The Cook County Democratic Party has reportedly announced the nomination of Jon Erickson for Judge in the 8th subcircuit. "This endorsement gives a tremendous boost to Erickson's candidacy," his campaign stated. "According to a Joyce Foundation study conducted by the Chicago Council of Lawyers, a judicial subcircuit candidate nominated by the Democratic Party has a 76% chance of winning the election, compared to a non-endorsed candidate who only has an 8.9% chance of winning."
Leaders in Chicago's GLBT community hosted a reception for U.S. Senate candidate and Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes Sunday at Ann Sather's. Among those expected to attend were State Rep. Larry McKeon, Ald. Tom Tunney, Michael Bauer, Gail Morse, and Michael Segobiano.
Well-known lesbian political activist Donna Red Wing is now a Field Advisor/GLBT Desk on the Howard Dean for America campaign. She has been sending out e-mails asking GLBTs to get behind her candidate. For World AIDS Day, some prominent AIDS activists have been signing up at worldaidsday@outfordean.com to back the medical doctor's quest for the White House. "We cannot stand silent while the Bush Administration jeopardizes crucial AIDS research in an effort to advance its brand of religious fundamentalism. ... We cannot stand silent while the Bush Administration jeopardizes crucial HIV prevention campaigns in an effort to advance its brand of religious fundamentalism," letter-writers stated.
Dennis Kucinich's campaign for the presidency received endorsements from an interesting range of artists and activists recently. Among the endorsers: Tim Reynolds of the Dave Matthews Band, Ani DiFranco, Michelle Shocked, Willie Nelson, Pete Seeger, Joaquin Phoenix, Shelley Morrison, Staceyann Chin Danny Glover, Ed Asner, James Cromwell, Mimi Kennedy, Hector Elizondo, Roy Scheider, Elliot Gould, Howard Zinn, Studs Terkel, and Barbara Ehrenreich. Ani DiFranco stated: "He's got all the right ideas and I was just instantly struck by how different he is from any politician I've ever met. I believe him to be a really good man who has a real understanding of himself as a public servant, which is what a politician is supposed to be. He's not a self-aggrandizing strategist or corporate whore. He's the real thing."
Former NOW President Patricia Ireland has been appointed as campaign manager for Carol Moseley Braun's White House bid. "Patricia Ireland and her team bring new energy and excitement to the campaign. With more than 20 years experience in national politics, Ireland also expands our outreach to activists and organizers, supporters and contributors, all across the country," said Braun.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry wrote Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Nov. 7, asking him to "reconsider" his position regarding California's Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act (AB 205). AB 205, which former Gov. Davis signed into law, expands rights for registered same-sex couples, and it becomes effective Jan. 1, 2005. The law faces two lawsuits, according to Gay.com: one from the Campaign for California Families and another from Republican Sen. William Knight who authored Proposition 22, the California law that states marriage is between a man and a woman. A petition to overturn the law is also planned. "As a self-fashioned friend of the gay and lesbian community, you have stated that gay and lesbian couples should receive full protection under the law," Kerry wrote. "Unfortunately, you have already gone on record stating that you would have vetoed this landmark legislation."
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