Clearly, for the gay community, having Democratic majorities in Congress isn’t enough. For the LGBT community to progress legislatively, we need a pro-equality majority in the Congress. Recognizing that, National Stonewall Democrats initiated a new project May 2010 aimed at shoring up our legislative allies: Elect Equality.
This week, a new phase of the project kicked off: The dispatching of Stonewall-sponsored EqualiTeam members to individual campaigns to provide pragmatic, GOTV operations, fundraising, voter education and outreach to the LGBT constituencies, and demonstrating enthusiastic, practical support for LGBT-supportive candidates.
This edition of WGLB Presents takes a take a look at the inaugural program components and the 12 candidates Stonewall and a popular vote selected for this program. Think of it at as "ones to watch" for LGBT-invested voters.
The Elect Equality programkicked off in when the LGBT community was asked to nominate their own pro-equality candidates. The program continued on to a vote, and over 50,000 votes were cast in support of 30 candidates. Aside from voting, other factors were viability of the candidate, contentiousness of the race, and a vetting of the candidate's record. Eventually the field was winnowed down to 12 11 candidates.
More than a few, like Mary Bono Mack's challenger Steve Pougnet, and Patrick Murphy for example, have a great symbolic significance. The outcomes of these races will likely resonate throughout the community and in what electoral lessons the political community draws from a representative's advocacy or opposition to LGBT issues. Bono Mack losing because of her vote against repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy could well change the paradigm of how we view LGBT issues' effect on a candidate's electoral prospects.
Candidates were then recruited from the LGBT and ally community to be hired for in the "EqualiTeam," LGBT outreach organizers that would assist the races in the field. Eleven diverse individuals were chosen out of 30 applicants based on their answers to a questionnaire on candidates and LGBT issues. This week the lucky few convened in DC for an intensive training sessions on organizing, getting out the vote, ethics, campaign communication and messaging.
And importantly, they will represent the voice of LGBT Democratic constituency in the campaign.
This program also provides a valuable opportunity for grooming tomorrow's equality-minded talent. These young activists will get a first-hand, up-close and personal experience of working on a major national election campaign. Agreements have been secured with the campaigns that the tasks will not be menial.
Each EqualiTeam member has been assigned their own mentor and will participate in weekly conference "check-in" calls with Stonewall Executive Director, Michael Mitchell, and others. Elect Equality's first year will serve as a template for grooming LGBT and their allies in the actual trenches where victories are won.
Expect more to come from Stonewall and the Elect Equality Program. There will be action items, to write, visit, call.
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How To Follow the Action And Participate
Watch the counter on the Elect Equality website, tracking the EqualiTeam's efforts. You can "Like" Stonewall Democrats on Facebook here to get news in your feed, and follow them on Twitter here. Search for the hashtags #Equaliteam and #ElectEqualityto get tweets from the road. Monetary support can be made through Elect Equality's ActBlue page, where contributions can be made to the entire roster, or individual candidates.
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UPDATE. Actually, it's 11. Scott Galvin failed to secured the nomination for Florida's 17th district on Tuesday night. We regret the error.
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Patrick Murphy is serving his third year as U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District. He was the first Iraq war veteran elected to Congress, after serving as a Captain in the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division from 2003 to 2004. Representative Murphy was awarded the Bronze Star for Service.
After returning from Iraq, Murphy practiced law prior to running for Congress in 2006. As a veteran, Murphy specializes in military issues and has opposed the troop surge in 2007 and sponsored legislation ending the war in Iraq.
Representative Murphy is also the Sponsor of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which would repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," and is Cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and has a strong record on women’s rights.
The state of the race: Tight, very tight. Slight edge for Murphy, but challenger Mike Fitzpatrick is in striking distance. More info at Swing State Project and RealClearPolitics.
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Kendrick Meek is running to represent the state of Florida in the U.S. Senate. He is currently serving as U.S. Representative from Florida’s 17th Congressional District, where his priorities have included affordable housing and education.
While in Congress, Rep. Meek helped to easy the housing crisis in Florida by passing legislation that creates incentives for lenders to offer affordable payment plans. He also aims to curb mortgage fraud by introducing a bill that would create a task force targeting lenders who acquired sub-prime loans through fraudulent means.
Rep. Meek has made education one of his top priorities since arriving in Congress in 2003. He has voted to make class sizes in his district smaller, combating the now familiar problem of overcrowded classrooms. Additionally, he has voted to increase student aid for college as well as reducing interest rates on student loans.
He has routinely voted for measures that would enfranchise LGBT Americans. He is a Cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which would repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell."
The state of the race: This highly contentious Florida race currently has an edge for Repbulican Marco Rubio, with Meek trailing a distant third to Charlie Crist. RealClearPolitics.
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David Cicilline is running to represent Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Prior to entering this race, he served as Mayor of Providence, RI and was the first openly gay mayor of a U.S. state capital. He is running in a Democratic primary to replace fellow Democrat Patrick Kennedy.
After earning his law degree from Georgetown University, Cicilline worked for the DC Public Defender’s Office. After this, Cicilline returned to Rhode Island, serving in the state House of Representatives. During his four year tenure in the House, Cicilline came out as a gay man.
Cicilline’s tenure as mayor has transformed the city government into one of accountability, stability, and transparency. With Cicilline as Mayor, Providence has seen a large drop in the crime rate and a new educational system designed to challenge students and teachers alike.
The state of the race: RH1 is Likely Democrat at Swing State Project.
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Alexi Giannoulias is running to represent the state of Illinois in the U.S. Senate against Republican Representative Mark Kirk. He currently serves as Illinois State Treasurer, and was a previous Legislation and Regulation Committee member of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois.
A Chicago native, Giannoulias received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Boston College. Following his graduation, he traveled to Greece to play professional basketball, returning to the US a year later to earn his law degree from Tulane University. Following the completion of his degree, Giannoulias returned to Illinois to manage a bank owned by his family.
In 2006, Giannoulias announced his candidacy for Illinois State Treasurer, running against party favorite Paul Mangieri. Giannoulias won the race, becoming the youngest state treasurer in the nation.
Giannoulias is the only candidate running for the Illinois Senate seat that supports a wide range of LGBT rights, including full marriage equality, hate crimes legislation, the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and the passage of legislation barring employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. Giannoulias has also extended benefits to same-sex partners of employees within the Treasurer’s Office.
The state of the race: Nate Silver's New York Times blog has this race dead even.
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Tim Bishop has served as U.S. Representative from New York’s 1st Congressional District since 2002. His priorities in Congress include improving the economy and strengthening access to education.
Since winning election, Rep. Bishop has advocated policies that will help build the country’s economic integrity. A strong supporter of the middle class, he voted to expand the Child Tax Credit and the Ten Percent Income Bracket so that average American families can thrive. He has also targeted Wall Street corruption; he voted to regulate the unstable sub-prime mortage industry and to end unfair credit practices.
Making higher education affordable again is another priority for the Congressman. He voted for the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, the largest investment in higher education aid since the 1944 GI Bill. Rep. Bishop also fought to increase the funds from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that would be invested in higher education, believing that producing more college graduates is directly related to a prospering economy.
Congressman Bishop’s voting record also demonstrates that he is committed to achieving equal rights for all Americans. He is a Cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit employers from discriminating based on sexual orientation. Last year, he voted in favor of the the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell."
The state of the race: Bishops race is rate Lean Democrat at Swing State Project.
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Paul Hodes is running to represent the state of New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate. He is currently serving as U.S. Representative from New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District. His priority in Congress has been to stand up for New Hampshire’s residents – against Wall Street executives, health insurance companies, and corporate lobbyists.
Rep. Hodes voted to regulate the volatile sub-prime mortgage industry that contributed to the economic downturn starting at the end of the Bush administration. He also was in favor of letting stockholders vote on salaries for executives of companies receiving government aid money.
The Congressman has also been a strong supporter of women’s issues. He voted in favor of re-introducing the Equal Rights Amendment, the historic bill that would have enshrined the economic and social equality of women in our Constitution. Last year he voted to pass the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, legislation which gives women a longer time period to file gender discrimination suites.
He is also a Cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which would repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," and the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.
The state of the race: Nate Silver's blog places his GOP opponent with a not unsubstantial, but no insurmountable lead.
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Rush Holt has served as U.S. Representative from New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District since 1999. Prior to his election, he was Assistant Director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. His priorities in Congress include improving education and our national security.
A former State Department employee and five-time Jeopardy! champion, Holt is an expert on scientific advances and natural resources. Holt has worked to create an open atmosphere when it comes to elections, sponsoring legislation that would mandate voting machines provide a paper-printout that can be consulted in contested elections.
A strong supporter of LGBT rights, Representative Holt is a Cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Student Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which would repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," and the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.
The state of the race: Holt's district is rated Likely Democrat at Swing State Project.
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Ed Potosnak is running to represent New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before entering this race, he worked in Representative Mike Honda’s office as an Albert Einstein Fellow, covering issues including education and the environment. If elected, he would be one of a few openly LGBT Members of Congress.
After putting himself through Rutgers University, Potosnak used his chemistry degree as a teacher, ensuring his students were scientifically literate. To supplement his teaching salary, Potosnak began a home improvement business. After becoming an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, Potosnak was given the chance to work for Representative Mike Honda.
Potosnak’s unique blend of educational, scientific, business, and political skills have prepared him to run to represent New Jersey’s 7th.
Potosnak supports the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, which his opponent voted against.
The state of the race: Information not available.
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Steve Pougnet is running to represent California’s 45th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before entering this race, he served as Chairman of the Energy & Water Conservation Subcommittee, as well as Vice-Chairman of the Energy and Environment Committee, of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. If elected, he would be the first openly gay parent in Congress.
After receiving his degree from Michigan State University, Pougnet traveled the country before settling in Palm Springs. First elected to the Palm Springs Council in 2003, Pougnet served for four years before running for Mayor, winning the race in 2007.
In addition to serving as Mayor of Palm springs, Pougnet serves on many community boards and volunteers his time for civic organizations. Pougnet is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys biking, running, snowboarding and golfing.
The state of the race: Bono vs Poughnet is Likely Republican at RealClearPolitics.
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Carol Shea Porter is currently serving her second term as U.S. Representative from New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District. She was the first woman elected to national office from New Hampshire, and her goal in Congress is to represent ordinary, middle-class families.
During her first months in office, she voted to raise the minimum wage for the first time in a decade. The Congresswoman helped to pass a "pay-as-you-go" system for Federal spending, requiring the government to find an offset for each piece of spending.
A firm believer in public education, Rep. Shea Porter co-sponsored the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, which will invest $88 billion in New Hampshire higher education and student loans. She also introduced the GI Bill for the 21st Century. This bill will provide Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with four-year college scholarships as extensive as those offered after WWII.
The Congresswoman cosponsored several bills that would grant LGBT individuals and families equal status. She cosponsored the Employment Non-Discrimination Act , a defense spending bill which would repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," and the Respect for Marriage Act in 2009. This legislation would repeal DOMA, which bars equal marriage from being federally instituted.
The state of the race: Rated as a toss-up by Swing State Project.
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Dina Titus is serving her first term as U.S. Representative from Nevada’s 3rd district. Before her election, she served as a Nevada State Senator for 20 years.
One Rep. Titus’s central goals in Congress is protecting seniors and children, two of the most vulnerable demographics in America, by ensuring that they have access to medicine and healthcare. She has routinely fought to cut prescription drug prices so they are available and affordable for senior citizens. She also voted to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, dramatically increasing the number of children covered by the plan.
Representative Titus has also backed pro-equality legislation numerous time since taking her seat in 2007. She helped Cosponsor the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Student Non-Discrimination Act, and the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, which would repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell."
The state of the race: Rated as a toss-up by Swing State Project.
For more insight into House races.See ProfAlan's diary today.
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Special note: We have as our special guest here this morning, Linsey Pecikonis, Communications Director/Online Organizer for Stonewall Democrats. She will be posting under the handle ElectEquality and will be happy to answer any questions you have about the Elect Equality program and the Stonewall Democrats. Please please welcome her to our space.
Note from diarist: Full disclosure from Clarknt67. I have been selected to be the representative at the Paul Hodes campaign run for the New Hampshire Senate seat. I'll be posting a much more detailed diary on this. For now, let me say, Hodes stands to replace Judd Gregg in the Senate. Judd Gregg previously voted against the Matthew Sheppard Act. In the big picture, whatever my issues with the Democrats, I consider the chance to pick up this seat, a fight worth waging.
JPMassar contributed to this diary as well. Please thank him.