenne.
Not all politics are national, local politics can have a lasting effect as well. Look around you and find the diamonds in the rough. Believe it or not, we do have friends.
Palm Springs (GO)Party?
Wed, Jul 7th 2010, 09:50One of those was Rep. Mary Bono-Mack (R-Calif.), who was married to the late singer-turned-politician Sonny Bono. Bono-Mack has represented Palm Springs since winning this special election for his seat in Congress in 1998 and received HRC's endorsement as recently as 2006. In this fall's election, however, HRC is backing challenger and out gay Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet (D), who also is backed by the Victory Fund in his race.
http://www.metroweekly.com/news/?ak=5396GLBT Event Moved Due to Immigration Furor
Wed, Jul 7th 2010, 09:04The Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute, who had been considering holding its 2011 conference in Phoenix, has chosen Las Vegas instead.
Up until recently, Phoenix was considered the frontrunner to host the December 2011 conference.
The Phoenix Host Committee, led by Councilman Tom Simplot and Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, had been working furtively to secure the conference. The conference would have attracted hundreds of gay and lesbian elected leaders.
GLLI alluded that the immigration debate in Arizona caused them to chose another site, according to the Phoenix Host Committee.
GLLI said in a letter, "The current political and legal climate in Arizona makes it complicated to accept your hospitality."
GLLI helps equip gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people with the tools for success. The institute assists hundreds of individuals who go on to influential careers in politics, government, business and advocacy each year.
Gay GOP Group GOProud Backs Rep. Mary Bono Mack
Tue, Jul 6th 2010, 16:36The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has endorsed the campaign of Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet, an openly gay politician raising two children – Beckman and Julia – with his husband Christopher Green, a pharmaceutical sales representative. The couple married in 2008 during the brief June-to-November window when gay marriage was legal in California.
While the Victory Fund is nonpartisan, its endorsement card tilts heavily Democrat.
LaSalvia quickly denounced Pougnet's ties to “the gay left,” saying they “would have you believe that Mary Bono-Mack is somehow an enemy of the gay and lesbian community.”
“Nothing could be further from the truth. The decision of organizations like the Human Rights Campaign to oppose Mary's re-election is a shameful reminder of just how slavishly the gay left is willing to [go to] do the bidding of Nancy Pelosi and the DCCC,” he said. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the nation's largest gay rights advocate.
The forty-seven-year-old Pougnet has labeled Bono Mack anti-gay for her recent vote against repeal of the law that bans gay troops from serving openly.
“In a perfect world, people like Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack would treat all Americans the same,” Pougnet said after the House voted to repeal the law. “They wouldn't vote against gays and lesbians just to gain favor with extremists on the right.”
“I know we don't live in that perfect world yet, but I was still shocked to learn that Bono Mack voted against the amendment to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'” he added.
Denis Dison, a vice president with the Victory Fund, also disagreed with LaSalvia's characterization of Bono Mack as a gay ally.
“She had the chance to stand up for gays and lesbians serving in uniform, and she didn't take it,” Dison said in an email to On Top Magazine.
Kaplan enters Oakland mayor's race
Thu, Jul 1st 2010, 10:17"I don't want to run just to run," Kaplan said. "This is about running to win the seat that is the head of the executive branch in our city."
Kaplan has secured the endorsement of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund. She has also been endorsed by Oakland businessman Geoffrey Pete, vice chair of Oakland's Black Caucus, Joyce Gordon of the Joyce Gordon Gallery, and the Reverend Dr. Harold Mayberry of First AME Church of Oakland.
Online Extra: Political Notes: Congress likely to see new LGBT members in 2011
Thu, Jul 1st 2010, 10:13It is more than likely that the current three-person LGBT congressional delegation will have a few more members come 2011 as a dozen out candidates are seeking congressional seats this year.
In a positive sign for the viability of several candidates' campaigns, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund has endorsed six of the House candidates. The national group only backs those LGBT candidates deemed to have credible chances of winning their races, and the endorsement allows them to tap into the group's nationwide donor network.
In addition to the three Democratic incumbents seeking re-election to the House this year – Barney Frank (Massachusetts), Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin), and Jared Polis (Colorado) – the Victory Fund also endorsed three gay men looking to join them on Capitol Hill.
In California, Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet won the group's backing in his race for the state's 45th Congressional District. Pougnet ran unopposed in the June Democratic primary and will take on incumbent GOP Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack this fall.
Providence Mayor David Cicilline picked up the group's endorsement in his four-way race to be the Democratic nominee for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District. Next week state Democratic Party leaders will open their convention to select who the party's favored candidate will be in the September 14 primary.
Cicilline's biggest opponent in the race to succeed Representative Patrick Kennedy appears to be Bill Lynch class="vitstorybody">, a former state Democratic Party chairman in Rhode Island. But Cicilline had outpaced Lynch in fundraising according to the latest disclosures in April, and he is considered a heavy favorite to not only best his primary opponents but also to keep the House seat in Democratic hands.
The third gay candidate winning Victory Fund support is Scott Galvin, a North Miami Beach city councilman who is running in a crowded Democratic primary set for August 24 to represent Florida's 17th Congressional District. With nine people in the race, it is anyone's guess who will come out on top.
But in a twist, Galvin's being a white, gay man may give him an advantage. He is running against several African American candidates in a district with a heavy concentration of black voters, and pundits have speculated they could split their vote enough to allow Galvin to eke out a victory.
The district is considered a safe one for Democrats, so whoever wins the party primary is expected to easily capture the seat in November.
There are five other House races with out candidates this year, but none have gained the Victory Fund's support as of yet.
What Is The Best National Political LGBT Organization In The Country?
Fri, Jun 25th 2010, 09:37The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund in Washington, DC is simply one of the best LGBT political organizations in the country. The Fund is operated, top to bottom, with excellence, good management, effective use of funds and creating long term impact in the struggle for full equality. The change it has created by electing openly LGBT candidates to public office is simply immeasurable.
The purpose of the organization is to get early resources to the campaigns of viable LGBT candidates for public office. Then to continue with that support through election. They offer candidates expertise on how to deal with LGBT issues in campaigns but also had to run effective campaigns. They have raised millions for openly LGBT candidates in their 12 years of existence.
A huge number of people have been responsible for its prominent place in the community. The Victory Fund's present CEO Chuck Wolfe deserves enormous praise for taking it to the next level and its current success.
The victories of the organization run from names like Congressman Barney Frank, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and Congressman Jarad Polis to big city mayors like Mayor Annise Parker of Houston, Mayor Sam Adam of Portland and Mayor David Cicilline of Providence. In the last dozen years the number of LGBT elected officials has risen from 49 to over 500 openly LGBT elected officials! This year alone they have endorsed a record breaking 123 candidates running for office including 6 running for the United States Congress! They have elected people in hardcore conservative states. They not only endorse for Congress but also for such agencies as the Metro Water Reclamation Board in Illinois.
In addition, the Victory Fund runs the best candidate and campaign training programs in existence. Recently they took over the international organization for LGBT elected officials. This year's conference for international LGBT elected officials will be held in Washington, DC this December.
Hope you will free some of those valuable resources you all have and support the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund. It's worth it.
Senate Confirms Gay Museum Board Nominee John Coppola
Thu, Jun 24th 2010, 13:31The Presidential Appointments Project, a community driven effort coordinated by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, was responsible for bringing the three appointees to the attention of administration officials.
“John is one of a growing number of LGBT appointees to federal boards and commissions,” Denis Dison, a vice president at the Victory Fund, told On Top Magazine in an email. “The Presidential Appointments Project is seeking more LGBT applicants who, like John, are willing to serve on these important panels and help shape federal policy.”
Mike Huckabee 'Ick Factor' Comments Slammed By Gay Rights Groups
Wed, Jun 23rd 2010, 09:46Denis Dison, Vice President of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, also responded to the comments, writing in an email to Politico: "The man keeps putting his foot in his mouth...Talk about 'ick factor.' One can only guess Gov. Huckabee has discovered he gets more press hits every time he says something stupid about gay people."
Huckabee has exhibited a penchant for making inflammatory statements concerning gay rights. In an April interview with the College of New Jersey's student publication, the Perspective, the former Governor compared gay adoption to experimentation and reminded reporters that "Children are not puppies."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/22/mike-huckabee-ick-factor_n_621284.htmlObama Expands Federal Benefits, Hires Over 100 Gay and Lesbian Staffers
Tue, Jun 22nd 2010, 16:22This high number is driven by the Presidential Appointments Project, part of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, aimed at placing qualified LGBT people in jobs within the administration. The PAP offers an application form that interested LGBT people can fill out, and then they present those people as candidates to fill vacant slots. Their website lists the full roster of gay folks they’ve sent to the White House and beyond.
Now, it’s never wise to just assume that a high number means progress, but I’m convinced this is a really great thing. Of course I’d like the number to be higher. But I’d also like to see a day when we don’t even have to count, where it’s not an issue in the first place.
Gay groups hit Huckabee
Tue, Jun 22nd 2010, 09:17That history, Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund Vice President Denis Dison wrote in an e-mail, is what gay groups find so objectionable.
“The man keeps putting his foot in his mouth,” said Dixon. “Talk about 'ick factor.' One can only guess Gov. Huckabee has discovered he gets more press hits every time he says something stupid about gay people.”
Obama administration has hired over 100 gay staffers
Mon, Jun 21st 2010, 17:04The Presidential Appointments Project, a community driven effort coordinated by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, suggested the hiring of many of the over 100 openly gay appointees serving in the administration.
“This has always been the point of the project – to make sure LGBT voices and their perspectives are heard at the highest levels of the U.S. government,” said George Walker, a vice president at the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute.
Long Beach councilman Robert Garcia named to "40-Under-40" list by The Advocate: First District leader selected for national honor.
Mon, Jun 21st 2010, 09:15Garcia is one of approximately 485 openly gay elected officials in the country at all levels of government, from local to federal, said Denis Dison, communications vice president with the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a political action committee that endorses nonpartisan candidates.
When the group formed in 1991, 49 openly LGBT elected officials were in office.
President Barack Obama has made more LGBT appointments than any commander-in-chief
Fri, Jun 18th 2010, 13:56The Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute published a list of Obama administration appointees.
The institute trains LGBT candidates on how to run an effective campaign and is related to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, which helps raise money for endorsed candidates.
Some of the better-known names include Margarethe Cammermeyer, who is a member of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services. Cammermeyer is the highest-ranking woman to be dismissed from the military.
Obama Appoints Record Number Of Gay, Trans Staffers
Fri, Jun 18th 2010, 11:18The Presidential Appointments Project, a community driven effort coordinated by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, was responsible for bringing many of the appointees to the attention of administration officials.
“This has always been the point of the project – to make sure LGBT voices and their perspectives are heard at the highest levels of the U.S. government,” George Walker, a vice president at the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute, said.
Cambridge Mayor comes out during Pride Brunch
Wed, Jun 16th 2010, 08:57"Good for Mayor Maher. No matter where they serve, it’s still a brave and good thing for elected officials who are gay to talk about that openly and honestly. Having out officials in leadership roles does a lot to dispel fears about LGBT people. It demonstrates we’re as committed and dedicated to our communities as everyone else," said Denis Dison, Vice President of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. "Cambridge now has its third openly gay mayor in a row, and the Massachusetts GOP’s candidate for lieutenant governor is openly gay, which are extraordinary developments. That said, out elected officials are still rare in America, and many states have still never elected an openly gay state legislator, including large states like Florida and Pennsylvania."
http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=106949
Cambridge, Mass. Mayor Comes Out
Tue, Jun 15th 2010, 11:28Maher, 51, has been with his partner for more than 30 years, the Chronicle reports. He took office in February.
As the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund reports, Maher follows former mayors Ken Reeves, who was the first African-American openly gay man to serve as a mayor in the United States, and E. Denise Simmons, who became the country’s first out lesbian African-American mayor.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/06/15/Cambridge_Mass_Mayor_Comes_Out/
SGN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: The Victory Fund's Robin Brand
Mon, Jun 14th 2010, 12:01SGN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: The Victory Fund's Robin Brand
by Mike Andrew - SGN Staff Writer
Robin Brand, deputy executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, will be in Seattle for a June 14 event with local LGBT political leaders and supporters.
The Victory Fund describes itself as an organization that 'identifies, trains, and elects LGBT leaders to all levels of office, in every corner of America.'
It claims a 68% win rate for its endorsed candidates.
Brand is no stranger to Washington, having been executive director of the state's Democratic Party in the mid-'90s.
She spoke exclusively with SGN about the Victory Fund's strategy and how that will pay out in Washington state.
"We've endorsed over 100 candidates this year," she told SGN, "the most ever. We've endorsed three in Washington - Marko Liias, Jamie Pedersen, and Laurie Jinkins. She will be the first openly Lesbian member of the legislature. It's very exciting!"
Liias is running for reelection as a State Representative in the 21st District, as Pedersen is in the 43rd. Jinkins is running for an open House seat in Tacoma's 27th District.
"Washington state has a great history with LGBT electeds!" Brand said. "I remember Cal Anderson. And Ed Murray - he's kind of the patriarch of LGBT electeds."
"It will be interesting running under the new primary laws - the top two go to the general [election]," she added. "It will be a different dynamic than in the past."
Brand then outlined other races she believed were especially important.
"We have two great congressional candidates," she said. "David Cicilline, the mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, and Steve Pougnet, the mayor of Palm Springs. That's a swing district where we think we have a good chance to pick up the seat."
"[Pougnet's opponent, Mary Bono Mack ] voted against 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal," Brand added.
Republican incumbent Mack, onetime wife of the late Sonny Bono and his successor in Congress, voted the Republican party line 89% of the time and earned an 84% approval rating from the Christian Coalition.
"There's also an important primary in Ohio," Brand told SGN. "Nickie Antonio will be the first openly Gay member of the Ohio legislature."
Antonio won her Democratic primary on June 8. No Republicans have filed for the seat, and an independent candidate withdrew from the race, meaning Antonio is certain to win the seat in November.
"We have a number of what we call 'building our influence states' - Washington, Colorado, and Maryland for example," Brand continued. "This also coincides with the next tier of states looking to expand relationship recognition."
"We've noticed that where you have five or more LGBT members in the legislature, that's where they've passed significant relationship recognition laws," she explained. "Colorado and Maryland are right at that threshold level."
Asked if she was advocating a state-by-state approach to marriage equality, Brand replied, "The Victory Fund itself doesn't advocate for policy issues, but we do see the value in working in states where you have two, three, four, five members [of the legislature]."
Brand is optimistic about electing LGBT candidates, and says she is not worried about the Tea Party, or what some have begun to call the "new right."
"It's clear there's frustration among all voters with economic issues, deficits, cuts in services - that's never good for incumbents. But I'm not convinced it's going to be anti-Democratic or anti-progressive," she said. "There's anger towards the direction the country is going, but I don't think it's partisan."
"We're continually electing LGBT candidates. We have really competitive races in Montana, Colorado, and Oklahoma - it's only going in one direction," Brand concluded.
Brand added that the Victory Fund also tries to build working alliances with other constituencies that might have compatible political goals.
"Labor, for example. In California, we've worked very well with the California Nurses Association. Washington is ahead of the curve a little bit on this issue," she told SGN.
"We're always looking for candidates who represent many constituencies. We support many candidates of color - a high percentage - our commitment to diversity is very strong," she added.
Asked what candidates could expect to get from a Victory Fund endorsement, Brand listed several benefits the Victory Fund offers.
"Our goal is to have openly Gay office holders in every state. There are still 18 or 19 without one in the state legislature. So one thing we do is to recruit candidates.
"We also train candidates. It's really very hard work. Our Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute has worked with hundreds of potential candidates. Sometimes after going through the training, someone will decide that being a candidate is not for them&
"We offer financial support. We offer technical support. Our team divvies up the candidates and we go and meet with them, and we ask them, 'How is the campaign doing? How many doors have you knocked on? How much money have you raised?'"
Brand told SGN that LGBT victories in any part of the country benefit the community even in places where LGBT voters are not very visible or well organized.
"There's no doubt that our successes in states like Washington and Vermont are moving the needle across the country. It impacts where we are nationally," she said
"How do we get more influential? Openly Gay candidates - that's an important first step for voters in supporting Gay rights. The voter might say, 'Well, I think he or she will do a good job, and that's more important than being Gay.'"
"That's especially important in the more conservative states," Brand added.
Brand herself is closely identified with the Democratic Party, having led the Washington state party - "Through its darkest years!" she chuckles. "I came in in 1995."
Almost all the candidates endorsed by The Victory Fund run as Democrats. Asked if they had written off the Republican Party, Brand replied it had not.
"We have endorsed Republican candidates - a couple of them, anyway - and we're looking to expand the number," she said.
"There's an openly Gay Republican running for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts," she added, noting "There's a very different dynamic in a Republican primary."
Brand will be the special guest at a June 14 event at Marjorie's, 1412 E. Union Street, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The $50 ticket goes to support the Victory Fund's Leadership Institute.
Hosts of the event include Seattle City Councilmembers Sally Clark and Tom Rasmussen, Tacoma City Councilmember Ryan Mello, Port Commissioner Rob Holland, State Sen. Joe McDermott, State Rep. Marko Liias, Anne Levinson, Tina Podlodowski, Michael Mattmiller and Jay Petterson, Kevin Thompson and Greg Ratliff, and Brady Walkinshaw.
http://www.sgn.org/sgnnews38_24/page1.cfm
Outing Politicians: Does It Ultimately Help or Hurt Us
Mon, Jun 14th 2010, 09:22Denis Dison, spokesman for the Victory Fund, which supports the efforts of openly LGBT politicians running for public office, agreed: "Having somebody who is secretly gay in public office doesn’t really help [the community], but the process of dragging that person out of the closet can have a negative effect if it reinforces the idea that being LGBT is extremely negative to the point somebody would want to lie about it," Dison told EDGE.
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc3=&id=106870&pg=1
Trans candidate officially files against Kern
Fri, Jun 11th 2010, 14:00Both McAffrey and Kovach have the endorsement of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.
Novotny has taken Victory Fund candidate training but has not sought their endorsement.
“Tom is in a very good position to win,” said Victory Fund spokesman Denis Dison. “He’s a known quantity with a good record.”
Dison called that district, which is south of Oklahoma City and includes the Oklahoma University campus, one of the most liberal in the state.
“Right now I’m on the city council,” Kovach said. “My ward is 40 percent of the district so most people here are familiar with me.”
He said he faces three other candidates in the primary.
“Two of them are college students in their early 20s,” he said.
The third person was a surprise last-minute filing and has mounted no campaign with just six week left before the primary.
Although his chances look good, Kovach is taking nothing for granted. He is taking the primary seriously, and he said the Republican challenger in the fall looks quite credible.
“There are enough independents in the district that there could be an upset,” he said.
Dison had no comment on Novotny’s race because she has not applied for Victory Fund’s endorsement.
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_12995.php
Victory Fund candidates shine in last night's political races
Thu, Jun 10th 2010, 11:52Out LGBT candidates across the country had great success as at least 16 of 21 endorsed by The Victory Fund either won or advanced in primaries.
-As expected, openly gay Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet, a Democrat, will face Republican Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack in the race to represent California's 45th Congressional District.
-In California, the State Assembly is likely to welcome three new openly gay and lesbian lawmakers after key primary wins last night put them on the road to victory this November. Toni Atkins (Dist 76), Rich Gordon (Dist 21) and Ricardo Lara (Dist 50) won their Democratic primaries in overwhelmingly Democratic Assembly districts. With one gay lawmaker leaving the California Senate due to term limits, the state is now likely to have a total of seven openly gay and lesbian state legislators in the next term, up from five currently.
-Also in California, Jill Ravitch won her race for Sonoma County District Attorney, beating an incumbent. She will become the state's second openly lesbian District Attorney, joining San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, a Republican who is unopposed in her reelection bid.
-Openly transgender lawyer Victoria Kolakowski also advanced to the general election in her race for Superior Court Judge in Alameda County, Calif.
-In Maine, out lesbian candidate Jill Barkley is now the heavy favorite to win a seat in the Maine State House after winning her primary last night.
-Montana is also likely to add at least one openly gay state lawmaker. Bryce Bennett won his Democratic primary to advance to the general election in November. He's running in a very Democratic district, so it's expected he'll join Rep. Diane Sands, who was unopposed in her reelection bid, in the Montana State House. Aaron Kampfe also advanced in his Democratic primary for a seat in the Montana Senate.
Growing number of gays on ballot in Maryland
Thu, Jun 10th 2010, 10:59The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has endorsed Clippinger, who said he’s benefitting from gay supporters.
“I have identified LGBT supporters across the district who are helping my campaign every day by holding meet and greets, going door to door, and raising money for my candidacy,” Clippinger said.
Also securing a Victory Fund endorsement is Washington, who is campaigning in District 43. If elected, she would become the second openly lesbian black state lawmaker in the country.
“I am running for the Maryland House of Delegates because I believe the district needs more vigorous, more progressive leadership,” she said, “and the community needs elected officials who can inspire public trust, serve as a catalyst for positive change and work effectively to expand social and economic justice.”
Political Notebook: Transgender judicial candidate claims first place
Thu, Jun 10th 2010, 09:02In Kolakowski's favor is the fact that Alameda County voters have not elected a sitting deputy DA to the court in more than 30 years. Nor do they elect white men; they have, instead, favored female and minority candidates. Also, the fall election is expected to attract more Democrats and independents to the polls, which could aide Kolakowski.
"The electorate or people voting in November will be a different segment of the total public. With contested Republican primaries, they had higher turnout. A lot of independent voters didn't vote at all," she said.
Her election will be a key race for LGBT groups this fall. Equality California, the statewide LGBT lobbying group, has already made it a top priority, while her first place finish this week is sure to boost attention to her campaign from the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.
Five Gay Candidates Advance In California Assembly Races
Wed, Jun 9th 2010, 17:09Four of the candidates – Perez, Atkins, Wilson and Lara – have the endorsement of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a group that supports openly gay elected officials, but Ammiano does not. California's largest gay advocate, Equality California, has endorsed all five candidates.
Out Candidates Win Big in Primaries
Wed, Jun 9th 2010, 13:12Openly LGBT candidates made gains in primary elections across the country Tuesday, with wins in states including California, Montana and Maine.
According to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, which supports out candidates, "Openly LGBT candidates won political races literally from coast to coast last night, with key wins in California, Montana and Maine. At least 16 of the Victory Fund’s 21 endorsed candidates on the ballot yesterday either won their races outright or advanced to general elections."http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/06/09/Out_Candidates_Win_Big_in_Primaries/
Drew Hammill, Jason Mida
Mon, Jun 7th 2010, 08:50Drew Hammill and Jason Mida were married Saturday at their home in Washington. The Rev. Ryan C. Tisch, a minister of the World Christianship Ministries, officiated.
Mr. Hammill (left), 31, is the press secretary to Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House of Representatives in Washington. He graduated from the University of Illinois and received a master’s degree in comparative politics from the London School of Economics.
He is the son of Rebecca A. Hammill and Thomas E. Hammill of Pittsburg, Ill.
Mr. Mida, 30, is the vice president for development at the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund in Washington. He graduated from Abilene Christian University. He is a son of Janet M. Mida of Frisco, Tex., and the late Harry Mida.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/06/fashion/weddings/06HAMMILL.html
Passalacqua, Ravitch courting west county vote at gay pride parade
Fri, Jun 4th 2010, 11:39It's unclear which district attorney candidate is supported by gay voters. However, Ravitch, who is gay, is probably more popular, Muller said. She has actively courted gay voters, soliciting donations on the national Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund website.
"The gay community, like everyone else, is a group of independent thinkers," said Muller, who's been in gay politics in Sonoma County for 30 years. "It's not a case of all gay people will vote for her because she's gay or there's an impression that she's gay."
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100604/NEWS/6041053/1033?p=1&tc=pg
Political Notebook: LGBT lawyers weigh in on judicial races
Thu, Jun 3rd 2010, 09:28Up in Sonoma County out lesbian Jill Ravitch is waging an intense fight to unseat incumbent District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua. It is the second time that Ravitch, a former prosecutor in Sonoma County who now works in the Mendocino County District Attorney's office, has tried to oust her former boss from office.
The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund is backing Ravitch in the race; she reported last month amassing $232,000 in contributions for her campaign. Passalacqua has banked more than $381,000 for his re-election effort this year, but the Santa Rosa Press Democrat noted that he has lent more of his own money to his campaign.
Should Ravitch win, she would be the country's second out lesbian D.A. after Bonnie Dumanis in San Diego.
http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=4829
Lesbian Judge Wins Statewide Race in New Mexico
Wed, Jun 2nd 2010, 15:47According to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, which endorsed Vanzi, she “was selected for a seat on the Court of Appeals in 2008 by Gov. [Bill] Richardson. Under New Mexico state law, appointed judges must stand for election in the next general election following their appointment. In the future, voters will be asked only if they wish to retain Vanzi on the statewide court.”
“Prior to her appointment,” reports the Victory Fund, “Vanzi served on the Second Judicial District court from 2004-2008. Vanzi’s legal career has spanned a broad range of issues from civil rights to employment law, personal injury, child abuse and neglect, and commercial law. Vanzi has been awarded the Judge of the Year award by the Albuquerque Bar Association and the Trial Judge of Year award by the American Board of Trial Advocates.”
Senate Approves Openly Gay Attorney Nominee Laura Duffy
Tue, Jun 1st 2010, 09:55“President Obama has appointed more than 100 LGBT Americans to his administration so far, with abut two dozen of those requiring Senate confirmation,” Denis Dison, a vice president at the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a group that supports openly gay candidates, told On Top Magazine in an email.
Last month, the Senate confirmation of Marisa Demeo, a candidate to the D.C. Superior Court bench, drew widespread criticism from conservative groups because she is a lesbian.
http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=5797&MediaType=1&Category=26Is Mary Cheney Helping Antigay McCollum?
Tue, Jun 1st 2010, 09:51As the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund points out on its blog, GayPolitics.com, any alliance between McCollum and Cheney is particularly interesting considering that Cheney and her partner, as the parents of two children, are two of the country's highest-profile lesbian parents.
http://advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/05/30/Mary_Cheney_Linked_to_Antigay_Florida_Candidate_McCollum/Mayor Lowe wants the focus off him being gay
Fri, May 21st 2010, 09:29While Lowe is proud to be the first gay mayor in this part of the world, he said sexuality matters not in terms of leadership.
But Denis Dison, a spokesman for the Victory Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that helps gay candidates in campaigns, said Lowe's victory was monumental.
Growing up in Orange Park, Dison said he didn't expect to see a gay mayor in North Florida, and Lowe's victory is a milestone that was discussed in gay media across the country, in part because of the sign and homophobic, anti-Lowe fliers that were spread around town.
"I think the fact that he was elected mayor where he was elected is also why it was news around the country," Dison said.
Speaking about the "hateful" rhetoric against Lowe, Dison said, "You don't see it much in San Francisco or Manhattan."
But, Terry Fleming, Lowe's friend and the co-president of the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida, said he thinks the sign and the fliers were an aberration.
"Gainesville," he said, "is an incredibly welcoming and diverse community."
Mayor Lowe wants the focus off him being gay
Fri, May 21st 2010, 09:27While Lowe is proud to be the first gay mayor in this part of the world, he said sexuality matters not in terms of leadership.
But Denis Dison, a spokesman for the Victory Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that helps gay candidates in campaigns, said Lowe's victory was monumental.
Growing up in Orange Park, Dison said he didn't expect to see a gay mayor in North Florida, and Lowe's victory is a milestone that was discussed in gay media across the country, in part because of the sign and homophobic, anti-Lowe fliers that were spread around town.
"I think the fact that he was elected mayor where he was elected is also why it was news around the country," Dison said.
Speaking about the "hateful" rhetoric against Lowe, Dison said, "You don't see it much in San Francisco or Manhattan."
But, Terry Fleming, Lowe's friend and the co-president of the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida, said he thinks the sign and the fliers were an aberration.
"Gainesville," he said, "is an incredibly welcoming and diverse community."http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100520/ARTICLES/100529935/1002/NEWS01?p=1&tc=pg
Ohio Gets Their First Openly LBGT Lawmaker
Tue, May 18th 2010, 18:18Come November, Nickie Antonio will make history as the Ohio's first openly gay state representative.
Antonio, who now sits on the Lakewood, Ohio City Council, won the Democratic primary May 4 for State Legislator, and no Republican filed in the district that includes parts of Cleveland and Lakewood. Her only opponent, an independent candidate, has dropped out of the race, leaving Antonio the only candidate on the ballot. When she’s seated, Ohio will finally come off the list of states with no openly LGBT lawmakers in their state legislatures. That will leave 18 states still on the list, including Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania.
"Hopefully, once the first [openly gay] thing is done, there doesn’t need to be so much of a focus on that," she tells the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "How to best fix a hole in the budget — that’s not an issue where sexual orientation makes a difference."
She was endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and The Plain Dealer, Ohio's largest daily.
http://www.southfloridagaynews.com/news/national-news/1443-ohio-gets-their-first-openly-lbgt-lawmaker.htmlPalmquist among 2010 Leadership Fellows
Tue, May 18th 2010, 18:14Ian Palmquist, executive director of Equality North Carolina and board chair of the Equality Federation, is among 10 individuals selected as Bohnett Leadership Fellows by the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute this year.http://goqnotes.com/6824/palmquist-among-2010-leadership-fellows/
Leadership Fellows to attend Harvard Kennedy School
Mon, May 17th 2010, 14:06The Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute (GLLI) has
announced its 2010 class of David Bohnett Gay & Lesbian Leadership
Fellows, made up of 10 openly LGBT leaders who will receive scholarships
to attend the Harvard Kennedy School this summer. The recipients will
attend the school’s three-week Senior Executives in State and Local
Government program for mid-career professionals in June and July.
Chuck
Wolfe, GLLI’s president and CEO, said, "The new Fellows have deep and
varied experience in public service as elected and appointed officials,
and as leaders in the LGBT movement. We are proud to work alongside the
David Bohnett Foundation to invest in the leadership capacity of some of
our community’s brightest and most talented people."http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=community&sc=community_guide&sc2=news&sc3=&id=105768
Gay Man Running for Conn. Comptroller
Mon, May 17th 2010, 14:03Health care advocate Kevin Lembo has entered the race for Connecticut comptroller, a post that oversees the state's financial reporting.
Lembo, a gay candidate supported by the Victory Fund, was previously running for lieutenant governor but ended his campaign once Nancy Wyman, Connecticut's current comptroller, agreed to become the running mate of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy. Before Lembo became a health care advocate, he was assistant state comptroller for more than six years and worked for Wyman — now he's looking to succeed her as comptroller.http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/05/13/Gay_Man_Running_for_Conn_Comptroller/150 Reasons to Have Pride in 2010
Tue, May 11th 2010, 17:02BECAUSE THERE ARE MORE OF US IN ELECTED OFFICE THAN EVER BEFORE
I’m
proud that the number of openly LGBT elected officials serving in
America is at an all-time high and that this year the Gay and Lesbian
Victory Fund is on track to endorse its largest slate of out candidates
ever. These courageous individuals give voice to our community in the
halls of power, speak authentically about our lives, and fight hardest
for laws and policies that make our country more fair and more free.
Last year Houston became the largest U.S. city to elect an openly gay
mayor. Today, Annise Parker is serving 2.2 million Houstonians honestly,
openly, and with a quiet dignity that has the power to change hearts
and minds about what LGBT Americans have to offer their country. In
March, Parker issued one of the country’s most comprehensive LGBT
nondiscrimination policies governing public employees—a move that drew
howls of protest from the very antigay groups that fought to keep her
from winning. Their bigotry was as predictable as Parker’s
determination. Still, with more than half a million elective offices in
the United States, gay people are vastly underrepresented in government.
Fewer than 500 of those posts are filled with openly LGBT
officeholders—a 10-fold increase since the Victory Fund was founded in
1991, but not nearly enough. We’re committed to winning more of those
offices so that more out elected officials gain the same voice, the same
vote, and the same power that all Americans enjoy. —Chuck Wolfe,
Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund president and chief executive officer
http://www.advocate.com/Print_Issue/Cover_Stories/150_Reasons_to_Have_Pride_in_2010/
Political Notes: DADT opponent Garamendi gains say over military policies
Tue, May 11th 2010, 16:19The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund chose Manhattan Beach Mayor Mitch Ward's bid to be the first openly gay African American elected to California's Assembly as one of two campaigns across the country to highlight to its members this month.
Last week the national LGBT group's president and CEO Chuck Wolfe sent out an e-mail May 5 urging fund members to not only donate to Ward's campaign but also to the campaign of Cleveland resident Nickie Antonio, who would be Ohio's first out person elected to the state legislature in the Buckeye State.
It was the first time that the Victory Fund has highlighted the campaign of a gay candidate from California this year. And it is likely the only one it will do so ahead of the June 8 primary, as its next e-mail will be of little help to anyone running in next month's elections.
"If you look at the pecking order of races, there are breakthrough races that are very important to focus on. That does not mean we don't pay attention to other races but if we are trying to get the first out legislator in a state elected, that is a very important race," said Denis Dison, the Victory Fund's vice president for external affairs.
Ward is one of five out non-incumbent Democrats running for Assembly seats this year. While the fund has endorsed the entire quintet, it is Ward who is in one of the toughest election battles.
He is also the only one not to be endorsed by Equality California. The statewide LGBT lobbyist group is instead backing its board member Betsy Butler, a straight woman, in the Assembly District 53 race along the state's coastal region south of Los Angeles.
Wolfe acknowledged in his e-mail last week that Ward faces tough odds and that "he's going to need your help to win."
In a phone interview Friday, Dison said Ward was selected over the other LGBT candidates who will appear on primary ballots throughout the Golden State because of his greater need for resources.
"Looking at that race, he needs more money compared to the other races," he said.
http://ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=4771Lakewood council member Nickie Antonio might become first openly gay state lawmaker
Tue, May 11th 2010, 16:18"It's about building the farm team and being willing to run for office," said Collin Burton, a full-time staffer for the Ohio Democratic Party who solely works on outreach and candidate recruitment in the state's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) communities. "They do also need more attention and need to be given the confidence that they can win these races."
A national organization -- the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund -- also seeks to help Antonio and other GLBT candidates.
Spokesman Denis Dison said that national polling shows about 30 percent of Americans won't vote for a gay candidate no matter what. Still, he said 31 states currently have openly gay members in their state legislatures.
"There are built-in barriers so gay candidates need to understand they have to be better candidates and campaigners than straight people if they are going to win," said Dison, whose group's political action committee has cut a $5,000 check to Antonio.
Dison said his group helps candidates "navigate the waters" of being out and running for office including how to handle questions about sexual orientation.
"In a lot of places in America, people jump to the conclusion that an openly gay candidate is running because of that and for that reason," Dison said. "But that's rarely the case, and Nickie is a perfect example of that as someone who is incredibly involved in her community."
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2010/05/lakewood_council_member_likely.html
