Daily Beast: Meet The New Members of Congress!

 

 

The Daily Beast has done a complete layout and background on the new Freshman Class in the United States Congress. You can see all of them on one page and then click to get more details. What an interesting and diverse class this year which include four new LGBT American Congresspeople.

The fantastic chart has cute little tidbits about each new member's claim to fame. Here are a few examples:

Congressman Eric Swalwell (D- CA) (Above): He used to hand out towels in the U.S. Capital Gym!

Beto O'Rourke (D- TX): Used to be a member of a heavy metal band called Foss and was arrested burglary and drunk driving.

Markwayne Mullin (R-OK): He is the youngest of seven children and took over the family plumbing business after high school.

Patrick Murphy (D- FL)(above): He is the youngest member of the House of Representatives at the age of 29 years old. He defeated Alan West! Murphy was a vet of the first Iraq War.

Roger Williams (R-TX): He was a baseball player on the Atlanta Braves farm team for four years and then returned home to sell used cars.

Tom Cotton (R- AR) (above): One of the few actually to serve in Afghanistan. He joined the serrvice after 9/11.

Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI): She will be the first American- Samoan and the first Hindu elected to Congress.

Log Cabin Republicans: Show Us The Money

 

 

The Log Cabin Republicans has run a second full page ad attacking former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel. They said it shows his complete record but alas it leaves off the fact that when he was Senator from Nebraska he was one of the very few Republicans to oppose an amendment to the United States Constitution banning marriage equality! The omission is not surprising since the purpose of the ads is to complete someone's else's agenda and not a thoughtful reflection on Senator Hagel's positions.

The Log Cabin Republicans has an obligation to 'show us the money' and who is financing these ads. Right now their campaign again Hagel has to run into the mid-six figures. Color me shocked that they have those kinds of funds in their bank account to run these ads. After all, I don't remember them running full pages ads in the four states where we fought for marriage equality.

Actually, I remember them strongly supporting Mitt Romney who had the worse record possible on LGBT rights.

Can't help but wonder if their funds wouldn't be better spent running a full page ad asking the House Republicans to cease and desist from financing the opposition in the legal battle for DOMA. Or maybe the Log Cabin Republicans can take all their newly discovered wealth and pay for full page ads demanding the Republicans support a trans-inclusive ENDA. Surely we would welcome them using their money to pay for an ad that lists all the Republicans who now support marriage equality?

Nope, they run an ad that omits key information, says Hagel apology is not sincere enough and that this issue is the most important ever for the Log Cabin Republicans. Really, this is what we should be spending our time on? This is how we should be spending tens of thousands of dollars?

Let's be honest here. Someone is using the Log Cabin Republicans for another agenda and financing these ads. The Log Cabin Republicans in order to have credibility must show us who are financing these ads. That kind of money sure hasn't been sitting in their accounts all year long. I promise you that is a fact.

Show us the money!

What Happens To Kerry's Senate Seat When He Becomes Secretary of State?

 

 

There is little question now that Senator John Kerry will be easily confirmed by the United States Senate and take his place in the President's cabinet. This, of course, will leave his Senate seat vacant. Massachusetts' law has the Governor appoint his replacement until the 2014 election. The replacement is expected not to run for re-election.

Those being considered for as a replacement are both Vicki Kennedy and former Congressman Barney Frank. Vicki Kennedy would be a sentimental and popular caretaker of the seat. The appointment of Frank would in one year put two LGBT Americans in the United States Senate. He would join just elected Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin. Frank's appointment would certainly make history.

Already for the race for the full time position in 2014, the field is sorting itself out. The late Senator Kennedy's son, Ted Kennedy, Jr. has announced he will not seek the seat. In addition, Massachusetts' Attorney General Martha Coakley and former candidate for Senate also has indicated she will not seek the seat. Vicki Kennedy has made clear that she has no interest in running for the full term.

Political commentators believe that Governor Duval Patrick could seek the seat when his term for Governor is over. Patrick is very popular in the Bay State and could stop Scott Brown from regaining a place in the Senate

Senator Claire McCaskill's Brilliant Campaign Ad Against Todd Akin

The War Against Tammy Baldwin

 

 

The effort to stop Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin from becoming the first open member of the United States Senate in history has become an obsession for Republicans. The thought that an open lesbian could actually sit in that august body drives them nuts. So the Super PAC's, religious right and Republican Party have launched a war on Baldwin's race for the Senate.

The right-wing establishment thought they had a sure bet when Washington insider former Governor Tommy Thompson won the Republican nomination. Turns out the man doesn't even know how many homes he owns! So now that establishment is resorting to the most scandalous of attacks.

Why? Because for the last month, Congresswoman Baldwin has held a lead of anywhere from 1% to 6% depending on the poll. With the tens of million dollars that Karl Rove's and other Super PACS are sending into the state, Baldwin is holding on for dear life.

(Support Tammy by clicking here)

Here is just an example from the Huffington Post of the kind of hate they are peddling in Wisconsin.

"Tammy Baldwin, her whole record is anti-Israel," Thompson said at a press conference in Wauwatosa, Wis. on Sunday. "She voted for the first time for the sanctions three months ago because she knew she was running for the U.S. Senate. That is the lamest excuse I've ever heard."

"She's anti-Israel, she's anti-Jewish and she's trying to now somehow obfuscate her views and her intentions," he added, using what Patch noted was "far stronger language" in going after Baldwin on the issue than he has previously deployed.

Baldwin spokesman John Kraus called Thompson's charge "dishonest and desperate," noting she had just spoken that morning at the Jewish Community Center in Whitefish Bay and has voted to send $35 billion in aid to Israel.

Thompson actually had to apologize to the Jewish community in 2007, when he made a comment that played into the stereotype of Jews as being overly focused on making money.

"I'm in the private sector and for the first time in my life I'm earning money. You know that's sort of part of the Jewish tradition and I do not find anything wrong with that," he said in comments to the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington D.C.

Thompson later apologized, saying he had meant his remark to be a compliment.

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) has been stepping up his fundraising for Thompson, a former governor of the state who has been a mentor to Ryan and other Wisconsin Republicans."

Ironically, it turns out that it is Thompson who has been investing in companies that are violating sanctions imposed on Iran. Guess it is alright to do business with Israel's biggest enemy as long as you make a profit off it!

Support Tammy by clicking here.

Election 2012: Today's Polls (October 11)

 

 

National:

Gallup: Obama 50%, Romney 45%

Battle Ground States

Colorado (CBS/Quinnipiac): Romney 48%, Obama 47%

Florida (UNF): Obama 49%, Romney 45%

Florida (NBC Marist): Obama 48%, Romney 47%

Michigan (Detroit News): Obama 49%, Romney 42%

Montana (Public Policy): Romney 52%, Obama 41%

Nevada (Public Policy): Obama 51%, Romney 47%

New Hampshire (WMUR): Obama 47%, Romney 41%

New Jersey (Inquirer): Obama 51%, Romney 40%

Ohio (NBC Marist): Obama 51%, Romney 45%

Ohio (Zogby): Obama 46%, Romney 42%

Pennsylvania: (Inquirer): Obama 50%, Romney 42%

Virginia (CBS/Quinnipiac): Obama 51%, Romney 46%

Virgina (NBC Marist): Romney 48%, Obama 47%

Wisconsin (CBS/Quinnipiac): Obama 50%, Romney 47%

Senate Races

Florida (NBC Marist): Bill Nelson (D) 52%, Connie Mack 39%

Maine (Pan Atlantic): King (I) 50%, Charlie Summers (R) 24%, Cynthia Dell (D) 12%

Michigan (Detroit News): Debbie Stabenow (D) 50%, Pete Hoekstra (37%)

Montana (Public Policy): Jon Tester (D) 45%, Dan Rehberg (R) 43%

Ohio (NBC Marist): Sherrod Brown (D) 52%, Josh Mandel (R) 41%

Nevada (Public Policy): Dean Heller (R) 47%, Shelley Berkley (D) 43%

Virginia (NBC Marist): Tim Kaine (D) 47%, George Allen (R) 46%

Virginia (CBS/ Quinnipiac): Tim Kaine (D), 51% George Allen (R) 44%

Wisconsin (CBS/Quinnipiac): Tammy Baldwin (D) 48%, Tommy Thompson (R) 46%

Election 2012: Today's Poll (October 9)

 

 

National Polls:

ARG: Romney 48%, Obama 47%

Gallup: Romney 49%, Obama 47%

Pew Poll: Romney 49%, Obama 45%

Public Policy: Romney 49%, Obama 47%

Rasmussen: Obama 48%, Obama 48%

Reuters/Ipsos: Obama 45%, Romney 45%

Zogby: Obama 45%, Romney 45%

Battleground State Polls:

Colorado (Rasmussen): Obama 49%, Romney 48%

Colorado (ARG): Romney 50%, Obama 46%

Iowa (Rasmussen): Obama 49%, Romney 47%

Massachusetts (MassInc): Obama 52%, Romney 36%

Michigan (Foster): Obama 49%, Romney 47%

Michigan (EPIC): Obama 48%, Romney 45%

Minnesota (Public Policy): Obama 53%, Obama 43%

North Dakota (Mason/Dixon): Romney 54%, Obama 44%

Ohio (CNN): Obama 51%, Romney 47%

Ohio (ARG): Romney 48%, Obama 47%

Ohio (Survey USA): Obama 45%, Romney 44%

Pennsylvania (Siena): Obama 43%, Romney 40%

Pennsylvania (Susquehana): Obama 47%, Romney 45%

United State Senate Polls

Connecticut (Rasmussen): Chris Murphy (D) 51%, Linda McMahon (R) 46%

Massachusetts (WBUR): Scott Brown (R) 47%, Elizabeth Warren (D) 43%

Massachusetts (W New England U): Elizabeth Warren (D) 50%, Scott Brown (R) 45%

Pennsylvania (Siena): Bob Casey (D) 44%, Tom Smith (R) 35%

South Dakota (Mason/Dixon): Heidi Heitkamp (D) 47%, Rick Berg (R) 47%

Ballot Measure Polls

Minnesota (Public Policy): For Marriage Equality 49%, Against Marriage 46%

Senator Scott Brown Gets "F" On Two Critical Votes That Affect LGBT Community

 

 

As United States Senator there are two crucial votes that you will make that will determine the future of America. One is what party you will chose to organize the United States Senate and the other is how you will vote on nominees for the United States Supreme Court. Republican Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts made clear in last night's debate he will get a failing grade on both of those crucial votes.

In that debate, Senator Brown picked the most conservative right-wing Justice in the modern history of the Supreme Court - Justice Antonin Scalia - as his kind of pick for the Supreme Court. Need we say anymore about this statement? Really, Justice Antonian Scalia who is the most vehement anti-LGBT person on the Supreme Court is Brown's choice as a good Justice? REALLY? That alone should be a reason for people to flock to the polls and vote against him!

 

Of course, he will vote to organize the United States Senate for the Republicans. What does this mean? Well, let me introduce you to some of the new Committee Chairs if the Republicans win control and who Senator Brown will vote to support!

Senator James Inofe (Oklahoma): Chair of Environment and Public Works:

He believes that climate change is nothing more than a public hoax and has written a book about that climate change is a fraud. The Senator also supports an amendment to the United States Constitution banning marriage equality.  Supports reinstatement of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" 

Senator Jeff Sessions(Alabama): Chair of Senate Budget Committee:

Would cut programs for Food Stamps, Supports reinstatement of DADT. Supports Federal Marriage Amendment to Constitutioin.  Would cut funds to most LGBT human resources and dramatic cuts in AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP).

Senator Thad Cochran (Mississippi): Chair of Senate Appropriations Committee

Would cut funds to provide supplemental nutrition for poor families (14% of American population). Supports Federal Marriage Amendment to Constitution.  Supports reinstatment of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" .  Voted to cut funds to any LGBT program in the budget. 

Senator Mike Enzi (Wyoming): Health, Education and Welfare

Voted to ban contraceptives in federal programs both domestic and international. Voted against hate crimes legislation. Support Federal Marriage Amendment to Constitution. Is leading advocate for criminal penalities for women and doctors who participate in abortions.

NYC LGBT Fundraiser To Support Senator Claire McCaskill and Oppose Todd Akin On October 2nd.

 

 

Here is your chance to stand up to the outrageous comments made by Republican Congressman Todd Akin of Missouri about 'legitimate rape'. Even with his outrageous Neanderthal statements, Akin is still very much in striking distance to unseat Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill. No longer is it enough just to be outraged by Akin's comments.

We have to open up our wallets and show support.

On October 2nd at 7:30PM, there will be an LGBT cocktail reception for Senator McCaskill at the home of Kevin Roon and Simon Yates. Hosting the event that evening will be Speaker Christine Quinn, Charles Myers, Gary Belis, Andy Tobias, Corey Johnson, Terrence Meck, Fiona Dawson and yours truly!

If you need more details you can contact Emorie Broemal at emorie@ffandcompany.com or call 202-546-5504. Better yet just go to the website and order your tickets now or make a contribution! Just click here.

This video will show you why any American can be proud of supporting Senator Claire McCaskill as well as disgusted with Congressman Akin. This is from the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" hearings. Following that is a tape of Congressman Akin on DADT.

Impressions .....by David Mixner

 

 

-In a great interview with The Advocate, Zac Efron (above) chats how pleased he is to have LGBT fans and when he first realized he had them.

-Don't forget this Thursday night is the time for New Yorkers to show their support for the marriage equality ballot measure in Maryland. Governor Martin O'Malley and a host of stars will be at the event to be held at the James Hotel. Get your tickets here.

-Speaking of Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley of Maryland, he is on a fast track seeking to be a serious contender for President in the year 2016.

-Michelangelo Signorile writes for Gay Voices about the transformation of the Democratic National Convention by President Obama.

-Departures has listed the most memorable hotel suites in the world. Make me a reservation for the Corinthia Hotel in London!

-The summer homes are mostly shuttered and the stars are returning to The Glass House Tavern. Seen at the West 47th eatery and bar within the last week were Richard Thomas, Jackie Mason, John Laroquette, Ed Asner, Judith Light (above), Robert Desiderio, photographer Josh Lehrer and a small party to say farewell to the cast of "The Best Man".

-In case you are wondering, this is the third warmest summer in our history. For Colorado and Wyoming, it was the warmest in their history. Check out where your state placed in the summer heat contest.  And if you think this hot wait until next summer!

-According to David Catanese at Politico.com, Republicans are becoming increasingly pessimistic about taking control of the United States Senate. They are hoping at least for a tie. If there is a tie, watch the power grow for West Virginia's Democrat Senator Joe Manchin who is as a Blue Dog Democrat as they come!

-Massive storms hit the East Coast this weekend as the video above captures the impact of them in Washington, D.C.  While New York City even had two tornados which is becoming an almost annual event!

-Freedom to Marry is holding "House Parties" all around the country on October 13th to raise money for the marriage equality battle. LGBT Americans will be asked to invite family and friends into their homes to share about the epic struggle for marriage equality. Find out the details on their site.

-For the first time in five months, President Obama out raised Mitt Romney in total contributions. Obama raised $114 million last month that came from a record number of donors. Look at the figures from CNN:

-Of the 1,170,000 people who donated in August, 317,954 of them were new donors who had yet to contribute to this election cycle, the Obama campaign said.

-Since April 2011, 3,142,457 people have offered their dollars to the president’s re-election efforts.

-The campaign also said 98% of contributions last month were $250 or less, with the average donation totaling $58.

-The Venice Film Festival has wrapped up and presented its prestigious Gold Lion Award to the South Korean movie Pieta. The Best Actor Award was shared by Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman (above) for The Master.

-According to Edge on the Net, the Rev. Jessie Jackson would welcome the opportunity to marry same sex couples!

-The Boston Globe has an excellent article on how the poor are hardly mentioned on the campaign trail. In America, one in six people live in total poverty.

-According to Forbes.com, Quarterback Drew Brees is the highest paid player (above) in the National Football League. The handsome jock make $49.5 both on the field and off the field. Eli Manning with the Broncos could overtake him this year. Check out the rest of the highest paid stars.

-Count conservative columnist George Will as one of the big skeptics about the Romney/Ryan economic plan. He hit the nail right on the head:

"There is uncertainty surrounding the Romney-Ryan tax cut plan, because they have not specified the deductions that will be closed," Will said. "And we know where the big money is: mortgage interest deductions, charitable deductions, taxing that's compensation, which it is, employee-provided health insurance, and state and local taxes. All of those, you either hit only the rich, in which case you don't get much money, or you hit the middle class."

-Oh thank God!!! Romney promises to leave the word 'God' on all of our money! I was worried to death about that one!

-Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin was attacked by her opponent's political director for not having 'heartland values' and linking to a video of Baldwin attending a Gay Pride event. The fun and games begin with the Republicans forgetting the issues and making personal attacks. You can contribute to Baldwin by clicking here.

-Nate Silver, columnist for the New York Times, says the numbers are there for Obama but he has to get them out to vote. If he gets an excellent turnout from his base, Obama can be a big winner. However we have to get out that vote!

-Washington United for Marriage raised $1.8 million in August alone bringing total raised so far to $7.3 million from 13,800 donors! Add you name to the donors ( I have!).

-California oldest Democratic delegate, Stephen Sherman(above), is 91 years old. He forgot his credentials and wallet when he left home to attend the Democratic National Convention. See how he made it to Charlotte.

-When you can't succeed on the issues or run a convention then resort to smears.   Former California Republican Governor Pete Wilson (who vetoed a LGBT rights bill) brought up Clinton's sex scandals at a rally for Paul Ryan. Wasn't it just a couple of days ago they were all signing Clinton's praises?

-A very moving story of a straight person who was 'defriended' on Facebook because he was happy about his gay brother's wedding.

-This video from the Minnesota marriage equality battle from two folks who are grandparents. Yvonne and Fred from Duluth, Minnesota talk about why they changed their minds.

-Joseph Vallone has written for The Huffington Post a remarkable story of "Growing Up Gay In Senegal". The plight of the LGBT community in Africa is horrifying

-Are you aware that Kenyan troops have advanced well into Somalia? Sometimes there is war and we don't even know it.

-Bloomberg Business Week reporter Sheelah Kolhatkar has a good article on how Karl Rove's PAC works.

Finally, today is September 11 and we should not ever forget 9/11/01.