Party Chair Tom Perez speaks at caucus meeting
N.H. Democrat credits Ellison with 'a track record of winning elections'
'Like Uncle Harvey, Ray, too, has been a ground-breaker'
Would become first openly gay leader of major party
Democratic Party reeling after election loses
Ayotte voted for trans-inclusive ENDA in 2013
Maggie Hassan challenging incumbent U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte
President acknowledges anti-trans violence, discrimination persist
Ray Buckley blasted U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.)
Anti-LGBT discrimination, DOMA referenced in speeches