Tonight, Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus Hosts March Primaries Candidate Forum

The Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus (ALGPC), whose mission is to "unite and organize Austin-area LGBT citizens and our friends and supporters in political action against all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender expression," recently extended an opportunity to the Democratic candidates running in March's primary elections for ALGPC endorsement. Those seeking endorsements were asked to fill out a questionnaire, answering questions such as:

• Should you receive this endorsement, would you publicize our endorsement in your campaign advertisements and campaign literature?
• Would you support the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act, a law that would expand federal jurisdiction to serious, violent hate crimes committed because of real or perceived sexual orientation, gender or disability?
• Would you voluntarily adopt a written policy for the employees of your office indicating that sexual orientation would not be a factor in employment decisions regarding them?
• Do you think federal funds should go to support religious or charitable organizations that discriminate in their hiring or provision of services against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation?
• Would you support the Permanent Partners Immigration Act, a law that would provide the same-sex partners of US citizens and permanent residents the same immigration benefits legal spouses of US residents enjoy?
• Would you support the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, a law that would provide benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees equal to that provided to the spouses of such employees?

All of which are valid concerns that many of us in the gay and lesbian community share. Tonight, the ALGPC has brought together the candidates who filled out the questionnaires, and will be hosting a forum - taking place at the Travis County Commissioner's Courtroom - wherein each candidate will give brief remarks, followed by questions from the Caucus members in attendance. These include: Chris Bell, Rashad Jafer, and Bob Gammage (Governership); Sarah Eckhardt and Karen Sonleitner (Travis County Commissioner - Precinct 2); and Charlie Baird and Buddy Meyer (299th State District Court) among almost a dozen others. A vote will be held at the conclusion of the forum to determine endorsements in each race on the ballot in Travis County.

While the actual voting portion of the meeting is restricted to current members of the AGLPC, the forum itself is open to the interested public.

AGLPC's Candidate Forum and Endorsement Meeting for the 2006 Primary Elections
Travis County Commissioner's Courtroom
The Granger Building at 314 West 11th Street [map]
Monday, January 30th
7pm