Several states held primaries June 5—but the biggest item involved a do-over of sorts in the Midwest.
In Wisconsin, Republican Gov. Scott Walker won his recall election over Democrat Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett 53 percent to 46 percent. In so doing, Walker became the first U.S. governor in history to survive a recall. Two years ago, Walker defeated Barrett 52 percent to 46 percent.
According to CNN, a recall drive was launched after Walker signed a bill in March of last year that removed collective-bargaining rights from public employee unions.
Walker has a history of anti-gay activity. In 2011, he attempted to stop the state from defending a law that allowed hospital visitation for same-sex couples, according to Newser.
Also in Wisconsin, lesbian U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin recently turned in her nomination signatures to the state's government accountability board in her bid for the U.S. Senate, according to Fox6Now.com . Should she win the seat currently held by the retiring Herb Kohl, she would be the first openly gay member of the Senate.
In California, gay Republican Carl DeMaio and straight Democrat Bob Filner will face each other for mayor of San Diego in November after finishing in the top two in the primary, according to San Diego Gay & Lesbian News. Nathan Fletcher, a straight Independent who left the GOP after the local branch endorsed DeMaio, finished third. Bonnie Dumanis, a lesbian Republican, ended up fourth.
DeMaio and Filner both support marriage equality; however, DeMaio has said that, as mayor, he would focus on economic issues and not be a gay activist, according to a piece by Rex Wockner.
Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota also held primaries. In one intriguing development, U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. won his Democratic primary ( beating another incumbent, Steve Rothman ) and will now face Republic Rabbi Shmuley Boteach—the author of Kosher Sex—Nov. 6, according to Business Week.
On the presidential trail, Barack Obama headed to the West Coast June 6 for a two-day fundraising swing that included a stop at the LGBT Leadership Council Gala in Beverly Hills, according to CBS News. Glee star Darren Criss was the featured entertainment, and the speakers included Ellen DeGeneres.
