This post has a poll; weigh in…
Read this article and tell me whether this story holds water. After what we’ve been discussing regarding the support for pro-equality candidates as well as how critical it is to vote because of those down ticket races that affect LGBT issues progress at the state and local levels, is this AP article on target?
Across the country, activists say gay voters are angry – at the lack of progress on issues from eliminating employment discrimination to uncertainty over serving in the military to the economy – and some are choosing to sit out this election or look for other candidates.
…[I]n places like Cook County, Ill., where the gay population represents about 7 percent of voters, that could mean the difference between victory and defeat in some races, said Rick Garcia, director of public policy for Equality Illinois. One of those races is a much-watched and close battle for Obama’s old Senate seat between Democrat Alexi Giannoulias and Republican Mark Kirk.
“If (candidates) can mobilize the gay community and get them out to vote, it could make all the difference in the world in some of these key races,” said Garcia.
But volunteers who’ve been calling the 18,000 or so members of Equality Illinois to urge them to vote have been getting an earful. Many members say they won’t vote or will vote against incumbents, regardless of their party affiliation or stance on gay issues.
This year’s election is a stark contrast to 2008, when the gay community turned out in droves to elect Obama and help Democrats regain control of Congress.
I happen to think it’s BS, and only sets up the meme that the community will be to blame for any major losses in the midterms.
Pam’s House Blend – Front Page
