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Here is a message from long-time supporter, Bob Sanderson, about our about our exciting new program the Council of 1000. Friends,

One of the things that I love about this state is that it is never dull. Florida politics have always been interesting and 2010 is proving to be no exception. Today, another interesting tid-bit coming from Miami: Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart will not see re-election. 

WMNF 88.5 FM Community Radio, Tampa Click on the above link to hear WMNF's show covering the court settlement in which DCF agreed to provide support to the adopted child of Wayne LaRue Smith, an openly gay man. Yours truly represents Equality Florida's perspective, while DCF has their own, more limited, take on the impact of the settlement.

From the Miami Herald:

In a world where the far right frequently uses our families as political pawns, people often fail to realize that a war is being fought for the next generation of LGBTQ people in our nations schools. The sad truth is that majority of schools in the U.S. do not protect LGBTQ student from bullying and harassment. In 2008 Equality Florida passed a state-wide anti-bullying law that resulted in 67% of Florida's students being protected by LGBTQ specific protections. The only state that protects more LGBTQ students is California.

Tune into this week's edition of As I Am Radio for an electoral update from Equality Florida's own Executive Director, Nadine Smith.

In a Huffington Post piece yesterday, freshman Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL) talks about the US House candidate who out raised all other House candidates this last reporting period- himself. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/us/politics/03military.html?hp

This election year, voters will be asked about six proposed constitutional amendments on a variety of issues. Proposed amendments relating to campaign finance laws and legislative redistricting, will have an impact on Florida elections for years to come.

Yesterday at the town hall meeting in Tampa, President Obama expressed his support for benefits for same-sex couples.

Last night the President gave his much anticipated State of the Union speech. Surely, the economy was to be a big part of the speech, but many wondered if LGBT Americans were going to be included. The President delivered a feisty speech, with a touch of humor, that touched on hate crimes and "Don't Ask, don't tell".  Here is the text from that portion of his speech:

From the Miami Herald:

It's being reported this morning that the White House has asked Sen. Carl Levin (D), the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to ask him to hold off on a hearing that would consider repealing "Don't Ask, don't tell".

From the Palm Beach Post:

From Tampabay.com In Democratic race for attorney general, candidates offer contrast in style, experience

Read full article here

The Fair Districts Florida campaign has announced they have officially made the ballot for the 2010. Read the press release below. 

From the Orlando Sentinel: Sometimes Martin Gill forgets what day it is. And then he starts to feel stressed and anxious and realizes, Oh, this must be Wednesday. Wednesday, between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m., is when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit in Miami releases its rulings on its Web site.

Join Us for 2010 Lobby Week in Tallahassee March 15-17, 2010. Register Today! In just a few short weeks, the Florida State Legislature will be called to session. Your state elected officials will be making big decisions that will have a lasting impact on your life.