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This Tuesday, September 14th is the Democratic Primary in   New York State

 A Word

Tomorrow is an important day at the polls in Western New York. Its importance cannot be stressed enough. Tomorrow, the Democratic Primary in New York State will, in many elections, determine the future of our Stonewall issues such as the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and Marriage Equality. 

 As we have been working to all year, we have to work the hardest we can (and then some) to protect our current elected officials, like Assemblymember Sam Hoyt, who have always been our most vocal and effective champions in Albany. We have to work to protect our Senator Antoine Thompson, who was the only “Yes” vote for Marriage Equality in the Senate late last year. 

 And we have to work to bring in the new class of officials, where there is a need for change, such as in the 58th District. The General Election will afford us tremendous opportunities in Senate Districts such as 56  and 59, where stellar progressive candidates like Robin Wilt and Cynthia Appleton are running to win Republican seats for the Democratic party—the only Party in NYS supportive of the LGBT community (though, of course, the Democratic Party is not without its problems.) ….

 (READ MORE) 

 SDWNY’s 2010 Endorsed Candidates for the Democratic Primary Election

New York State Attorney General:

 Eric Schneiderman

 From fighting for marriage equality to passing hate crimes and anti-bullying legislation, Eric Schneiderman is a lifelong progressive leader who has always been a strong voice for justice on behalf of all New Yorkers. Eric has always been on the right side of equality, and there is no doubt he will be an outstanding Attorney General.

 New York State Legislature:

 Assembly District 144:

 Assemblymember Sam Hoyt

 Sam Hoyt’s long history of supporting civil rights is one closely linked to the history and evolution of the Stonewall Democrats. Always, Sam has been with us. And again, we will be with Sam. Sam has worked tirelessly to support legislation such as the Gender Non-Discrimination Act, the Dignity for All Students Act and Marriage Equality. 

 State Senate District 60:

 Senator Antoine Thompson

Since his days as a Buffalo City Councilman, Sen. Thompson has built a tremendous record of being a real and tested progressive. This road has led him to being the only Senator in all 8 counties of Western New York to vote “Yes” on Marriage Equality last year and be instrumental in the Senate’s momentous passing of the “Dignity for All Students” bill. 

 State Senate District 58:

 No Endorsement. 

SDWNY has voted to not issue an endorsement in the 58th District Primary, due to the deep divisions in the progressive community over the election. Noted Marriage Equality No-Vote Sen. Bill Stachowski is running to retain his seat against two candidates who have pledged to support the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and Marriage Equality. In the race, Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy has been endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign and the Empire State Pride Agenda. Candidate Michael Kuzma has been endorsed by NARAL Pro-Choice New York.

Erie County Court:

Judge James McLeod

 Judge McLeod is the Democratic candidate, who holds the values of integrity, inclusion and fairness for all people. Throughout his career, Judge McLeod has been a true friend to the LGBT community, and we are thrilled to support him in the Democratic Primary. 

 City of Buffalo Common Council, Ellicott District:

 Councilmember Curtis Haynes Jr.

 Dr. Curtis Haynes Jr. has demonstrated his ability to serve all the people of the Ellicott district. With his crucial support this year for the city’s new and historic domestic partnership registry and legislation, Dr. Haynes proved he has what it takes to stand up, fight for and get the results of representation and equality for all people. 

 
SDWNY’s Well–Qualified NYS Supreme Court Candidates: Judge Eugene M. Fahey;; Judge E. Jeannette Ogden; Judge Betty Calvo Torres; Judge Debra L Givens; Attorney Catherine Nugent Panepinto

 Endorsed General Election Candidates (With no Democratic Primary Opponents)

New York State Senate, District 59:

Cynthia Appleton

New York State Senate, District 56:

Robin Wilt

*All candidates in races received endorsement questionnaires and follow up candidate inquiries. Visit www.sdwny.org to view endorsed and non-endorsed candidate questionnaires in their entirety. *

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