With polls showing Feingold now in a pure tossup race, we advise donors to give priority to funding one of the most prominent pro-equality advocates in the Senate. His position on the Judiciary Committee and his chairmanship of the Subcommittee on the Constitution are vital to passing pro-equality legislation.
"America was founded on the principle of freedom for all people, and I strongly believe that the civil rights of all individuals should be vigorously upheld regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, genetic make-up, or sexual orientation and [gender] identity. Upholding the rights of all citizens has proven to be a struggle throughout our history, but nothing worthwhile is achieved without a struggle."
GIVE TO RE-ELECT CONGRESSMAN PATRICK MURPHY (D-PA)
The first veteran of the Iraq War to serve in Congress has made the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ahallmark of his career. His passion on the issue has helped to providecover for the Commander in Chief, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs ofStaff, and the Secretary of Defense, all of whom now call for repeal ofthe blatantly discriminatory policy.
"As the lead sponsor of the House's bill to repeal the deeplyflawed Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, I am fully committed to ensuringequal rights to those in the LGBT community. We must redouble ourefforts to repeal discriminatory laws and improve the health andwelfare of all, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity."
GIVE TO CONGRESSMAN JOE SESTAK (D-PA) FOR US SENATE
This 3 star retired Navy admiral supports all equality goals and has been an outspoken advocate for repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." As a Senator, he would co-sponsor equality legislation, just as he has done in the House.
"My position on the civil rights issues of the LGBT community is born out of my 31 years of service in the US Navy. I went to war with brave servicemen and women, where it was known - because of public surveys -that a certain percentage were gay. How can you come home and say 'you went to war for my country with me, but you don't deserve equal rights?' "
GIVE TO CONGRESSMAN PAUL HODES (D-NH) FOR US SENATE
This Equality Hero is seeking a more powerful voice for the LGBTQ community by bringing his pro-equality stance from the US House to the US Senate. Rated a pure tossup, this race is worth funding in order to hav another strong voice in the Senate that we need to get pro-equality legislation passed.
"I believe equality is a fundamental liberty in this country - one that should never be compromised. From repealing DADT to fighting for universal marriage equality - as your Senator, I will do everything I can to protect equality."
The current State Treasurer is the first US Senatorial candidate in Illinois to support marriage equality. He is polished and smart, the ideal person to take the seat once held by Barak Obama. Republicans are pouring money into this tossup race supporting Congressman Kirk, who is against civil unions. This is one of the most important races this year.
"I truly believe that ensuring equal rights for LGBT Americans is the civil rights issue of our time. All Americans, regardless of sexual orientation, are part of the American family, and the federal government should extend the same rights and responsibilities to all of its citizens. That is why I've helped to lead the fight for immediate repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell," launching an advocacy campaign at EqualityCantWait.com. As Senator, I will fight to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act."
The openly gay Mayor of Palm Springs is the ideal candidate to defeat the vulnerable Mary Bono Mack. That's why the DCCC picked him as one of their "Red-to-Blue" candidates. Additionally there is a Tea Party candidate potentially taking away votes from the Republican incumbent. This race is likely to go down to the wire.
"As a married father of two young children, I'll fight every day to ensure that they grow up in a world that truly and fully embraces equality in the armed services, in marriage, in parenting, and in protecting people for who they are."
The only openly gay mayor of a state capital is now running for the open seat once held by Patrick Kennedy. The district is very Democratic, and it's expected to stay in the Democratic column. So Cicilline's main hurdle is the very competitive September 14 primary against the former state Democratic chair.
"I have been actively engaged in our struggle for equality as an openly gay legislator and now as Mayor of Providence. As a member of Congress, I will continue the fight for equality for the entire LGBT community."
As a teacher, small business owner and former staffer for Congressman Mike Honda, Ed has been a strong advocate for equality. Ed is openly gay and needs your support to defeat Rep. Lance who currently has a number of Tea Party opponents. With anti-incumbent sentiments running high in this toss up district won by Obama in 2008, Ed's chances are strong.
"My opponent opposed marriage equality. In New Jersey LGBT couples were dealt a serious setback this past January. It is unfortunate that so many politicians lack the leadership to end discrimination. In Congress I will fight to ensure our children grow up free from prejudice."
As an adoption attorney, she has witnessed the power of a loving family and has helped loving couples, gay and straight, start their own families. This experience has driven her passion to support full equality for all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
"I was a vocal supporter for passing marriage equality here in New Hamsphire, and I'll continue to support marriage equality in Washington. We should have less government interference in our personal lives, at both the state and federal levels."
As a Republican turned Independent, former Senator Chafee is the first non-Democrat ever endorsed by eQualityGiving. He is also the first candidate to publicly announce his support for all Equality Goals by posting his answers to our endorsement form questionnaire on his website.
"We all know someone who is openly gay or lesbian, and almost all of us share the same basic aspirations: a safe town and an affordable home to live in; a good job to provide us and our families with economic security, good schools for our children; quality health care; and, perhaps most importantly, someone to love and share our lives with."
A pro-equality Attorney General in a state with a constitutional ban of marriage equality is essential to helping same gender couples achieve as much of the rights and responsibilities of marriage as possible in addition to assisting passage of several Equality Goals that Colorado has yet to achieve.
"I will make enforcement of Colorado's hate crime statutes a top priority, will argue the benefits of creating a legal framework to recognize same sex couples and will be an advocate for fairness and equal treatment of the LGBTQ community throughout Colorado."
GIVE TO SCOTT MADDOX (D-FL) FOR COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
Endorsing for a cabinet position in the largest swing state in the nation is strategic since it is a position that advises the governor and often leads to higher office. As Commission of Consumer Services, Maddox would have the opportunity to provide equal benefits to certain LGBTQ couples and individuals.
"I support equality for all Floridians and Americans!"
If you have given to one of these Endorsed Candidates, please post your reasons why in the Giving For Equality Blog. A few sentences about your motivation and strategy will be very compelling for other donors.
For statewide races, the maximum you can donate depends on the state. For candidates to Congress and President, the maximum total that you can give to federal candidates in 2009-2010 is $45,600 ($2,400 to individual candidates). This is why it is critical to focus your giving on candidates that are pro-equality before giving to candidates that may not be 100% on our issues.
CO-ENDORSED CANDIDATES IN 2010
The primary election to decide the Democratic nominee for Governor of Vermont on August 24th was too close to call, and a recount is in progress to determine the winner. Currently Pete Shumlin has a razor thin lead over Doug Racine and Deb Markowitz.
SUPPORT SECRETARY OF STATE DEBORAH MARKOWITZ FOR GOVERNOR OF VERMONT
As Secretary of State for 12 years, she is well-qualified for the open seat. As the sister of a lesbian, she understands LGBTQ issues intimately. As a civil rights attorney, she wants to make Vermont the first state to provide FULL equality to ALL its citizens. As Governor, she will sign the Gender Identity Act.
"It is my hope that when my children are ready to get married, the issue of marriage equality will be behind us, and we can focus on what is truly important--our common interest to have stable loving families."
SUPPORT STATE SENATE PRO TEMPORE PETER SHUMLIN FOR GOVERNOR OF VERMONT
Back in 2002, just 2 years after he led the Vermont Senate to pass the nation's first civil union law, Shumlin promised us that he would deliver marriage for Vermont. After the defeat of Prop 8 in California, Shumlin delivered, giving a much needed boost to a devastated movement. Now is our chance to give our support to him.
"As president of the Vermont State Senate, I led the fight to pass the Marriage Equality Act. It wasn't easy, and, despite the Governor's veto, we passed the bill, making Vermont the first state in the nation to grant marriage rights to same sex couples legislatively, not because of a court order. It was by far the proudest moment of my legislative career."
OTHER ENDORSED CANDIDATES IN 2010
These candidates up for election in 2010 deserve to be endorsed since they are pro-equality, but funding their campaigns is not as strategic because they are not in a competitive race (either they consistently poll ahead of the opponent by more than 10 points or they trail the opponent consistently by more than 10 points). Should any eQualityGiving Heroes find themselves in close races, they will be listed as an Endorsed Candidate to Fund, and an alert will be sent to inform the donors.
These Endorsed Candidates are pro-equality incumbents and are expected to win re-election handily:
GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK - Massachusetts
SENATOR BARBARA BOXER - California
SENATOR KRISTEN GILLIBRAND - New York
SENATOR CHUCK SCHUMER - New York
SENATOR RON WYDEN - Oregon
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE NANCY PELOSI - California
CONGRESSWOMAN TAMMY BALDWIN - Wisconsin
CONGRESSWOMAN SHELLEY BERKLEY - Nevada
CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER - Oregon
CONGRESSMAN KEITH ELLISON - Minnesota
CONGRESSMAN BARNEY FRANK - Massachusetts
CONGRESSWOMAN GABRIELLE GIFFORDS - Arizona
CONGRESSMAN JOHN GARAMENDI - California
CONGRESSMAN ALCEE HASTINGS - Florida
CONGRESSMAN RUSH HOLT - New Jersey
CONGRESSMAN JESSE JACKSON JR. - Illinois
CONGRESSMAN DENNIS KUCINICH - Ohio
CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA LEE - California
CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS - Georgia
CONGRESSWOMAN CAROLYN MALONEY - New York
CONGRESSWOMAN BETSY MARKEY - Colorado
CONGRESSMAN JIM MCGOVERN - Massachusetts
CONGRESSWOMAN GWEN MOORE - Wisconsin
CONGRESSMAN JIM MORAN - Virginia
CONGRESSMAN JERROLD NADLER - New York
CONGRESSMAN JOHN OLVER - Massachusetts
CONGRESSWOMAN CHELLIE PINGREE - Maine
CONGRESSMAN JARED POLIS - Colorado
DELEGATE ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON - District of Columbia
These Endorsed Candidates are pro-equality but are not in close races and are expected to either win or lose by a wide margin:
ROXANNE CONLIN for US Senate (Iowa)
KRYSTAL BALL for Congress (Virginia)
KEVIN POWELL for Congress (New York)
SCOTT WITHERS for Congress (Michigan)
GAVIN NEWSOME for Lieutenant Governor (California)
KAMALA HARRIS for Attorney General (California)
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