CHICAGO — The Equality Illinois Political Action Committee ( PAC ) has issued its endorsements for candidates running for statewide office in Democratic and Republican primaries in the March 18, 2014, primary election.
All the endorsed statewide candidates have strong records supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( LGBT ) issues, particularly regarding the freedom to marry.
"In the last couple of weeks we have witnessed disturbing efforts by some legislators to reopen the debate over the freedom to marry. In making these endorsements we are cognizant that we must remain vigilant that our statewide officials continue to be voices of inclusion and equality throughout Illinois," said Jeremy Gottschalk, President of the Equality Illinois PAC Board of Directors. "These endorsed candidates have demonstrated their ongoing support for LGBT issues, including the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act."
The Equality Illinois Political Action Committee is a statewide PAC focused on LGBT issues.
"As we make these statewide endorsements for candidates in both parties, it is disappointing that not one of the four Republican candidates for governor—especially those who worked with us in the past—supports the freedom to marry," Gottschalk said. "All four are reading from the same worn-out script that should be ancient history in Illinois by now."
EQUALITY ILLINOIS PAC ENDORSED CANDIDATES IN STATEWIDE PRIMARIES:
For Governor:
Pat Quinn ( Democrat )
For Attorney General:
Lisa Madigan ( Democrat )
For Secretary of State:
Jesse White ( Democrat )
For Treasurer:
Michael Frerichs ( Democrat ); Tom Cross ( Republican )
For Comptroller:
Sheila Simon ( Democrat ); Judy Baar Topinka ( Republican )
Endorsements were based on answers to Equality Illinois PAC's endorsement questionnaire, personal interviews, community input, and, where applicable, incumbent candidates' voting records on LGBT issues.