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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.

President Obama's department of justice is taking a stand for LGBTQA students. This very inspiring step forward is an example of a small yet very important change that has occurred from the Bush administration to the Obama administration. Read this story from the "Advocate" for more: The Justice Department is stepping in to defend a gay high school student who was bullied for being effeminate.

Yesterday, a powerful earthquake struck Haiti. The quake, measuring nearly 7.0 on the Richter scale, caused the collapse of many buildings and an unknown number of fatalities. At least 1.8 million people live within the area where the earthquake had its highest intensity. Text messages from Haiti simply read "S.O.S." You don't have to be a helpless spectator to the devastation- here's several ways to help right NOW:

Democrats finally have a viable candidate for the CFO cabinet slot. Until now, this was the only race in which Democrats did not have a candidate, oddly, for the only seat currently held by a Democrat. Ausley is now running to replace Alex Sink as she leaves to run for Governor.

With Day 2 of the Prop 8 trial about to begin, read this insightful analysis from NCLR attorney Shannon Minter on Pam's House Blend. Some very positive signs for our side.

The 2010 election is starting to get serious, and one indicator of who might prevail in the primaries and then finally the general in November, is how much cash a candidate has been able to rake in. 

Prop 8 Update: The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked, at least temporarily, the YouTube broadcast of the "Prop. 8" trial that is scheduled to begin later today in California. A final decision is due Wednesday. Court blocks taping of gay marriage trialBy MARK SHERMAN, Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court is blocking a broadcast of the trial on California's same-sex marriage ban, at least for the first few days.

An attorney from Valrico has filed to run against Ronda Storms for state senate. Paul Phillips registered as a Republican for the District 10 seat which covers parts of Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties. 

by Theodore B. OlsonTheodore Olson explains his decision to challenge Proposition 8 in federal court and offers an expansive argument for why the government should not prevent gay and lesbian couples from marrying. Saturday 01.09.10 http://www.newsweek.com/id/229957 Why same-sex marriage is an American value. Excerpt:

Henry Woods, a stalwart in Florida Keys academia and politics, died at 10 a.m.

This morning the Crist for Senate campaign sent out a press release that said he would "fight for pro-life legislative efforts" if elected. During his 2006 gubernatorial campaign, then candidate Crist said he would not push for tougher restrictions on abortion saying he wanted to "change hearts, not laws." 

Denise King, mother of murdered 17-year-old transgender teen Simmie Williams, died of a heart attack Thursday night.