Stars, Hide Your Fires

demnewswire:

Florida Democrats Will Send First Gay Legislator To Tallahassee

The candidate, David Richardson, is an accountant and small-business owner advising companies on accounting and finance issues relating to government contracts. His primary victory in a heavily-Democratic district in Miami effectively guarantees his victory in November, given that no Republican sought a spot on the ballot.

Seventeen states currently have no out lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender lawmakers, according to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which has backed Richardson’s bid and works to help elect out LGBT candidates.

“David’s election sends a message to Tallahassee that LGBT Floridians will be heard. Finally, we will have an authentic LGBT voice in the state capitol who will be unafraid to speak up and speak out for fairness,” said Victory Fund president Chuck Wolfe. Wolfe, a Florida native, previously served as a top aide to former Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles.

In addition to Richardson’s win, Victory Fund vice president Denis Dison pointed to primary wins by candidates who have no general election opponents in New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Texas — three states with no out lawmakers currently — as progress for the organization’s aims.

My state. My town. Try not judge us for all the other crap we do, though…