Dear Friends,

Today, we have a lot to celebrate. Sixty out of 76 Equality Maryland PAC-endorsed candidates won in yesterday's primary. Here are some highlights:

Maryland to Have First Openly Gay State Senator
Del. Rich Madaleno, a former board member of Equality Maryland, was the first individual to be elected to the General Assembly as an openly gay candidate. A 2005 poll of Annapolis insiders recognized Rich as one of the most effective legislators in Maryland. He is considered an expert on the state's budget and fiscal policy. He ran unopposed for the District 18 State Senate seat and is expected to win the November race in this overwhelmingly Democratic jurisdiction.

New Member Joins General Assembly's "LGBT Caucus"
Rising superstar Heather Mizeur will join her colleagues, Dels. Maggie McIntosh & Anne Kaiser, in the House of Delegates in January. Heather is the top vote-getter in District 20, representing Takoma Park and Silver Spring. She was the Policy Director for Senator John Kerry, an elected Maryland representative to the Democratic National Committee, and a former Takoma Park City Councilmember. She is a recognized expert in health care and disability policy issues. Heather and her wife, Deborah, are vocal and unwavering supporters of LGBT rights.

Dr. Beyer's Campaign Brings National Attention
Equality Maryland Board Member Dr. Dana Beyer may not be the next delegate from District 18, but we consider her a winner. Dr. Beyer ran a formidable campaign — her first ever — beating out an established Annapolis insider who led a grassroots organization for years and a municipal elected official. More importantly, Dr. Beyer made headlines from coast to coast, and across Maryland, exhibiting intelligence, grace, fresh ideas, and honesty about her life as a transgender woman. We are proud of all she has accomplished, and look forward to working with her to create the change we all hope to see in the world.

Rev. Anthony McCarthy Now & Always an LGBT Community Hero
Equality Maryland congratulates Anthony McCarthy on running a strong and competitive race in Baltimore's 44th district. While he won't be serving in the House of Delegates in January, his message of change contributed to an important dialogue in Baltimore. Anthony is one of Maryland's sharpest political commentators and a dedicated community leader, and we know he will continue to change our world for the better in all his endeavors.

Outgoing Allies
Sadly, some of Equality Maryland's incumbent allies will not be returning to Annapolis in 2007. We offer heartfelt thank yous to individuals like Dels. Gareth Murray and Salima Marriott and Sen. John Giannetti for their support of Equality Maryland in Annapolis over the past few years.

New Friends
On a brighter note, we look forward to working with individuals who are already strong advocates on our behalf. Jamie Raskin has claimed the senate seat in District 20. Raskin is a professor of constitutional law who testified before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee this year against a proposed anti-gay constitutional amendment, famously telling State Sen. Nancy Jacobs (R-Harford County), "you put your hand on the bible and vow to uphold the constitution...you don't put your hand on the Constitution and vow to uphold the Bible."

Another strong advocate will be Tom Hucker, a seatmate to Heather Mizeur in District 20. Hucker, as executive director of Progressive Maryland, went out of his way to forge a strong relationship with Equality Maryland, inviting Executive Director Dan Furmansky to serve on the board, and working to gain Progressive Maryland's formal opposition to Del. Don Dwyer's anti-gay constitutional amendment.

Declining Support for Anti-Gay Legislator
Despite his incumbency, notoriously anti-gay Del. Don Dwyer (R-31) came in second in the Republican primary - almost 1,000 votes behind newcomer Steve Shuh. While Del. Dwyer will still advance to the general election, his obsessive anti-gay rhetoric is obviously not resonating with Republican voters.

Looking to November
For a number of our endorsed candidates, yesterday's wins begins a battle for the general election. Equality Maryland will refocus its attention on supporting endorsed candidates with competitive November races, especially Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley. Please email today to volunteer and donate to the EQMD PAC so we can provide financial resources to these candidates.

In partnership and equality,

Dan Furmansky
Executive Director