With Democrat David Cicilline (pictured above) taking over Patrick Kennedy's seat in Congress, one of the nation's most influential political institutions will include 4 openly gay or lesbian members beginning in January. Cicilline, the former mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, will join Barney Frank (Massachusetts), Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin), and Jared Polis (Colorado) in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition to these federally elected officials, several openly gay politicians gained prominent positions in state governments throughout the country, including Laurie Jinkins of Washington, Marcus Brandon of North Carolina, and Patricia Todd of Alabama. These gains for LGBT elected officials provide somewhat of a silver lining for what was otherwise a very disappointing mid-term election that saw conservative Republicans make significant gains.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Congress Now Boasts 4 Openly Gay Members
With Democrat David Cicilline (pictured above) taking over Patrick Kennedy's seat in Congress, one of the nation's most influential political institutions will include 4 openly gay or lesbian members beginning in January. Cicilline, the former mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, will join Barney Frank (Massachusetts), Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin), and Jared Polis (Colorado) in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition to these federally elected officials, several openly gay politicians gained prominent positions in state governments throughout the country, including Laurie Jinkins of Washington, Marcus Brandon of North Carolina, and Patricia Todd of Alabama. These gains for LGBT elected officials provide somewhat of a silver lining for what was otherwise a very disappointing mid-term election that saw conservative Republicans make significant gains.
