News

Frank among he most powerful members of Congress

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank is the seventh most powerful member of the House of Representatives, according to a report released this week. Fellow Bay State Democrats Sens. Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry were ranked second and 12th in the Senate, respectively.

Connecticut legislator comes out

Connecticut State Rep. Jason Bartlett publicly came out today during a meeting with The News-Times. The announcement makes Bartlett the state’s first and only openly LGBT African American state legislator.

Laurette Healey receives sole endorsement from the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs

The Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs has endorsed former Deputy State Controller Laurette Healey in the race for the 40th  Assembly District.

Kaufmann calls for apology from Rep. Rehberg

Out official and Victory endorsee Christine Kaufmann wants Republican congressman to apologize for an anti-gay gag.

Lowe helps Gainesville pass non-discrimination ordinance

Out commissioner Craig Lowe joins fellow city commissioners in protecting the rights of transgender citizens.

Groups hope to boost gay black political leadership

The National Conference of Black Political Scientists and the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute announced the establishment of the Bayard Rustin Award, honoring contributions to the field of political science on the topic of LGBT African-Americans in electoral politics.

Primary election approaches in Milwaukee

Patrick Flaherty, a candidate for Milwaukee Common Council, faces a competitive Feb. 19 primary. His election would make him the council's first openly LGBT member.

AP: Washington state gains sixth LGBT legislator

Appointment of openly gay Democrat Marko Liias gives state six openly gay lawmakers. "Voters are making decisions on people's character, and not their sexual orientation," said state Sen. Ed Murray.

Salt Lake Tribune praises lesbian Utah Rep. Christine Johnson

Editorial supports Johnson's legislation aimed at protecting LGBT citizens from workplace discrimination.

Gusciora bills to improve municipal court system advance

The New Jersey Assembly's Judiciary Committee released three bills sponsored by out Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, which will greatly improve the efficiency of municipal courts by helping municipal prosecutors more effectively carry out their assignments. 

Next: Madame Mayor?

"I want every New Yorker to hear me when I say: We are ready."

Pettis outraises all other Democratic candidates in 80th Assembly District

End of the year campaign finance filings with the Secretary of State show that Cathedral City City Councilmember Greg Pettis (D) has raised more money than any of the four other Democratic candidates in the 80th Assembly District.

Sonoma County candidate Maddy Hirshfield featured in Bay Area Reporter

Paper reports that Sonoma County has the highest concentration of same-sex households in the state. "Considering that kind of demographic, it is about time we had somebody on the Board of Supervisors who can really support all the people," said Hirshfield.

Randy Bishop featured in article on gay elected officials

Home News Tribune editorial entitled "On to the day when sexuality doesn't matter" hopes for day when sexual orientation is irrelevant in electoral politics.

Victory Fund scores first win of the year in Guam

Victory endorsee Benjamin Cruz won a special senatorial election on Saturday, capturing 41 percent of the vote.

Flaherty ahead in 3rd District cash

Gay rights activist Patrick Flaherty holds a commanding lead in fundraising for Milwaukee's 3rd Aldermanic District race, campaign finance reports show.

Chat with the nation’s first lesbian, African-American mayor

http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=features&sc3=&id=55525 

Lawmakers aim to expand domestic partnerships

http://blog.oregonlive.com/politics/2008/01/lawmakers_aim_to_expand_domest.html

OLYMPIA - After Washington enacted a law in July 2007 that gave same-sex couples legal recognition, more than 3,300 couples from all parts of the state registered as domestic partners.

In hearings Tuesday in the state's Legislature, several of those couples voiced support for a bill that would expand that law to give same-sex couples the same rights that married couples have in divorces, property, estates, taxes, and guardianships.

Pereira endorsed by Jewish Herald-Voice

The Jewish Herald-Voice has endorsed Pereira's candidacy as Judge for the 190th Civil District Court of Harris County.

Vermont Lawmaker Does Double Duty As Comic

Rep. Jason Lorber does stand-up comedy when he's not legislating.