FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GLBT COMMUNITY WINS SUPPORT IN ELECTIONS
(Saint Paul, MN) November 10, 2005 - In a show of support for the DFL Party ideals and platform, local elections in Minneapolis and Saint Paul strongly favored candidates endorsed by Stonewall DFL. Across both cities, 31 candidates were endorsed in various city level races. Of those 26, or 86% pulled out a win in the general election and will carry into office the issues that are most important to the GLBT community. Among those openly GLBT officials returning to office are 3 members of the Minneapolis City Council including Robert Lilligren, Gary Schiff and Scott Benson and Library Board President, Rod Krueger. Joining them this year are newcomers Carol Becker and Jill Schwimmer on the Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation, Alan Hooker on the Minneapolis Library Board and Tom Nordyke on the Minneapolis Parks Board. "This election is a testament to the commitment of members of Minnesota's GLBT community that so many openly gay and lesbian officials can be elected to office without fear of having their orientation negatively impact their desire to work for the good of the larger community," said Stonewall DFL Chair, Paul Skrbec. "What's more, our straight allies like Saint Paul's Mayor-elect Coleman, readily point to the time and effort that members of the GLBT community have given this year to elect them." As the caucus prepares for another challenging year with races for the US and MN House and Senate, victories in the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul will reinforce a strong DFL base of support. "We hope that these victories help show other leaders throughout the state that the work and support of members of GLBT community translate into votes at the polls," said Nancy Bernard, Stonewall's Associate Chair. "This is exactly the kind of support that the elected members of our party need to continue seeing throughout 2006." Candidates running for political office will be able to begin the screening and application process with Stonewall DFL on January 15, 2006 by visiting www.stonewalldfl.org and completing the organization's questionnaire. As an officially chartered caucus of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party of Minnesota, Stonewall DFL is Minnesota's first political organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Visit stonewalldfl.org to make online contributions, find up-to-date event information, candidate and constituency resources and volunteer opportunities. The public may also call the 24-hour information line at 651-251-6328. For more information, please contact: Paul R. Skrbec Chair, Stonewall DFL 651-261-3256 [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
