Showing posts with label Stonewall Democrats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stonewall Democrats. Show all posts

Monday, January 9, 2012

National Stonewall Democrats Announces New Leadership

National Stonewall Democrats is proud to celebrate the New Year with the announcement of a new executive leadership team. Jerame Davis has been selected as the organization’s new Executive Director. The group’s board of directors has also elected a new executive committee.
 
Davis has been serving as the NSD interim Executive Director since late 2011. Before joining the staff, Jerame was vice president of the Indiana Stonewall Democrats affiliate and was actively involved in Democratic politics in the Hoosier state. 
 
In addition to serving in the leadership of many Indiana LGBT organizations, he has consulted for a variety of clients on using technology for better organizing and messaging. He is also the co-founder of a popular national LGBT politics and culture website.
 
“Democratic politics runs through my veins,” said Davis. “Living most of my life in a red state dominated by GOP gave me a first hand view of just how regressive and dangerous Republican dominance can be – especially for LGBT people. I am honored to be taking the helm of NSD at such a crucial moment.”
 
In addition to Davis assuming the role of Executive Director, the NSD Board of Directors has elected a new executive team to lead the organization through 2012. Stephen Driscoll (Pembroke, MA) and Laurie McBride (Sacramento, CA) return as co-chairs to succeed outgoing chair Craig Roberts. Aaron Schaler (Indianapolis, IN) will serve as the new secretary and Bill Jacobs (Las Vegas, NV) continues his role as treasurer.
 
“NSD’s new executive director and leadership team bring a solid perspective tempered with institutional knowledge,” said Roberts. “Working with Jerame for the past few months has been fantastic and I am confident he is the right person to lead NSD at this critical time. I know NSD is in good hands going into 2012 with this team in place.”
 
“Jerame’s outside-the-beltway perspective and political experience positions National Stonewall Democrats as the national voice for pro-equality Democrats as we head into a presidential election,” said McBride. “With so many affiliates around the country providing vital grassroots support for LGBT Democrats and our allies, I am confident we are ready to win.”
 
“Anti-gay Republicans and their apologists are on notice,” said Driscoll. “Jerame understands that partisan is not a dirty word. Partisanship in pursuit of the greater good is a very high calling indeed. As we swing into campaign mode, a refocused and repurposed NSD will help pave the road to victory in November and to progress beyond.”

Friday, April 23, 2010

Gay Republican, Democratic groups join in call for ENDA passage

Leaders of the National Stonewall Democrats and the Log Cabin Republicans have jointly written an op-ed calling for the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

"Employment non-discrimination enjoys strong bipartisan support, is good for American business, and goes a long way to ensure that all hard-working Americans are judged based solely on job performance. Congress must act now to pass ENDA," wrote Michael Mitchell of Stonewall Democrats and Log Cabin's Terry Hamilton.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Denver Stonewall Dems meet monthly

The monthly membership meeting of the Denver Stonewall Democrats will take place on August 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Colorado Democratic Party HQ, 777 Santa Fe Drive, in Denver.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Colorado Stonewall Democrats congratulate Pat Steadman


From the Colorado Stonewall Democrats:

Last Wednesday after several ballots Pat Steadman, one of our very own Colorado Stonewall Members, was elected by a vacancy committee to serve in the Colorado Legislature in Senate District 31 taking the place of outgoing Senator Jennifer Veiga.

Pat Steadman has been on the front lines of equality for years and his work on behalf of the LGBT community of Colorado is incredible.

On behalf of the officers and every member of Colorado Stonewall Democrats...Congratulations Pat.

We look forward to working with Senator Steadman as do with all fair minded Democrats in the new legislative session.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Stonewall Dems monthly membership meeting


The Stonewall Democrats monthly membership meeting takes place this month on April 16, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Colorado Democratic Party HQ, 777 Santa Fe Drive in Denver. Discussions will include ongoing events as well as planning for Denver PrideFest 2009.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Important news and updates from Stonewall Dems

Jeffrey Shaw of the Stonewall Democrats sends out this message chockful of important political news and information for the GLBT community. Grab a cup of coffee and read the whole thing after the jump.

Hi, Everyone: I had occasion this past weekend to address the Central Committee of the Colorado Democratic Party on behalf of our Initiative. In part, I told them that we are tired of being seen as second class citizens who are constantly having to ensure that the most basic of rights are passed into law simply because we are LGBT people. I urged them to contact their respective Colorado Representatives and Senators regarding the issues nearest and dearest to our community: SB 88, which would allow State employees in committed relationships regardless of gender or legality of marriage to extend healthcare benefits to their respective partners, and HB 1260, which would allow unmarried individuals to register with their respective counties as to who should be their beneficiaries and who should assist in making their “end-of-life” decisions. If the politicians are Democrats, all of whom appear to be on board, then they should be thanked for their support; if the politicians are Republicans, then they should be asked to come on board with these issues.


As part of this email, you will find an update regarding Federal issues specific to our community including the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill, the Employee Non-Discrimination Act, and the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The update will clearly define these issues. What we need is for all of you to contact your respective Representatives and our two Senators to request that all of them become original co-sponsors of the bills relative to our issues.


Also this past weekend, I had occasion to chat briefly with Rep Diana de Gette. I expressed our appreciation for her continued support of our issues and discussed what was currently on the table. She reminded me that the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy is actually the result of an executive order, so, hopefully, President Obama will negate it with the stroke of his almighty pen. Then we will need him, or Congress, to order the military to remove from its personnel policy the “exclusion of gays and lesbians” from the military. She also reminded me, as I was already aware, that last session she had been the “whip” for Rep Tammy Baldwin’s ill-fated attempt to re-introduce the inclusion of gender identity and expression into ENDA. We had an interesting discussion as to why this attempt failed, even though she and Tammy had felt that they had originally had the votes necessary to pass an inclusive ENDA.


I hope that all of you are finding effective ways to survive this incredible downturn of the American (and world) economy. Let us hope, as I am confident will happen, that President Obama and the Democratic-led Congress, will effectively and expeditiously lead us out of this quagmire. I look forward to seeing all of you at our Annual Meeting in May (details to follow)…Jeffrey Shaw, Chairman, Colorado Stonewall Democrats:


Dear Colleagues for a United ENDA:

Greetings from the Nation’s Capitol. Since our last update, many of us had an amazing opportunity to get together and talk about an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) at the Creating Change conference held last month in Denver, Colorado. We see such incredible momentum for positive change around the country and in Washington. It was wonderful to see so many friends and colleagues and to talk about our ability to make a difference. So much work is being done across the country to build towards passage of an inclusive ENDA, and that is exactly what is needed. Please take the lead in congressional districts in your state.

Positive Signals from Congressman Frank on Inclusive ENDA

In a recent interview with the Washington Blade, Congressman Barney Frank (D- Mass. 4), acknowledged the fantastic work being done to advance the work of an inclusive ENDA at the grassroots level, noting “the various coalitions” and the fact that “transgender groups are doing what wasn’t done previously, which is lobbying member by member.”

For the full article visit : http://www.washblade.com/2009/1-23/news/national/13969.cfm

The January 12, 2009 edition of The New Yorker featured a profile called “Barney’s Great Adventure,” which said “Frank is uncharacteristically hopeful about the future, including gay rights. Then it quoted Congressman Frank saying: ‘We’re going to do three things in Congress… First, a hate crimes bill-that shouldn’t be too hard. Next we move on to employment discrimination. We almost got that through before, but now we can win even if we add transgender protections, which we are going to do. And finally, after the troops get home from Iraq, gays in the military. The time has come.”

Your efforts make a huge difference on Capitol Hill. Keep up the good work!

White House Supports Fully Inclusive ENDA

What a change on Inauguration Day! When President Obama took office, the LGBT civil rights agenda that had been at change.gov was quickly uploaded to whitehouse.gov.

Right there, for the world to see, is this priority:

Combat Employment Discrimination: President Obama and Vice President Biden will work to …pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

The new President is not just on board with a plan to protect the entire LGBT community in the workplace, his Administration is leading the way. Let’s put this bill on President Obama’s desk to be signed, shall we?


Grassroots Call to Action

As we move toward the introduction of ENDA in this 111th Congress, we need to build momentum from the grassroots, as well as keep the lobbying effort strong in Washington. On every front, we must convey to Congress and the White House our community’s strong commitment to passage of a bill that covers both sexual orientation and gender identity. Please use the tools available at unitedenda.org to call and set up meetings with your U.S. representative and senators today, and take a diverse team from your district with you. We need every one of us, as organizations and as individuals, to ramp up efforts in every congressional district. Do not wait to be asked, please contact your senators and representatives today!

More Detail On Inclusive ENDA Activities At The Creating Change Conference

For those who want to know what you missed at the Creating Change conference there was a day-long institute called “It’s Time to Pass an Inclusive ENDA;” a workshop “ENDA for All,” and a United ENDA coalition organizing meeting for those able to make it. Both returning and new activists committed to passage of an inclusive ENDA had a chance to get the latest news from Washington, brush up on new skills, reestablish ties with other coalition allies, and recommit to this important work.

If we are reaching you for the first time with this update because your organization joined the United ENDA Coalition in Denver, we welcome you.

Let Us Know About Your Key Efforts

If you have information that you believe should be included in this monthly update, please send it our way. And please let us know if contacts for your organization change, so we are sending updates and alerts to those who need them.

In deep appreciation for all that are doing to ensure that an inclusive ENDA becomes law, we remain,

Yours in solidarity,



United ENDA Steering Committee Co-Chairs
Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund
Mara Keisling, Executive Director, National Center for Transgender Equality

Monday, March 9, 2009

Important news from the Colorado Stonewall Dems


The following is a letter from the Matthew Duckett, communications director of the Colorado Stonewall Democrats. There's a lot of important information following the jump so be sure to check it out and do your part to support the politicians that support Colorado's GLBT community:

I'm writing you to keep you up to date on issues affecting the LGBT community here in Colorado and in the nation. There is information here on Hate crimes, HB1260 and SB88.

A battle appears to be beginning in Congress over hate crimes. Two years ago, the House and the Senate both passed this bill. If George W. Bush had not vetoed that important bill, it probably would be law today. Providing a vital piece of protective legislation against the crimes of hate upon persons within the LGBT community.

Now, here in 2009, we have a chance to finally get this bill signed into law. We encourage you to call, write and visit your US Representative and your US Senators encouraging them to stand beside us in this time of need.

More after the jump.

Things to mention:

Bias Motivated Crime Laws sends a Message

...Bias Motivated crimes are not like any other crime, they are intended to create fear and terrorize a target group. Bias motivated crime LAWS send a clear message to victims, perpetrators, and law enforcement officials that crime motivated by bigotry and hatred will not be tolerated.

Anti-LGBT Violence is Widespread

...In 2007, information on 1,195 incidents in which the perpetrators’ motivating factor was the victims’ actual or perceived sexual orientation an 18% increase in such incidents from the FBI's 2005 report.

...Additionally, 2007 had the third highest murder rate in the past 10 years that the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has been compiling the Hate Violence Report with murders more than doubling (from 10 in 2006 to 21 in 2007).

Bias Motivated Crime Laws Aid Law Enforcement

...Bias motivated crimes laws enable law enforcement to investigate low-level crimes, such a graffiti, property damage and harassment, and give an enhanced penalty. low level crimes that go unaddressed or unpunished can turn into more violent crimes.

...Bias motivated crimes laws also help law to develop training and other effective strategies for prevention and intervention.


Bias Motivated crimes laws Punish Crime, Not Speech

...A federal law can be drafted similar to Colorado's so as not to abridge freedom of speech as guaranteed in the 1st amendment. Bias motivated crime laws do not punish speech, bu rather activity that is already defined as criminal. Bias motivated speech that is not accompanied by criminal activity is not punishable.



***

Update on HB 1260

HB 1260, the Designated Beneficiaries bill. The bill has passed through the house and now moves on to the senate.

Please take a moment to thank the representatives who voted in favor of this bill. The legislators who supported the bill are listed below (if you don’t know who your representative is, go to www.votesmart.org).

Contact your representative and thank them for supporting the designated beneficiaries bill, which will:

· Provide a low-cost, convenient mechanism for Coloradans to choose the person to take care of them in medical emergencies and provide for them in the event of their death.

· Will protect people who take responsibility for their affairs by utilizing this new, accessible, convenient, and affordable tool.

The bill is scheduled to be heard before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday March 16th. We will keep you informed as things move forward.

Call or e-mail now!

Thank the representatives who voted in favor of HB 1260:

Rep. Dennis Apuan
D- Dist. 17
303-866-3069
dennis.apuan.house@state.co.us

Rep. Debbie Benefield
D- Dist. 29
303-866-2950
debbie.benefield.house@state.co.us

Rep. Terrance Carroll
D- Dist. 7
303-866-2346
terrance.carroll.house@state.co.us

Rep. Edward Casso
D- Dist. 32
303-866-2964
edward.casso.house@state.co.us

Rep. Lois Court
D- Dist. 6
303-866-2967
lois.court.house@state.co.us

Rep. Kathleen Curry
D- Dist. 61
303-866-2945
kathleen.curry.house@state.co.us

Rep. Mark Ferrandino
D- Dist. 2
303-866-2911
mark.ferrandino.house@state.co.us

Rep. Randy Fischer
D- Dist. 53
303-866-2917
randy.fischer.house@state.co.us

Rep. K. Jerry Frangas
D- Dist. 4
303-866-2954
kjerryfrangas@earthlink.net

Rep. Sara Gagliardi
D- Dist. 27
303-866-2962
sara.gagliardi.house@state.co.us

Rep. Cheri Gerou
R- Dist. 25
303-866-2582
cheri.gerou.house@state.co.us

Rep. Gwyn Green
D- Dist. 23
303-866-2951
gwyn.green.house@state.co.us

Rep. Dickey Lee Hullinghorst
D- Dist. 10
303-866-2915
dl.hullinghorst.house@state.co.us

Rep. Joel Judd
D- Dist. 5
303-866-2925
joel.judd.house@state.co.us

Rep. John Kefalas
D- Dist. 52
303-866-4569
john.kefalas.house@state.co.us

Rep. Andy Kerr
D- Dist 26
303-866-2923
andy.kerr.house@state.co.us

Rep. Jeanne Labuda
D- Dist. 1
303-866-2966
jeanne.labuda.house@state.co.us

Rep. Claire Levy
D- Dist 13
303-866-2578
claire.levy.house@state.co.us

Rep. Don Marostica
R- Dist. 51
303-866-2947
don.marostica.house@state.co.us

Rep. Tom Massey
R- Dist. 60
303-866-2747
tom.massey.house@state.co.us

Rep. Beth McCann
D- Dist. 8
303-866-2959
beth.mccann.house@state.co.us

Rep. Buffie McFadyen
D- Dist. 47
303-866-2905
mcfadyen2002@hotmail..com

Rep. Anne McGihon
D- Dist. 3
303-866-2921
anne.mcgihon.house@state.co.us

Rep. Michael Merrifield
D- Dist. 18
303-866-2932
michael.merrifield.house@state.co.us

Rep. Karen Middleton
D- Dist. 42
303-866-3911
karen.middleton.house@state.co.us

Rep. Joe Miklosi
D- Dist. 9
303-866-2910
joe.miklosi.house@state.co.us

Rep. Sal Pace
D- Dist. 46
303-866-2968
sal.pace.house@state.co.us

Rep. Cherilyn Peniston
D- Dist. 35
303-866-2843
cherilyn.peniston.house@state.co.us

Rep. Jack Pommer
D- Dist. 11
303-866-2780
jack.pommer.house@state.co.us

Rep. Dianne Primavera
D- Dist. 31
303-866-4667
dianne.primavera.house@state.co.us

Rep. Kevin Priola
R- Dist. 30
303-866-2912
kevin.priola.house@state.co.us

Rep. Joe Rice
D- Dist. 38
303-866-2953
joe.rice.house@state..co.us

Rep. Jim Riesberg
D- Dist. 50
303-866-2929
jim.riesberg.house@state.co.us

Rep. Ellen Roberts
R- Dist. 59
303-866-2914
ellen.roberts.house@state.co.us

Rep. Su Ryden
D- Dist. 36
303-866-2942
su.ryden.house@state..co.us

Rep. Christine Scanlon
D- Dist. 56
303-866-2952
christine.scanlon.house@state.co.us

Rep. Sue Schafer
D- Dist. 24
303-866-5522
sue.schafer.house@state.co.us

Rep. Judy Solano
D- Dist. 31
303-866-2918
judy.solano.house@state.co.us

Rep. Nancy Todd
D- Dist. 41
303-866-2919
nancy.todd.house@state.co.us

Rep. Edward Vigil
D- Dist. 62
303-866-2916
edward.vigil.house@state.co.us

Rep. Paul Weissmann
D- Dist. 12
303-866-2348
paul.weissmann.house@state.co.us


***

Update on SB88 Extending Heathcare benefits to Same Sex partners of Colorado State Employees

This bill passed in the Senate and was Introduced in the House - Assigned to State, Veterans, & Military Affairs. It is scheduled to be heard Tuesday, March 10.


Please take a moment to thank the Senators who voted in favor of this bill. The legislators who supported the bill are listed below (if you don’t know who your representative is, go to www.votesmart.org)..



Senator Bacon Y
Senator Hodge Y
Senator Morse Y
Senator Shaffer B. Y
Senator Boyd Y
Senator Hudak Y
Senator Newell Y
Senator Isgar Y
Senator Tapia Y
Senator Keller Y
Senator Carroll M. Y
Senator Kester Y
Senator Romer Y
Senator Veiga Y
Senator Foster Y
Senator Sandoval Y
Senator White Y
Senator Gibbs Y
Senator Williams Y
Senator Groff Y
Senator Heath Y
Senator Schwartz Y


Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Two for one Stonewall Dems memberships

As February is the month of Valentines and in honor of several legislative initiatives moving forward in the Colorado State Legislature to make the lives of GLBT community better, the Colorado Stonewall Democrats are offering a special rate- two memberships for only $50.

You can give a special someone (or just a friend) a piece of Stonewall!

To designate your second person email the following to issues@stonewalldems.org

Your name
Their First Name
Their Last Name
Their Address
Their City
Their State
Their ZIP Code
Their Email

Its just that easy!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Stonewall Dems speak out about Raymond Buckley

Today, the Stonewall Democrats congratulated board member and New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair, the Hon. Raymond Buckley, upon his election as President of the Association of State Democratic Chairs. With his election, Buckley also becomes a Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee and the highest-ranking openly-gay official within the national Democratic party. Elected with an overwhelming 72% of the vote, Buckley will serve as ASDC President for the next two years.

"The election of Raymond Buckley elevates another strong voice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans within the Democratic Party," said Jon Hoadley, Executive Director of the Stonewall Democrats. "Democrats from across our country elected Raymond because he will work tirelessly to strengthen state Democratic parties, the backbone of grassroots politics. Because Stonewall Democrats has always believed in grassroots politics, we believe in President Buckley's leadership. President Buckley has been an driving force behind increasing support for issues of equality among state Democratic parties and his election as President will only enhance that record."

With his election as President of the ASDC, Buckley also becomes a Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The five Vice Chairs of the DNC greatly influence party policy and direction. Each Vice Chair ranks only second to the Democratic National Committee Chair. As the first openly-gay Vice Chair of a political party, Buckley becomes the highest ranking openly-gay party officer in national history.

"Stonewall Democrats has proven a great resource to our state parties," said Raymond Buckley. "I'm thankful for their early and enthusiastic support for my candidacy in this competitive race. I'm looking forward to deepening the partnerships between state parties and LGBT Democrats as we move towards additional Democratic victories over the next two years."

The Association of State Democratic Chairs (ASDC) is the national body of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of state Democratic parties in 56 state and territories. The ASDC influences the priorities and policy of both the national and state Democratic parties. Buckley is the first openly-gay president of the organization, after previously serving as its vice president for six years.

The election of Raymond Buckley follows on the heels of the announcement that Andrew Tobias would continue serving as Treasurer of the DNC. Mr. Tobias was recently honored by a coalition of LGBT organizations for his outstanding service at the Democratic National Committee.

Raymond Buckley is currently the only openly-gay chair of a state Democratic party. As Chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party Buckley was a familiar face with Democratic presidential candidates as they campaigned in the New Hampshire Democratic Party primary. In his role as New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair, Buckley is also a Member of the Democratic National Committee where he has been elected both Chair of the Eastern Region Caucus and a Member of the DNC Executive Committee.

Buckley has served on the Board of Directors for National Stonewall Democrats for the past eight years. Prior to his election as New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Buckley served for 18 years in the New Hampshire legislature. Under his chairmanship in New Hampshire, Buckley has led his state party to record level of Democratic gains on the local, state and federal level. At the same time, Buckley also moved the New Hampshire Democratic Party to become on of the most aggressive advocates for issues of equality, including the freedom to marry. That strategy has helped New Hampshire demonstrate how the combination of smart politics and pro-equality policy can lead Democrats to victory.

The Association of State Democratic Chairs was an influential partner in the DNC's "50 State Strategy" program. The ASDC worked closely with Stonewall Democrats and its "Pride in the Party" program in 2008. That program increased the participation of LGBT Democrats within state parties, including a record increase in LGBT Democrats elected to party office and as delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

The officers elected today for the Association for State Democratic Chairs were Raymond Buckley (President), Cordeilia Lewis-Burks of Indiana (Secretary) and Teresa Krusor of Kansas (Treasurer). Four Vice-Presidents of the ASDC were elected by region. They were Karen Thurman of Florida (Southern), Deb Kozikowski of Massachusetts (Eastern), Dan Parker of Indiana (Midwestern), and Meredith Wood Smith of Oregon (Western).

National Stonewall Democrats is the national voice of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. Stonewall Democrats works to elect more pro-equality Democrats regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity - and to improve the Democratic Party on issues important to LGBT Democrats.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Colorado Stonewall Dems Inauguration Party

The Colorado Stonewall Dems (gay Democrats for those of you who didn't know) invite you to an Inauguration Party.

They are gathering to witness the swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday, January 20 at The Compound.

The event will be going on all day but the real festivities start at 7 p.m. followed by food and dancing.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Stonewall general membership meeting

On October 23, the Colorado Stonewall Democrats will have a general membership meeting and you are welcome to come join in or just sit back and check things out. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at Colorado Democratic Party HQ, 777 Santa Fe Drive in Denver.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Colorado Stonewall Democrat endorsements

Colorado Stonewall Democrats (CSD) today released its final round of candidate endorsements. The list includes:

US Congress
Rep. Diana DeGette Congressional District 1
Besty Markey Congressional District 4

Colorado State House
Rep. Jeanne Labuda House District 1
Joe Miklosi House District 9
Dickey Lee Hullinghorst House District 10

Important dates:

October 20th
Early Voting begins

October 28th
Last day to Apply for mail-in ballot if it is to be mailed to voter

November 4th ELECTION DAY
Polls open 7 am to 7 pm
All mail-in ballots in by 7pm

Fundraisers:

Joe Rice House District 38th
"Our next fundraiser will be on Sunday, October 19th at 6pm at the home of Dr. Lynn Parry" Please call Nicki Van Veen 720-298-5307

Debates:

Presidential:

October 15th at 7pm MDT (domestic and economic policy)

Senate:

On Thursday, October 16th, please join Mark Udall and other Udall supporters for a pre-debate rally at the Channel 7 Studio in Denver. Channel 7 Debate and Rally Thursday, October 16th at 11:00 AM. RSVP and info at http://www.markudall.com/Channel7Debate

Debate watch party:

*** SPECIAL GUEST JUST ANNOUNCED, Kwamae Spearman,
from Mark Udall's Staff and JARED POLIS will be Speaking.!!
Register here soon as space is limited to this event and it is filling up quickly!
Watch the Final Debate at JR's Bar and Grill with OBAMA supporters. Find out what you can do to help the Obama/Biden ticket win Colorado with only 20 days till the November 4th election. http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs5m9j

Amendment recomendations:
During the general membership meeting we voted to support the following ammendments in accordance with the Colorado State Democratic party platform.

Vote NO on Amendment 46: Prohibition on Discrimination and Preferential Treatment by Colorado Governments
"There shall be no new amendement to the Constitution that infringes on, limits, denies, or circumvents the equal rights or cival rights of citizens." (page 4)
"We support the Employment Employment Non-discrimination Act and Affirmative Action programs that have helped to ensure diversity and equal access to education and economic opportunity by ensuring that all workers will recieve equal pay for work that is comparable in terms of skill, effort, responsiblity, regardless of gender; race; age; disablity; ethnicity; sexual orientation; or religious affiliation" (page 12)

Vote NO on Amendment 47: Prohibition on Certain Conditions of Employment
"We oppose the so called "Right to Work" ballot measure, which would restrict worker's rights to organize and collectively bargain for fair wages and working conditions" (page 12)

Vote NO on Amendment 48: Definition of Person
'We support a woman's right to choose, and strongly oppose the overturning of Rove v. Wade. Reproductive choise is a private matter between a woman and her doctor. It is not the province of any other person, private entity, or the government. Democrats oppose any legislation or initiative that would restrict a woman's right of access to abortion" (page 4)

Vote NO on Amendment 49: Limitation on Public Payroll Deductions
"We oppose any measure that limits public employee's right to participate in a labor union including any measure that limits the deduction of dues and political contributiosn from employee paychecks" (page 12)
"We support the right of workers to pay union and professional membership dues through payroll deductions" (page 12)

Vote Yes on Amendment 50: Limited Gaming
"We support stable education funding that will bring Colorado up to the national funding average. We call on the legislature to maximize education funding through reexamination of state funding limits; fund from severage tax increases; and creative uses of and innovative ways to increase, the revenues generated by the School Trust Lands, While also protecting the environment." (page 8)
"We believe that higher education must be funded at a level that allows it to maintain excellence in its mission" (page 9)

Vote Yes on Amendment 58: Severance Tax
"We support the closing of excessive loopholes and government incentives given to large corporations. Government subsides should only be used to promote the public good" (page 14)
"We call for the elimination of all subsides for fossil fules and for nuclear power" (page 15)

Vote Yes On Amendment 59: Education Funding
"We request simplification of the tax code and revocation of the Tabor amendment." (Page 14)
"We support stable education funding that will bring Colorado up to the national funding average. We call on the legislature to maximize education funding through reexamination of state funding limits; fund from severage tax increases; and creative uses of and innovative ways to increase, the revenues generated by the School Trust Lands, While also protecting the environment." (page 8)
"We believe that higher education must be funded at a level that allows it to maintain excellence in its mission" (page 9)

See all descriptions, summery and analysis at www.coloradobluebook.com.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Colorado Stonewall Democrats bits 'n pieces

In anticipation of tonight's second presidential debate, the Colorado Stonewall Democrats have sent out a reminder and some information on some upcoming dates.



Endorsements:
Stonewall Dems are finalizing their last round of endorsements and will be sending this out within a few days.

Important dates:
OCT 6th (yes, today!)
Last day to: Registar to Vote

October 20th
Early Voting begins

October 29th
Last day to Apply for mail-in ballot if it is to be mailed to voter

November 4th ELECTION DAY
Polls open 7 am to 7 pm
All mail-in ballots in by 7pm

Presidential Debates:
October 7th at 7pm MDT (Town hall style)
October 15th at 7pm MDT (domestic and economic policy)

Invite reminder:
You are invited to make a real difference in the lives of LGBTQ Americans by joining Jim Baily, Marie Banich & Laura Edwards, Marsha Bressack & Robin Leventhal, Keith Brown & Ramon Diaz, Andrew Burwick & Casey Gallagher, Robyn Chauvin, Alex Christianian, Bonnie & Wilson Crumpacker, Chris Doran, State Representative Mark Ferrandino, Kaye Howe, Eric Karnes, Timothy Leifield, Sonya Jaquez Lewis, Noel Maye & Bob Morehouse, Mike Mills & Dave Ensign, Eugene Pearson, Carolyn Powell, Ronica Roth & Amy Zuckerman, Dorothy Rupert, Cindy Schmidt, Dominick Sekich, Gus Spheeris, Alice Swett & Libby Neumann, Michele & Bob Wells, Babes Around Denver, and The Colorado Stonewall Democrats in supporting Betsy Markey, Democratic Candidate for Colorado’s 4th District Tuesday, October 7, 2008 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the North Boulder Recreation Center 3170 Broadway in Boulder.

Larger contributions also welcome and appreciated up to the legal maximum of $2,300.

Suggested Donation: $100

Minimum Request: $50


To RSVP, please call Brad Francis at 970-221-1473 or email brad@markeyforcongress.com.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

An interview with Jon Hoadley of National Stonewall Dems

Jon Hoadley, executive director of the National Stonewall Dems, was kind enough to comment a recent posting of mine.

Thanks for that and thanks for all you and the Stonewall Dems do.

Click here to check out a cool interview with Mr. Hoadley on www.BuyingofthePresident.org.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Stonewall Dems respond to Palin's sexual orientation statements

Yesterday, the National Stonewall Democrats issued the following statement in response to statements from Governor Sarah Palin that sexual orientation is a choice:

"John McCain chose a poor running mate, but he did not choose his sexual orientation. This is another example of why we need a pro-equality President like Barack Obama in the White House. For Governor Palin to suggest that individuals randomly choose their sexual orientation based on nothing but a whim is wrong and it repeats the talking points of the anti-gay special interests which continue to control the McCain/Palin campaign and the Republican Party. "
- Jon Hoadley, Executive Director

Governor Palin asserted that sexual orientation is a choice - a fact disputed by the majority of the scientific community - in a response to a question posed by Katie Couric of CBS News. Couric asked Palin to comment on her views regarding sexual orientation in light of revelations that Governor Palin's church continues to promote harmful "converstion therapy" for gay Americans.

Palin responsed: "But what you’re talking about, I think, value here, what my position is on homosexuality and you can pray it away, because I think that was the title that was listed on that bulletin. And you know, I don’t know what prayers are worthy of being prayed. I don’t know what prayers are going to be asked and answered. But as for homosexuality, I am not going to judge Americans and the decisions that they make in their adult personal relationships. I have one of my absolute best friends for the last 30 years happens to be gay, and I love her dearly. And she is not my "gay friend," she is one of my best friends, who happens to have made a choice that isn’t a choice I would have made. But I am not going to judge people."
CBS News released the interview portion quoted above late Tuesday evening.

A PATTERN OF DISCRIMINATION

- As Governor, Palin currently supports the efforts of radical activists to strip Alaska residents - specifically state workers - of the most basic domestic partner benefits.

- It was only when the Alaska Attorney General warned Palin that the Republican position of stripping domestic partnership benefits was unconstitutional (in light of a recent Alaska Supreme Court ruling) that Palin reluctantly vetoed legislation that would have defied the court ruling. Palin quickly moved on to support an alternate strategy to strip domestic partner benefits by placing an anti-equality amendment onto the state ballot.

- When Alaska had the opportunity to extend the freedom to marry to all Alaskan couples, Palin joined with radical efforts to scapegoat same-sex couples in order to scare voters on this issue. In 1998, Palin championed a constitutional amendment that deeply discriminated against same-sex couples in the Alaska constitution. The passage of this amendment, with the full support of Palin, kicked-off a wave of discrimination by encouraging Republicans and radical activists in other states to place similar measures on state ballots for the next decade to come.

An Anti-Equality Advocate from Day One
- The FIRST piece of legislation signed by Governor Palin was done at the request of radical, anti-LGBT groups.

- Palin squandered over $1.2 million of taxpayer money to place an anti-LGBT "vanity" vote before voters at the request of radical anti-LGBT activists - including Focus on the Family, the Concerned Women of America and the Family Research Council. The ballot language asked voters if they supported Republican efforts to strip existing benefits for LGBT state employees. As a non-biding initiative, the measure had no influence on Alaska law. As the only question on the ballot, Palin willingly wasted over $1.2 million in state money to promote the talking points of anti-LGBT activists.

MCCAIN/PALIN: A TICKET SQUARELY AGAINST EQUALITY

- The McCain/Palin ticket SUPPORTS anti-marriage amendments pending before voters in Arizona, California and Florida. In fact, when asked by the Family Research Council to star in an anti-LGBT ad in 2006, Senator McCain said yes. When Arizona voters rejected his pleas by defeating the initiative, Senator McCain again offered his name to efforts to once again place an initiative on the Arizona ballot in 2008.

- The McCain/Palin ticket OPPOSES the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

- The McCain/Palin ticket OPPOSES federal hate crimes legislation.

- The McCain/Palin ticket OPPOSES the Uniting American Families Act, which would unite families headed by same-sex couples where one spouse is an American citizen.

- The McCain/Palin ticket OPPOSES the repeal of the failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy which has dismissed over 12,500 servicemembers. At a time when our military asks Americans for their service, the McCain/Palin ticket believes that millions of Americans should be barred from offering their patriotism simply because of who they are.

National Stonewall Democrats is the national voice of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. Stonewall Democrats works to elect more pro-equality Democrats regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity - and to improve the Democratic Party on issues important to LGBT Democrats.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Most important election ever?


From Matthew Duckett, Communications Director for Colorado Stonewall Democrats:

You ever notice that it always seems that EVERY election cycle people are saying "This is the most important election...ever"? Though a cliche, it is hard to argue that the stakes of this election have never been so great. I know I certainly felt that way during 2006 and our fight for Ref I. I personally phonebanked and walked door to door to try and get it passed. It was a heartbreaking loss, but what was worse was the thought that maybe, just maybe if I had worked another hour or knocked on a few more doors, It could have made the difference.

Don't let that happen to you this year!

I'm writing to ask you to join me, this year in making a difference. Will you please take the time out of your very busy schedule and find a campaign, grab a friend or two (any Democratic campaign will do!) and volunteer your time. It's a rewarding experiance that you will long remember. When we look back on November 5th and we have swept Democratic candidates into the White House, Senate, US House of Representatives, Colorado State Legistlature and all down ticket offices, we can say together "We did this!".

This election will be hard fought and we have so much yet to do, but with your help we can get there together. During the election cycle Colorado Stonewall Democrats will be attempting to keep you up to date with campaign information, fundraisers, our endorsements and other issues.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Stonewall Dems meet to discuss important stuff

The Colorado Stonewall Democrats will have a general membership meeting to review the recommendations of the executive committee and discuss endorsements for the 2008 election cycle and to discuss campaign involvement and other important upcoming events on September 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Colorado Democratic Party HQ at 777 Santa Fe Drive in Denver.

What do Barack Obama, Jared Polis and Mark Ferrandino have in common?

The Colorado Stonewall Democrats (CSD) today released its first round of endorsements of the 2008 election cycle and Barack Obama, Jared Polis and Mark Ferrandino are all on the list.

After the historic National Democratic Convention held in the Mile High City the Colorado Stonewall Democrats proudly endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States as the best candidate in this presidential race looking out for LGBT Americans. From hate crimes legislation to an inclusive ENDA and from HIV prevention to Gays in the Military, Senator Obama is on the right side of the issues. As demonstrated during Senator Obama’s acceptance speech at Mile High he, like millions of fair minded Americans believes that we can rise to our greater natures and find respect and a place at the table for LGBT Americans.

Additionally Colorado Stonewall Democrats are excited to endorse two of their own Stonewall members, Jared Polis and Representative Mark Ferrandino.

Jared Polis, running in CD 2, will demonstrate how far Colorado has come in little over a decade, by being the first openly gay man to serve from the state of Colorado in the US Congress. Joining such out and proud national leaders as Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin. He demostrates a keen knowledge of the issues of today such as net neutrality.

Representative Mark Ferrandino, serving HD 2, is co-chair emeritus of Colorado Stonewall Democrats and former Colorado State Party treasurer. During his term, he took on payday loans and supported SB 200.

Unlike most Stonewall groups around the country, CSD is a part of the state Democratic Party and could not endorse any candidates who were running in a primary until after that primary was over.

The Colorado Stonewall Dems is the LGBT initiative within the CO Democratic Party. The Colorado Stonewall Democrats engage and educate the Democratic Party and the LGBT community as advocates for equality through the political process.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Boulder PrideFest: Colorado Stonewall Democrats

Colorodo Stonewall Democrats will be joining in the festivites of the 2008 Pridefest Block Party held in wonderful Boulder Colorado on September 13th. The Pridefest Block Party is held on Pearl Street in front of the court house. Stop by their booth for some information about all the politically interesting things the Stonewall Dems have going on.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Kathleen Sebelius and Deval Patrick Headline Stonewall Democrats Convention


The Stonewall Democrats have announced that Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick will help highlight the Stonewall Democrats National Convention in Denver this week.

Governor Sebelius will be the first speaker at Stonewall's national dinner at the Denver Renaissance Hotel on Saturday evening. The next morning, Governor Patrick will speak to members at a Sunday brunch. Sebelius and Patrick join an exciting lineup of speakers which include Judy Shepard, Keith Boykin, Donna Rose, Danny O'Donnell, New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Raymond Buckley at others.

To reserve a free ticket to hear Gov. Sebelius on Saturday night at 6:30 p.m., click here.