LPAC, the country's first and only lesbian political action committee, announced that its endorsement of Rep. Tammy Duckworth ( D-IL ) for U.S. Senate.
"This year, as reproductive rights face attack at all levels, and when so much LGBT progress hangs in the balance — from defending marriage equality to passing comprehensive non-discrimination — not only do we need champions in the U.S. Senate like Tammy Duckworth, we need a progressive majority that will protect our rights, and confirm progressive judicial nominees," said LPAC Executive Director, Beth Shipp. "Tammy Duckworth has proven, through her actions in Congress, that she will work hard for women's equality, LGBT rights and social justice — the core tenets upon which LPAC was founded. Her support for our values is real, actionable, and comprehensive; Tammy the candidate who will be a forceful advocate for LGBTQ women and our allies in the U.S. Senate. This year, it's more about actions than words when it comes to supporting candidates. We need leaders like Tammy who will stand with us after the election when the real work begins."
Rep. Duckworth, a combat veteran and woman of color, has a long record of legislative activity in support of LGBTQ Americans, women, and U.S. service-members. She has authored bills to provide 12 weeks of family leave to service members, and to remove antiquated policies that fail to recognize modern family composition including LGBTQ-families. This activism has earned her a 100-point rating from leading LGBTQ and pro-choice advocacy organizations.
"LPAC has a strong history of empowering LGBTQ women and their allies in the political process, and I am honored to receive the endorsement of such an outstanding organization. It's more important than ever that we safeguard basic civil rights for all Americans, especially for women and minorities within the LGBTQ community who face unequal treatment in the workplace, housing market and education system," said Congresswoman Duckworth. "I am proud of the work I have done in Congress to institute protections for LGBTQ federal workers, lobby equal pay for equal work and protect a woman's right to choose. Again, I am honored to receive L-PAC's support and I'm eager to continue my leadership as an advocate for gender and social equality in the U.S. Senate."
Rep. Duckworth was on LPAC's 2014 Heroes Slate, and she spoke at the 2013 LPAC Summit. Rep. Duckworth joins Rep. Edwards and Hillary Clinton on the 2016 slate of endorsed federal candidates. LPAC will continue to announce endorsements throughout the spring of 2016.
LPAC builds the political power of lesbians by electing candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women's equality, and social justice. Since its founding in 2012, LPAC has grown into an influential grassroots political action committee, with members in 47 states and the District of Columbia. LPAC has raised over $2 million since 2012, and has invested in more than 40 races and independent expenditure campaigns throughout the country.
