Florida Democrats Will Send First Gay Legislator To Tallahassee

[maddezmom]

Source: BuzzFeed

Seventeen statehouses have no out lawmakers, but the number could be down to 12 — or fewer — by January.
posted Aug 14, 2012 10:52pm EDT

David Richardson, an accountant in Miami, is set to become Florida's first out gay lawmaker, following tonight's decisive Democratic primary win.

Florida Democrats Tuesday have voted to send the first out lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person to the legislature in the state’s history.

The candidate, David Richardson, is an accountant and small-business owner advising companies on accounting and finance issues relating to government contracts. His primary victory in a heavily-Democratic district in Miami effectively guarantees his victory in November, particularly given that no Republican sought a spot on the ballot.
Seventeen states currently have no out lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender lawmakers, according to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which has backed Richardson’s bid and works to help elect out LGBT candidates.

"David's election sends a message to Tallahassee that LGBT Floridians will be heard. Finally, we will have an authentic LGBT voice in the state capitol who will be unafraid to speak up and speak out for fairness," said Victory Fund president Chuck Wolfe. Wolfe, a Florida native, previously served as a top aide to former Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles.

Read more: http://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/florida-democrats-will-send-first-gay-legislator-t

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[KamaAina]

1. I guess Key West is too small to merit its own seat.