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Sen. Antoine Thompson for NYS Senate District 60

8/31/2010

The Stonewall Democrats of Western New York are proud to announce our continued support again this year for NYS Senator Antoine Thompson in the 60th District. 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.

Sen. Thompson was also instrumental in the Senate’s momentous passing of the “Dignity for All Students” bill earlier this summer. The Stonewall Democrats are proud to support Sen. Thompson in his reelection, when we will stand up for our truly progressive Senator.

Volunteer opportunities are available at campaign headquarters each week day until the primary at 20 Court Street in downtown Buffalo.

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Judge James McLeod for Erie County Court

8/31/2010

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The Stonewall Democrats of Western New York proudly announce our support of Buffalo City Court Judge James McLeod for Erie County Court.

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

For more information, or how to become involved in the campaign, visit www.judgejamesmcleod.com.

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Curtis Haynes Jr. for Buffalo Ellicott District Councilmember

8/31/2010

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Stonewall Democrats of Western New York enthusiastically announce our support for Councilmember Dr. Curtis Haynes Jr. in the special election for the City of Buffalo Common Council’s Ellicott District.

Upon his appointment last January, when he mentioned the equality and diversity of all Buffalo residents in his first speech as councilmember, the LGBT community of Buffalo knew we had a friend in Curtis Haynes.

An economics professor at Buffalo State College, Dr. Haynes has demonstrated his great ability to successfully legislate and serve the Ellicott district’s unique and diverse needs. In 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.

Stonewall Democrats gladly stand with Councilmember Haynes for election to the Ellicot District’s Common Council.

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Cynthia Appleton for NYS Senate District 59

8/25/2010

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The Stonewall Democrats of Western New York are proud to announce our endorsement of Democrat Cynthia Appleton in the race for New York's 59th Senate District. Cynthia is an accomplished public servant, a proud and strong advocate for justice and equality-- and she will restore that integrity to the office of the 59th District when she is elected this November.

"Cynthia Appleton is a phenomenal candidate," said SDWNY President Bryan Ball. "She is the right person for the job at this time. A true community leader, Cynthia has a strong record of accomplishment, and the right commitment to the reform we so need in Albany. And she knows that true reform and justice consist of our community's equality-- by passing the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and Marriage Equality."

Appleton is the the endorsed (and lone) Democrat in the race to represent Erie, Wyoming, Livingston and Ontario counties in the state legislature. She will face the winner of a crowded and ugly Republican primary, which will pit her record of accomplishment and commitment to equality against those of the political party that chooses again and again to deny our community our basic civil rights. Cynthia Appleton is a fantastic advocate for the LGBT community, and the LGBT community of Western New York will be there to support her candidacy and ensure our victory.

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Marriage continues to move to forefront of debate in the 58th Senate District

8/24/2010

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"The Buffalo News -

'Stachowski begins airing TV ads as State Senate primary heats up'

By Stephen T. Watson

August 24, 2010

William T. Stachowski began airing television campaign ads Monday in the unofficial start to what promises to be one of the year’s toughest and most expensive State Senate primary contests.

Stachowski, the incumbent Democrat from Lake View, is fighting for his political life in the party’s primary against Erie County Legislator Timothy M. Kennedy of Buffalo and two other challengers. ....The message was a response to three anti-Stachowski mailings produced by a political action committee called Fight Back New York and distributed to voters in the 58th District.

The Fight Back New York materials, for example, highlight Stachowski’s votes against funding for mammograms. But Swanekamp said the mailings were “misleading” and took the senator’s actions out of context.

Fight Back New York states on its Web site that the group is targeting Stachowski and other senators because of their votes against a bill that would allow gays to marry in this state. .... "

(Read full article)

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Eric Schneiderman for Attorney General

8/24/2010

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STONEWALL DEMOCRATS OF WESTERN NEW YORK ENDORSES ERIC SCHNEIDERMAN FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

Schneiderman Campaign Continues To Build Statewide Momentum, Earning the Endorsements of More LGBT and Progressive Leaders and Organizations Than Any Other Candidate

BUFFALO – The Stonewall Democrats of Western New York, one of the strongest advocacy organizations for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Western New York, today announced its endorsement of Eric Schneiderman for Attorney General in the 2010 primary election.

Stonewall Democrats of Western New York becomes the latest in a host of LGBT organizations, including the Empire State Pride Agenda and Marriage Equality New York, all four major LGBT democratic clubs in New York City, and LGBT elected officials including Senator Tom Duane and New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn to endorse lifelong progressive Democrat Eric Schneiderman for Attorney General.

"We are so proud to support Eric Schneiderman for Attorney General,” said Bryan Ball, President of The StonewallDemocrats of Western New York. “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. Even when it wasn’t politically popular, Eric has been on the right side of equality, and there is no doubt he will be an outstanding Attorney General."

A longtime advocate for marriage equality, Eric Schneiderman voted to pass the Hate Crimes Bill and the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA). As a lead sponsor of the Dignity for All Students Act, which passed in June with a bipartisan 58-3 vote, Schneiderman helped create legal protections for public school students from harassment and bullying, marking the first time that protections based on gender identity and expression would be included in state law. He is a co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), which would ensure that all transgender New Yorkers are free from discrimination.

“I am so honored to be endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of Western New York,” said Eric Schneiderman. “As an activist, attorney and lawmaker, I’ve been firmly committed to doing everything I can to pursue equality and justice under the law— for every New Yorker. As Attorney General, I will continue the fight for the equal rights of the LGBT community and everyone else in this state.”

Stonewall Democrats of Western New York is one of the largest advocacy organizations for the LGBT community in Western NY. Their membership includes representatives from State, County, and City government, and several Democratic committee members amongst the various County Committees in Western New York. Stonewall Democrats is affiliated with NYS StonewallDemocrats (aka New York State Federation of Gay & Lesbian Democratic Clubs) and the National Stonewall Democrats.

With widespread support from a broad and diverse coalition of progressive New Yorkers and the unanimous endorsement of the state's largest labor union, 1199/SEIU United Healthcare East, the largest private-sector union, 32BJ, NARAL Pro-Choice New York and Citizen Action, momentum is growing for Schneiderman's campaign to be the state's next Attorney General.

To date, Schneiderman has earned the endorsement of over 100 progressive leaders including U.S. Representatives Yvette Clarke, Jerry Nadler and Jose Serrano and a host of prominent community activists, and major labor unions.

For more details about Eric Schneiderman’s plan for promoting LGBT rights as attorney general, please visit:www.EricSchneiderman.com/issues?id=0005

For more information on the campaign, please visit: www.EricSchneiderman.com

Follow the campaign on Twitter: twitter.com/Schneiderman4AG

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August Monthly Meeting Reminder

8/23/2010

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Our August Monthly Meeting is this Tuesday, August 24 at 7PM.

Our agenda includes discussion of how we as Stonewall candidates can help our terrific pro-equality candidates like Assemblymember Hoyt, Senator Thompson and endorsed candidates Cynthia Appleton for State Senate, among others. We will also discuss our annual candidate event, State Senate candidate Robin Wilt, and final consideration of NYS Supreme Court candidates, as well as a discussion of events in the 58th Senate District.

Robin Wilt is running in the X State Senate District. Due to campaign obligations and distance, Robin is unable to attend our meeting, but has submitted the following documents to be considered for endorsement:

We hope to see you there!

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July Monthly Meeting Reminder

7/25/2010

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Our July Monthly Meeting is this Tuesday, July 27 at 6:30 PM.

*Please note the time change to accommodate candidate interviews*

Our agenda will include interview of NYS Supreme Court candidates and discussion of the NYS Senate Races in the 58th and 59th Senate Districts, as well as the NYS Attorney General Election.

Still unconfirmed are candidate interviews for the City of Buffalo Common Council Ellicott District election.

Our agenda tentatively will be the following:

6:30-7:00PM: 10 minute candidate interviews with NYS Supreme Court Candidates Catherine Panepinto and Judges Betty Calvo-Torres and Eugene Fahey.

7PM: Vote on endorsement for NYS Supreme Court Candidates

7:10PM: Discussion of NYS Senate Districts 58 and 59.

7:20: Discussion of NYS Attorney General Election.

*Should our candidates confirm attendance in the Ellicott District Council race, interviews with the two candidates who have filed petitions will commence at 7:30 and 7:40.

Because representatives from the NYS Attorney General and Senate District 59 campaigns are unable to attend our meeting due to distance, we will be considering endorsement for those races with their submitted questionnaires. The materials will be available at the meeting, but you may read them ahead of time here:

NYS Attorney General Materials: Eric Schneiderman bio, cover letter, questionnaire and LGBT equality agenda; Kathleen Rice questionnaire; and Sean Coffee questionnaire available soon.

SD 59: Cynthia Appleton Endorsement Questionnaire

We hope to see you there!

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A Message from Sean Cooney

6/28/2010

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June 28th, 2010

Dear Friends,

After very deep reflection and analysis by our campaign team and me individually, I have chosen to withdraw from this 2010 New York State Senate Race due to insurmountable financial challenges.

Since this campaign began many months ago we have worked tirelessly not only to run, but to win. This decision to end the campaign was not made easily, but it is clear that our campaign has reached the point where we will not be able to raise the means to communicate with voters at a level capable of victory.

Unfortunately, my campaign was unable to secure the financial backing, institutional support, or leadership we hoped for from within the progressive movement. We cannot prevail without a unified base and I will not divide the same movement from which my campaign was born. Nor will I allow this candidacy to elevate political interests which oppose the values and beliefs we all fight so hard for.

I am eternally grateful for the support, generosity, and commitment all of you have shown me throughout this journey. The people I have met, the ideas we have exchanged, and the lessons I have learned are invaluable experiences that I will forever carry with me. We have advanced important discussions in tax fairness, accountable economic development, political reform, equality and civil rights. Make no mistake, our message has resonated with the thousands of voters we have met and spoken to across the 58th State Senate district. You, and they, have expressed a genuine desire for nothing less than people based policies in government.

Our campaign engaged a level of early grassroots support unprecedented in local politics. Whether you were one of the hundreds that made phone calls, walked door-to-door, attended a fundraiser, or wrote a check, your support means everything to me. Still, we were all in this campaign to win and while this campaign may be over, our cause continues.

For me it will continue in the courtroom on behalf the injured men and women I represent, in our fight for marriage equality, and certainly in a progressive campaign in the future.

For many of my supporters it will continue on the stage, in the court room, classroom or other places where we live and work everyday.

For the leaders of my team it will continue in their daily advocacy for LGBT rights, for the rights of the criminally accused, for women’s health, for a clean and healthy environment, for affordable housing, for economic justice, and for government and financial transparency. There has never been a campaign team anchored by a more talented group of activists and leaders. I am especially grateful to all of you and moved by your friendship.

I remain committed to the cause of progress and know you do as well.

A most sincere thank you,
Sean Cooney

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SDWNY Attends DNC's "Day of Pride"

6/24/2010

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June 24, 2010

This past Tuesday, Kitty Lambert—Vice President of Community Affairs and President of Outspoken for Equality—and I had the great fortune to attend the Democratic National Committee’s “Day of Pride.”

The event, held in Washington, D.C., came to us by way of a recommendation from the Erie County Democratic Chair Len Lenihan, recognizing the great work that every one of you does, as Stonewall Democrats and Outspoken for Equality members.

It was an honor to have been chosen to represent our organizations at the federal level during this conference. Kitty and I were invited because of the great work our organizations do, and that great work could not be accomplished without each and every one of you, your dedication and your unyielding commitment to the civil rights movement.

And as many good things often do, the invitation to travel to DC and attend a conference where we could meet with national party leaders and policy makers gave us a limited timeframe to work on finding out how we could get to D.C. We held a fundraiser on Saturday to help defray our travel costs, and were extremely humbled by the support we received. We thank you, so very deeply, with our utmost gratitude for your help and support in making our attendance at this conference possible.

On Tuesday, our “Day of Pride” started promptly at 8:30AM. Somewhat tired from previous day’s (and for some of us night’s) travel, we were eager to jump into what the day would bring. Right away, we were able to network and meet people from LGBT groups across the country. We talked proudly of our members and volunteers and the work they do, and compared notes on how LGBT organizing is done throughout our United States, as well as discussing common problems like Democratic officials who don’t support our civil rights.

And then the speakers got underway. We heard from a diverse, wide-ranging cross-section of LGBT Democratic Party players. Given that our political party is such a big tent, and—shall we say—more willing to agreeing to disagree than other parties, there were some speakers who appeared to just shy away from calling for full civil rights, and seemed to gloss over Marriage Equality. However, when true progressives like Senators Al Franken (D-Minnesota), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) took the stage, we came to see that our party does care about all of our issues. These speakers championed Marriage Equality, repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, repealing DOMA and passing ENDA and the Uniting American Families Act.

Perhaps the most reassuring speaker of the morning was Diego Sanchez, a man who works for Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) The first openly transgendered individual working on Capitol Hill, he talked about the concrete plans and strategies already underway for getting the votes to pass urgently needed legislation like ENDA, and gave us a truer view of the dedication which exists in Congress for passing this legislation. It was through speakers like Sanchez, Stonewall Democrats Executive Director Michael Mitchell and Brian Bond, the White House’s Deputy Director for the Office of Public Engagement, that we were able to discuss, first hand, our commitment to legislation such as UAFA, ENDA and ending DADT—and enlist that support from key players in Congress and the administration, who stressed to us their own commitment to seeing this legislation through.

While we were there, we also met with Senator Gillibrand’s office regarding these critical issues, and measures such as Sen. Franken’s Student Non-Discrimination Act, which would establish a comprehensive federal prohibition on bullying in public schools based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, and forbid schools from discriminating against LGBT students or ignoring harassing behavior.

All in all, Kitty and I had a terrific morning discussing these issues and listening to people like DNC Chair Tim Kaine, Executive Director Jen O’Malley-Dillon and others reaffirm our Democratic Party’s commitment to our issues.

We were incredibly moved and inspired to have been chosen to represent all of our absolutely fantastic members and Stonewall Democrats of WNY on a national level, and we thank you all for allowing us the opportunity to participate in this event. With the passing of Dignity for All Students by the State Legislature, it has been a terrific week to motivate us to even further action on the work ahead.

Recent days have been dark ones for pro-equality citizens, as we experienced great disappointment with the recent failure of GENDA in the State Senate. And yet, when I listened to the others who attended the conference, and watched our state legislature vote to defend and protect the dignity of all our children, I felt that hope which I know will get us across the finish line. I know as an organization we have what it will take to ensure we are successful, at all levels. We will continue to work to elect and protect our pro-equality Democrats who have and will go on to do the work needed to advance our rights. The campaign season is already well underway, and I look forward to the reelection of our officials who champion our causes, and new ones like them in seats where their predecessors did not.

With the great leaders and true progressives we have in elected office and throughout our country in grassroots organizations such as our own, we have in place what it will take to pass ENDA, defeat DADT and DOMA, grant us Marriage Equality and pass GENDA in our state. I thank you, and look forward to continuing our great work together.

-Bryan Ball

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