Victory in the News

BREAKING: Senate confirms gay nominee to Calif. federal court

The Senate on Thursday confirmed to the bench a gay judicial nominee whom Republicans had held up for four months from receiving a floor vote along with other appointees. 

Chuck Wolfe, CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, said Fitzgerald's legal experience "makes him an excellent choice for the federal bench."

"He joins a still very small but growing group of openly LGBT federal judges, and we commend the Obama administration for making sure these esteemed positions are open to all qualified Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity," Wolfe said. 

Gays, By the Numbers

For many gay-rights activists, Baldwin's ascent to the Senate remains the top priority. "These opportunities don't come along very often for us to break a glass ceiling," said Denis Dison, spokesman for the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a group dedicated to electing more LGBT officials. 

The upside for 2012, Dison said, is a potential wave of new gay candidates. The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has identified as priorities electing four openly gay challengers, including one Republican. 

National news in brief: March 2

Duncan is among dozens of LGBT candidates on the ballot in Florida hoping to join the 26 openly gay elected officials in the Sunshine State, including two that are competing in a four-way race for the same seat on the Orlando City Council. They are among hundreds competing this year nationwide.

According to Denis Dison of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, there are currently 77 Victory Fund-endorsed candidates on ballots across the country, but by November, that number could be closer to 200. Pennsylvania is fielding three openly gay state House candidates alone with Brian Simms, Christopher Dietz and Kelly McEntee. 

Taking a stand

A week after making national headlines over her refusal to marry straight couples until marriage equality arrives in Texas, openly gay Dallas County District Judge Tonya Parker is focusing on the work in her courtroom. 

Parker also isn't believed to have sought an endorsement from the Washington, D.C.-based Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a political action committee that backs openly LGBT candidates nationwide.

She does now appear on the group's list of out officials, who are placed there if the Victory Fund confirms that they are out or if a news article mentions them being open, spokesman Denis Dison said. 

Public Policy Polling: "Baldwin leads Thompson 46-45 in this month's poll"

Public Policy Polling new polling released today shows Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) having improved in a match-up against her closest possible Senate competitor, former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson (R) -- although the changes are within the margin of error and continue to show a nearly tied race between the two. 

Tiffany Muller, vice president for political operations at the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, said in astatement, "Tammy is talking about the issues most Wisconsin families really care about, so it's no surprise that her message is resonating with Wisconsin voters."