9/6/2011

Washington– Today the Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – announced the endorsement of Wisconsin Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin for the U.S. Senate.  Baldwin became the first openly gay non-incumbent elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998 and has served the people of Wisconsin’s second Congressional District effectively ever since.  If elected to the U.S. Senate, Baldwin will be the first ever openly gay U.S. Senator. 

“Tammy Baldwin’s candidacy for the U.S. Senate is monumental for both the state of Wisconsin and the country’s LGBT community,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese.  “Tammy has proven herself as an effective legislator over the course of her 13 years in Congress and this campaign will be a top priority for the Human Rights Campaign.”

Baldwin is a strong supporter of LGBT equality– scoring a 100 percent in HRC’s Congressional Scorecard every year she has served in Congress. In addition to her strong record on civil rights, Tammy’s work has also focused on jobs and the middle class.  HRC will be mobilizing members to volunteer for and contribute to the campaign beginning with an email alert launching today.

“Tammy’s election to the U.S. Senate will make history.  Added to her long list of firsts, Tammy will be the first woman to represent Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate.  Her commitment to equality for all Americans is matched only by her commitment to the people of Wisconsin,” added Solmonese.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.