FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

07-22-09 505PM



Today, local LGBT leaders and activists in the 10th Congressional District announced their endorsement of Senator Mark DeSaulnier for Congress. Local LGBT leaders have endorsed DeSaulnier to ensure that he can continue his local leadership on progressive and LGBT issues in Congress. Local LGBT leaders and activists who announced their support for DeSaulnier today include Larry Kolka, Patrick Hughes, Robert Camacho, Chad Droll, Edward Gaspard, Erich Holtmann, Ian MacWilliams, LarryMcNeil, and Vince Scalise.



"We are proud to endorse Mark DeSaulnier for Congress because he has been an unwavering ally in the fight for LGBT equality at the local level," said local leader LGBT Larry Kolka. "Mark's fight for progressive values locally in CD 10 has won him well deserved local LGBT support in his race for Congress. Mark understands the local LGBT issues, has fought against discrimination, and will continue to represent all local and diverse communities in CD 10 when he is in Congress," Kolka added.



"Mark is the best qualified candidate to fill the shoes left by former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher," local LGBT activist Patrick Hughes said. "Mark is on the right side of all the issues important to the LGBTQ community. He is a strong voice and an advocate for justice and equality," Hughes added.

"I am honored to receive such strong and local support from LGBT leaders for my candidacy in the 10th CD," State Senator Mark DeSaulnier said. "At the local level, I have fought against discrimination and worked to advance equality and equal protection, including marriage equality. I will continue my work to expand civil rights to the LGBT community and advocate for progressive values and equal rights for all in CD 10 when I am in Congress."



DeSaulnier received a rating of 100% from Equality California for his support of LGBT issues in the legislature. He co-authored the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act in the Assembly to overturn California's discriminatory exclusion of same sex couples from marriage. DeSaulnier supported extending anti-discrimination laws to insurance policies and government services with AB 2654 and co-sponsored Senate Resolution 7 that was filed in opposition to Proposition 8.

In addition to endorsements from local LGBT leaders and activists, DeSaulnier, a Democrat, has also been endorsed by LGBT elected officials, including State Senator Mark Leno and former Assemblymember John Laird.

DeSaulnier is a candidate for former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher's seat in the 10th Congressional District. Tauscher retired from Congress in June.



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