Washington State Stonewall Democrats

In a challenge to politically aware progressive Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people of the region, the national organization of Stonewall Democrats gave Washington State Stonewall Democrats a challenge grant of $5000. "This will really put the wind in our sails for this election cycle," said Anita Latch, Washington State Stonewall president. For every dollar that the local organization raises it will get another from the national organization up to $5000, doubling the effectiveness of those who contribute to the campaign.

Stonewall will use the funds to organize, energize and get out the vote. Stonewall has targeted races in swing districts in hopes of turning out more voters in November. "Republicans are vulnerable in both in the Legislature and in Congress. This grant give us the push
we need," said Rod Hearne, VP for legislative and political affairs.
Democrat Darcy Burner came within a few percentage points of beating Republican Dave Reichert in Washington's 8th Congressional District in 2006. The Cook Political Report, a non-partisan site for political analysis based in D.C, has upgraded the 8th CD from "Leans Republican"
to "Tossup," further evidence Stonewall's campaign could be decisive.

"We want to elect leaders who will enhance our rights has LGBT members
of the community, so that we can contribute equally to our society.
We want what everyone else has come to expect--dignity for us and our children, the 2006 Anderson/Murray civil rights bill was a start, but we have a long way to go. Republicans like Dino Rossi and Dave Reichert have voted to deny us the same rights they themselves enjoy, and the Republican Party has added discrimination against members of our community to their platform. This is our opportunity to fight back, " Latch said.

In order to qualify for the grant, Washington State Stonewall Democrats mush raise the matching funds locally. Donors can contribute to the campaign at http://stonewalldemswa.org or contact Anita or Rod.