Equality Florida Primary Endorsements

Equality Florida Action PAC August 26th Primary Endorsements

Equality Florida Action PAC only endorses candidates that meet a combination of our strategic criteria.

They must be Champions of LGBT equality
They must be running strong in competitive races.
In particular, we support qualified, openly LGBT candidates who can bring a vital perspective and much-needed voice to the political debates that impact our lives.

For Additional Endorsement Information, Visit our Local Partners:

Palm Beach County Human Rights Council

Save Dade

Equality Florida Action PAC August 26th Primary Endorsements

Reminder:
Absentee voting has already begun and early voting begins on August 11th - please remember to vote

Our Top 5 Targeted Races:

Are strategically vital
Will be VERY close
Need your financial support so please Donate


Top Targeted Races:
Name: Running For: District: Donate

Mark LaFontaine
www.marklafontaine.com
State House District 92 Donate Online
If elected, Mark LaFontaine will become Florida's first openly LGBT state legislator - a huge milestone for our entire state. Because there is no Republican opponent, Mark¢s race will be decided in the August 26th primary. Mark has a slim fundraising lead and needs our immediate financial support.

Ken Gottlieb
www.kengottlieb2008.com
State Senate District 31 Donate Online
As a state Representative, Ken Gottlieb championed our safe schools bill from the beginning. At a time when few people in Tallahassee would speak honestly about LGBT issues, Ken was an fearless leader for our community. Both of the other candidates in this race, Eleanor Sobel and Tim Ryan, have strong records of support for LGBT issues, but Ken's outstanding leadership makes him our choice in this tight winner-take-all Democratic primary.

Charles McKenzie
www.mckenzie2008.com
State House District 55 Donate Online
Charles McKenzie, a minister, has been a visible and longstanding supporter of equality for the LGBT community helping to pass local protections in central Florida. His opponent in this winner-take-all Democratic Primary, Darryl Rouson has been criticized for virulently anti-gay remarks he made during a TV show in 2006. Visit www.eqflblogspot.com for more information.

Hillsborough County

Kevin Beckner
www.KevinBeckner.com
Hillsborough County Commission District 6 Donate Online
Kevin Beckner has a strong chance of becoming the first openly gay Hillsborough County Commissioner (includes Tampa). His presence on the commission could reverse the anti-gay trend the commission has taken in recent years, which included the banning of any recognition of gay pride events by the county. Kevin has a broad and diverse base of support and is leading his primary opponents in fundraising.
Pinellas County

Darden Rice
www.DardenRice.com
Pinellas County Commission At-Large District 3 Donate Online
If elected, Darden Rice will be the first openly-lesbian member of the Pinellas County Commission (includes St. Pete / Clearwater). Darden has been a supporter of Equality Florida and the progressive community . She has built a strong coalition of environment, civil rights and community activists. She is leading her primary opponents in fundraising and has an excellent chance to win.

Chris Smith
www.chrissmithforsenate.com
Senate District 29 Donate Online
As the Democratic Leader in the House of Representative, Chris Smith co-sponsored both Equality Florida's safe schools and adoption bills. A victory would put a well-respected champion for equality in the Senate.

Betty Reed
www.votebettyreed.com
State House District 59 Donate Online
Representative Betty Reed voted for an amendment to add categories to the anti-bully bill last legislative session including specific protections for LGBT students.

Kevin Rader
www.kevinrader.com
State House District 78 Donate Online
Candidate Rader received a 100% on our candidate questionnaire and is committed to equality for LGBT Floridians.

Kenneth Thurston
Kenthurston94@aol.com
State House District 94
Candidate Thurston received a 100% on our candidate questionnaire and is committed to equality for LGBT Floridians.

Evan Jenne
www.EvanJenne.com
State House District 100 Donate Online
Rep. Jenne has been a strong ally to the LGBT community in Tallahassee. He has co-sponsored several bills, debated on the House floor for an amendment to include LGBT students in the safe schools bill and has spoken out against hate violence.

Richard Steinberg
www.RichardSteinberg.com
State House District 106 Donate Online
As Commissioner to Miami Beach Richard Steinberg played a key role in passing Florida's strongest Domestic Partnership policy and in adding Gender Identity to the Human Rights Ordinance. Richard¢s opponent in the race, Joe Geller, also has a strong record of support for LGBT issues and as mayor of North Bay Village led the passage of a Domestic Partnership policy. However, Richard¢s leadership on two key local policy initiatives that have become models for the state makes him our choice in this winner-take-all primary.
Broward County

Robin Bartleman
www.Bartleman.com
Broward School Board District 9 Donate Online
School Board member Robin Bartleman has been an absolute champion pushing hard at the local and state level for anti-bully policies that include protections for LGBT students. She has stood with our community every time we¢ve needed her.

Bryan Caletka
www.electbryancaletka.com
Broward County Commission District 7 Donate Online
The former Vice-Mayor of Davie, Florida, Bryan is running a strong campaign to become Broward County¢s second openly gay Commissioner. Bryan has a 100% rating on Equality Florida¢s candidate questionnaire and would be a champion for LGBT issues.

Beverly Gallagher
www.BeverlyGallagher.com
Broward School Board District 2 Donate Online
Beverly Gallagher has been a strong supporter of protecting LGBT students from harassment and bullying and of including LGBT families in school diversity training programs.

Adriane Reesey
www.VoteReesey2008.com
Broward Supervisor of Elections
Adriane Reesey is running as an out lesbian for the Broward Supervisor of Elections. As chair of the Broward Human Rights Board, Adriane has been an outspoken proponent of adding gender identity protections to the County Human Rights ordinance and has a powerful record of standing for full equality.

Richard Saltrick
www.RickSaltrick.com
Broward School Board District 1 Donate Online
Candidate Rick Saltrick received a 100% on our candidate questionnaire and is committed to protecting and supporting LGBT students.
Hillsborough County

Caroline Tesche
www.ElectTesche.com
Circuit Court Judge, Hillsborough County Group One Donate Online
Caroline is running as an out lesbian for Circuit Judge in Hillsborough County. She is a highly qualified candidate with an extensive legal background and as a community volunteer.

Miami Dade County

Evelyn Langlieb Greer
evelyngreer@greerco.com
Miami Dade School Board District 9
Evelyn Greer has been a key ally on the Miami-Dade School Board and Miami-Dade County and has stood with the LGBT community many times.

Dr. Martin Karp
www.martinkarp.com
Miami Dade School Board District 3 Donate Online
Dr. Karp has been a champion on the Miami Dade school board and introduced the districts comprehensive anti-bullying policy.

Palm Beach County

Susan Bucher
Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections PO Box 16574
West Palm Beach, FL 33416
As a State Representative, Susan Bucher was a vocal supporter of LGBT issues and perennial co-sponsor of Equality Florida-backed legislation.

Shelley Vana
Palm Beach County Commissioner District 3 6038 Bania Wood Circle
Lantana, FL 33462
As a State Representative, Shelley Vana was a key ally in ensuring the safe schools bill addressed anti-lgbt bullying. Shelley has been a longtime supporter and has co-sponsored many of Equality Florida's legislative priorities.

Pinellas County

Janet Clark
Pinellas County School Board at Large 1 836 5th St N
St Petersburg, FL 33701
Janet Clark received a 100% on our candidate questionnaire and is committed to equality for LGBT Floridians.