With the 2006 elections over, gay and lesbian Democrats contemplated their success in the recent elections, looking forward to 2008. Much of the victories stemmed from increased energy in the LGBT community, which translated into action infused directly into Democratic campaigns. A piece in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel discusses the trend:

In Florida, gay political activism is spreading. A year ago, the Florida Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Democratic Caucus had eight chapters. Now it has 15, said its president, Michael Albetta of Fort Lauderdale. Within the next couple of months, a Treasure Coast chapter will be operating in Martin and St. Lucie counties.

Last month's wave election paid big dividends for the Florida LGBT community, according to the article. These organizing efforts have shaped clear electoral success across the state, with the election of officials like Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl.

"I've asked every single lobbyist that's come before me in the last 11 days, `Does your client have domestic partner benefits for all its employees?'" he said. "The rumor's getting around very quickly that you've got to have them."

Keechl's victory made him popular at the joint meeting of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus and the board of the national Stonewall Democrats.

There were other important Florida victories, as well, with the election of Congressman-elect Ron Klein who received "a rock star's welcome" at the meeting. Klein, who reached out heavily to gay voters in his campaign, benefited from volunteers and campaign money, along with a staffer from the Human Rights Campaign.







POSTED AT THE DNC BLOG