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CHRIS JOHNSON
Friday, May 09, 2008
The Virginia Partisans, a gay Democratic club, collected more than $2,500 on Sunday that will go toward the campaign of the Democratic nominee seeking to become the next congressman from Virginia’s 11th congressional district.
The club held a forum at the home of board member Terry Mansberger in Annandale, Va. All four of the Democratic candidates vying to represent Northern Virginia in Congress gave short speeches asking for support and affirming commitment to gay rights issues.
Candidates who came to state their cases were Leslie Byrne, a former congresswoman for the 11th District; Gerry Connolly, chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Doug Denneny, a Navy pilot who served in the Iraq war; and Lori Alexander, a physical therapist.
Tom Osborne, treasurer for Virginia Partisans, said the $2,500 would be donated through the club’s political action committee to the Democratic nominee’s campaign to the extent allowed under law.
Byrne, Connolly and Denneny stated their commitment to gay issues, including the enactment of a federal hate crimes law, the approval of the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the repeal of the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Alexander did not mention gay issues during her speech.
About 70 people attended the event. Prominent gay Democrats who appeared include Del. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexander), the only openly gay lawmaker in the Virginia General Assembly, and Jay Fisette, a gay member of the Arlington County Board.
The Democratic primary will take place June 10.
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