The Pride Agenda is proud of its productive relationship with the Democratic Majority Conference in the New York State Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Sheldon Silver (D) (Manhattan). Under his leadership, the Assembly has passed a hate crimes law for New York State, the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA), 9/11 relief fully inclusive of LGBT families, a law ensuring equal hospital and nursing home visitation for domestic partners, the Dignity for All Students Act, a bill to open Family Court to same-sex couples, and funding for LGBT health and human services across the state. In addition to the Assembly leadership, the Pride Agenda makes the following endorsements in the New York State Assembly:

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #1 - Patricia Acampora (R) (Mattituck; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Acampora has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before her recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). She has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). On the issue of reproductive choice, she says she supports a woman's right to reproductive freedom including abortion but, "I support a ban on partial-birth abortions [and] would like to see parental consent but realize in many cases it is unrealistic." While we differ with Ms. Acampora on some of her positions regarding reproductive freedom, Empire State Pride Agenda is pleased to endorse her candidacy for New York's 1st Assembly District.

Ms. Acampora's challenger is James McManmon, a Democrat who has expressed to the Pride Agenda his support for LGBT issues, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families. He indicated that he opposes a woman's unrestricted right to reproductive freedom.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #2 - Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (R) (Sag Harbor; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Thiele has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 2nd Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #3 - Patricia A. Eddington (D) (Medford; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Eddington has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before her recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). She has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse her candidacy for New York's 3rd Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #4 - Steven C. Engelbright (D) (Setauket; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Engelbright has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 4th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #5 - Ginny Fields (D) (Oakdale; Incumbent)

Since winning a special election in March 2004, Assemblymember Fields has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before her during this term. She has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse her candidacy for New York's 5th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #11 - Robert K. Sweeney (D) (Lindenhurst; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Sweeney has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 11th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #16 - Thomas P. DiNapoli (D-WFP) (Great Neck; Incumbent)

Assemblymember DiNapoli has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 16th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #23 - Audrey I. Pheffer (D-WFP) (Queens; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Pheffer has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before her recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). She has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse her candidacy for New York's 23rd Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #25 - Brian M. McLaughlin (D-WFP) (Queens; Incumbent)

Assemblymember McLaughlin has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). On the issue of reproductive choice, he says he supports a woman's right to reproductive freedom including abortion but says he would place a restriction on "partial-birth" abortion. While we differ with Mr. McLaughlin on some of his positions regarding reproductive freedom, Empire State Pride Agenda is pleased to endorse his candidacy for New York's 25th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #28 - Michael Cohen (D) (Queens; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Cohen has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 28th Assembly District.

Mr. Cohen's challenger is Michael D. Weiss, a Republican who has expressed to the Pride Agenda his support for a number of LGBT issues, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #34 - Ivan C. Lafayette (D-WFP) (Queens; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Lafayette has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 34th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #39 - Jose A. Peralta (D-WFP) (Queens; Incumbent)

Elected to office in November of 2002, Assemblymember Peralta has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently. He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 39th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #43 - Clarence Norman, Jr. (D-WFP) (Brooklyn; Incumbent)

Clarence Norman, Jr. has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 43rd Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #44 - James F. Brennan (D-WFP) (Brooklyn; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Brennan has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 44th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #46 - Adele Cohen (D-WFP) (Brooklyn; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Cohen has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before her recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). She has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse her candidacy for New York's 46th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #52 - Joan L. Millman (D-WFP) (Brooklyn; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Millman has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before her recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). She has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse her candidacy for New York's 52nd Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #53 - Vito J. Lopez (D-WFP) (Brooklyn; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Lopez has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 53rd Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #54 - Darryl C. Towns (D-WFP) (Brooklyn; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Towns has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 54th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #61 - John W. Lavelle (D-WFP) (Staten Island; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Lavelle has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 61st Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #65 - Alexander B. Grannis (D-WFP) (Manhattan; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Grannis has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 65th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #66 - Deborah J. Glick (D-WFP) (Manhattan; Incumbent)

As the only out lesbian and the first LGBT person elected to the New York State Legislature, Assemblymember Glick has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before her recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). She has sponsored a number of important bills for our community, including the domestic partner hospital and nursing home visitation bill recently signed into law. Assemblywoman Glick has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equality for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse her candidacy for New York's 66th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #67 - Scott M. Stringer (D-WFP) (Manhattan; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Stringer has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 67th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #69 - Daniel J. O'Donnell (D-WFP) (Manhattan; Incumbent)

As the first openly gay man to serve in the New York State Assembly, Assemblyman O'Donnell has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently. He has sponsored a number of important bills for our community, including a law addressing hate crimes on college campuses and a bill requiring health insurance providers to offer coverage to domestic partners if they make such coverage available for spouses. He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 69th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #70 - Keith L.T. Wright (D-WFP) (Manhattan; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Wright has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 70th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #71 - Herman D. Farrell, Jr. (D) (Manhattan; Incumbent)

As a legislator, Chair of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the New York State Democratic Committee, Assemblymember Farrell has been a powerful and consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He also supported a resolution by the NYS Democratic Committee supporting full equality for LGBT families including our right to marry. Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 71st Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #73 - Jonathan L. Bing (D-WFP) (Manhattan; Incumbent)

Elected in November of 2002, Assemblymember Bing has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently. He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 73rd Assembly District.

Mr. Bing's challenger is Douglas G. Winston, a Republican who has expressed to the Pride Agenda his support for a number of LGBT issues, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #74 - Steven Sanders (D-WFP-I) (Manhattan; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Sanders has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently. He has sponsored a number of important bills for our community, including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA) and the Dignity for All Students Act. He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 74th Assembly District.

Mr. Sander's challenger is David Berkowitz, a Republican who has expressed to the Pride Agenda his support for a number of LGBT issues, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #75 - Richard Gottfried (D-WFP) (Manhattan; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Gottfried has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has sponsored a number of important bills for our community, including the Gender Non Discrimination Act (GENDA) and a marriage equality bill. He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 75th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #81 - Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-WFP) (Bronx; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Dinowitz has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He is sponsor of the bill to allow for control of bodily remains by a domestic partner. He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 81st Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #83 - Carl E. Heastie (D-WFP) (Bronx; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Heastie has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 83rd Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #87 - James G. Pretlow (D) (Mount Vernon; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Pretlow has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 87th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #88 - Amy R. Paulin (D-WFP) (Scarsdale; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Paulin has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before her recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). She has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse her candidacy for New York's 88th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #89 - Adam T. Bradley (D-WFP) (White Plains; Incumbent)

Elected to office in 2002, Assemblymember Bradley has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently. He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 89th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #92 - Richard L. Brodsky (D-WFP) (Westchester; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Brodsky has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 92nd Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #93 -- Steve Ploski (D) (Yonkers; Open Seat)

Steve Ploski is the Democrat running for the seat previously held by supportive Republican Mike Spano. Mr. Ploski has pledged his support to LGBT issues including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). He pledges to, "Use the power of the office to push for absolute equal rights in all areas afforded to me." Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 93rd Assembly District.

Mr. Ploski is running against Republican Westchester County Legislator Louis Mosiello who voted against both Westchester's sexual orientation non-discrimination ordinance and the creation of the county's domestic partner registry, though he said he would have voted for the registry if it were limited to gay couples instead of also allowing heterosexual couples. Mr. Mosiello did not seek the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #95 - Ryan S. Karben (D) (New Hempstead; Incumbent)

Elected to office in November of 2002, Assemblymember Karben has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently. He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 95th Assembly District.

Mr. Karben's challenger is Andrew L. Spence, a Working Families Party endorsee who has expressed to the Pride Agenda his support for a number of LGBT issues, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #101 - Kevin A. Cahill (D-WFP) (Kingston, Incumbent)

Assemblymember Cahill has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 101st Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #102 - Dr. Joel M. Miller (R) (Poughkeepsie; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Miller has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 102nd Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #104 - John J. McEneny (D-WFP) (Albany; Incumbent)

Assemblymember McEneny has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 104th Assembly District.

Mr. McEneny's challenger is Joseph A. Sorce, a Republican who has expressed to the Pride Agenda his support for a number of LGBT issues, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #106 - Ronald Canestrari (D-WFP) (Cohoes; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Canestrari has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He was sponsor of a law addressing hate crimes on college campuses. He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 106th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #113 - Teresa R. Sayward (R) (Willsboro; Incumbent)

Elected in November 2002, Assemblymember Sayward has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before her recently. The mother of a gay son, she has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). On the issue of reproductive choice, she says she supports a woman's right to reproductive freedom including abortion but says she would place a restriction on "late-term abortion." While we differ with Ms. Sayward on some of her positions regarding reproductive freedom, Empire State Pride Agenda is pleased to endorse her candidacy for New York's 113th Assembly District.

Ms. Sayward's challenger is Dennis J. Tarantino, a Democrat who has expressed to the Pride Agenda his support for a number of LGBT issues, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #119 - Joan K. Christensen (D-WFP) (Syracuse; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Christensen has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before her recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). Though she has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community including equal rights and responsibilities for our families, the candidate did not specifically commit to voting against a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Nevertheless, based on her past history of supporting full equality for our community, Empire State Pride Agenda is pleased to endorse her candidacy for New York's 119th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #120 - William B. Magnarelli (D-WFP) (Syracuse; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Magnarelli has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 120th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #123 - Robert K. Bergan (D) (Auburn; Challenger)

Robert Bergan is the Democrat running against the incumbent Gary D. Finch. Mr. Bergan has pledged his support to LGBT issues including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). He says in Albany he wants to, "Fight for equal rights and justice for all New Yorkers." On the issue of reproductive choice, he says he supports a woman's right to reproductive freedom including abortion but says he would place a restriction of "parental consent for abortion of minors." While we may not agree with all of Mr. Bergan's positions regarding reproductive freedom, Empire State Pride Agenda is pleased to endorse his candidacy for New York's 123rd Assembly District.

Mr. Bergan's opponent is Republican incumbent Gary D. Finch. Mr. Finch has often voted against issues that have come before him as an Assemblyman that would further the equality of LGBT New Yorkers and our families, including voting "nay" on the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA). Mr. Finch has, however, voted for the Dignity for All Students Act and the law to give domestic partners hospital and nursing home visitation rights equal to spouses and other next of kin. Mr. Finch did not seek the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #125 - Barbara S. Lifton (D-WFP) (Ithaca; Incumbent)

Elected in November of 2002, Assemblymember Lifton has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before her recently. She has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse her candidacy for New York's 125th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #126 - Donna Lupardo (D-WFP) (Endwell; Challenger)

Donna Lupardo is the Democrat running against the incumbent Robert J. Warner. Ms. Lupardo has pledged her support to LGBT issues including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). She says, "I will do whatever is necessary to advance the cause. … It's very simple: I support your issues. My opponent does not!" Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse her candidacy for New York's 126th Assembly District.

Ms. Lupardo's opponent is Republican incumbent Robert J. Warner. Mr. Warner has consistently voted against issues that have come before him as an Assemblyman that would further the equality of LGBT New Yorkers and our families, including voting "nay" on the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) and being one of only eight Assemblymembers to vote against the Dignity for All Students Act. However, he did vote for the law to give domestic partners hospital and nursing home visitation rights equal to spouses and other next of kin. Mr. Warner did not seek the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #127 - Kevin P. Neary (D) (Richmondville; Challenger)

Kevin P. Neary is the Democrat challenging the Republican incumbent Daniel Hooker. Mr. Neary has pledged his support to LGBT issues including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In his own words, Mr. Neary says, "I believe in equality for all people … Dan Hooker is wrong and stands for the wrong issues for all people." Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 127th Assembly District.

Mr. Neary’s opponent is Republican incumbent Daniel Hooker who currently has the worst voting record in the entire New York State Legislature on issues of equality for LGBT citizens and their families. Mr. Hooker was the lone "no" vote among 212 legislators in the Assembly AND Senate on a bill to insure equal hospital visitation for all families. He also voted against the Dignity for All Students Act and spoke out against the bill on the floor of the New York State Assembly in blatantly homophobic terms. Mr. Hooker did not seek the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #129 - Ellen Polimeni (D-WFP) (Canandaigua; Challenger)

Ellen Polimeni, Democrat challenging the Republican incumbent Brian Kolb, has pledged her support for LGBT issues including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). On the issue of reproductive choice, she says she supports a woman's right to reproductive freedom including abortion but says, "I believe that minors seeking an abortion should have parental consent. However, if seeking such consent is dangerous or impossible, I support a court or other official intervention on the girl's behalf." While we may not agree with all of Ms. Polimeni's positions regarding reproductive freedom, Empire State Pride Agenda is pleased to endorse her candidacy for New York's 129th Assembly District.

Ms. Polimeni’s opponent is Republican incumbent Brian M. Kolb. Mr. Kolb has often voted against issues that have come before him as an Assemblyman that would further the equality of LGBT New Yorkers and our families, including voting “nay” on the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA). Mr. Kolb has, however, voted for the Dignity for All Students Act and the law to give domestic partners hospital and nursing home visitation rights equal to spouses and other next of kin. Mr. Kolb did not seek the Pride Agenda’s endorsement.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #131 - Susan V. John (D-WFP) (Rochester; Incumbent)

Assemblymember John has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before her recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). She is sponsor of a bill to make surviving domestic partners eligible for the Workers’ Compensation death benefit currently given only to married spouses. She has pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse her candidacy for New York's 131st Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #135 -- David R. Koon (D-WFP-I) (Fairport; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Koon has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 135th Assembly District.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #142 - Jeffrey Bono (D-WFP) (Akron; Challenger)

Jeffrey Bono is the Democrat challenging the incumbent Assemblywoman Sandra Lee Wirth. As a member of Stonewall Democrats and an out gay man, Mr. Bono has said, "I believe it is of the greatest importance to offer fair representation to every member of my district, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation." He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 142nd Assembly District.

Mr. Bono's opponent is Republican incumbent Sandra Lee Wirth who has consistently voted against issues that have come before her as an Assemblywoman that would further the equality of LGBT New Yorkers and our families, including voting "nay" on the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) and being one of only eight Assemblymembers to vote against the Dignity for All Students Act. However, she did vote for the law to give domestic partners hospital and nursing home visitation rights equal to spouses and other next of kin. Ms. Wirth did not seek the Pride Agenda's endorsement.

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT #144 - Sam Hoyt (D-WFP) (Buffalo; Incumbent)

Assemblymember Hoyt has been a consistent supporter of the LGBT community, having voted correctly on all LGBT issues that have come before him recently including the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act (SONDA). He was the lead co-sponsor of the domestic partner hospital and nursing home visitation law recently signed by the Governor. He has also pledged continued support for issues of concern to our community, including equal rights and responsibilities for our families and opposition to a state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Empire State Pride Agenda is proud to endorse his candidacy for New York's 144th Assembly District.