 |
|
Endorsements Criteria, Process and Key Issues: The Empire State Pride Agenda has endorsed fifty-two candidates for the 2005 general elections on November 8. When deciding whether to endorse in a particular race, the Pride Agenda considered a range of factors, including whether the endorsement would: further the Pride Agenda's Public Policy Agenda; allow for coalition building with strategic allies; result in significant community or capacity building within the LGBT community; allow for specific public education on an issue of importance; contribute to the election of an LGBT candidate; or have the potential to influence the outcome of an election. Specific endorsements are based on responses to the Pride Agenda candidate questionnaire, an examination of a candidate's voting record (in the case of incumbents), his or her public acts and statements, and consultations with other organizations throughout New York State, including local LGBT organizations. Our policy is to endorse incumbents who have demonstrated their strong support for issues important to the LGBT community. Candidates challenging incumbents or seeking open seats are evaluated based upon the criteria above as well as the viability of their campaign. The voter guide notes when more than one candidate in a race sought the Pride Agenda's endorsement. In races where only one candidate submitted a questionnaire asking for an endorsement, the Pride Agenda made every effort to contact the other candidates in the race to let them know about the opportunity to be considered for an endorsement. Most endorsed candidates took positions that were in agreement with the Pride Agenda's Public Policy Agenda. These included: prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression; protecting students from bias harassment; guaranteeing the right to reproductive freedom, including access to safe and legal abortion; and the right of same-sex couples to legally marry. When a candidate did not agree with one of these positions, it is noted in the voter guide description. Click here to view a copy of the questionnaire that candidates used to seek the Pride Agenda endorsement. The
Pride Agenda urges everyone to volunteer, contribute to, and vote
for these deserving candidates on Tuesday, November 8, 2005. Those
wishing to volunteer their time with the Pride Agenda on General
Election Day or on campaigns leading up to the election should contact
Monique George at 212.627.0305 or mgeorge@prideagenda.org.
|