EQMD Political Action Committee

This is a key election year in the movement for equality. Through both our grassroots network and our political action committee, we intend to protect those lawmakers who have stood on the right side of history and put our stake in the ground in the districts of those who work against equal protections for our families.

The next few years will be critical to our lives as LGBT Marylanders. We cannot pass theReligious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act or the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act without being a major force in the 2010 state elections. Through both our grassroots network and our political action committee, we intend to protect those lawmakers who have stood on the right side of history and put our stake in the ground in the districts of those who work against equal protections for our families.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE EQUALITY MARYLAND PAC?

Equality Maryland's Political Action Committee was established in 2006 to help elect individuals at the state and local level in Maryland who are committed to working for fairness and equality for LGBT individuals, our families and our communities. The PAC also works to support fair-minded incumbents.

WHAT HAVE WE DONE SO FAR?

In 2006 the PAC endorsed 75 candidates for the state legislature; 80% of these candidates won! For some of our endorsed candidates, we made financial contributions and provided valuable volunteer help. In 2007 we also endorsed a candidate for Baltimore City Council who came within 743 votes of becoming the first openly gay City Councilor.

In 2010 elections, 73 of our 81 PAC-endorsed candidates were elected.

The Equality Maryland PAC sent questionnaires to over 300 candidates. The vetting process for endorsement is ongoing as the PAC continues to interview the growing number of electoral challengers. If warranted, additional endorsements will be announced when this process is complete.

WHAT ARE OUR CRITERIA FOR ENDORSING CANDIDATES?

The minimum criteria for endorsement includes completing the PAC questionnaire and supporting EQMD’s two key legislative priorities – gender identity anti-discrimination protections and full civil marriage equality. Additional considerations included viability, ability to advance legislation, and relationship with key constituencies.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Help us continue to work for the election of fair minded candidates by making a donation to Equality Maryland today! Click here to make a contribution. We need your help to keep up the fight through November and beyond.

• Host a house party to help us raise money for the PAC and its endorsed candidates
• Volunteer to work on the campaign of an endorsed candidate (make sure to tell them that you are an Equality Maryland member)
• Help us interview candidates seeking the PAC’s endorsement
• Volunteer on primary and/or election day to help us identity supportive voters.

If you have any questions or want to help, please contact EQMD’s Executive Director, Morgan Meneses-Sheets (morgan@equalitymaryland.org or 410-685-6567) or EQMD’s PAC Chair, Lisa Polyak (lmpolyak@hotmail.com or 410-599-2112). To volunteer with Equality Maryland in your district, contact EQMD’s Field Organizers, Aimee Martin (aimee@equalitymaryland.org or 301-728-0124) and Owen Smith (owen@equalitymaryland.org or 443-854-1191).