Equality Florida Action PAC Endorses Candidates in City of Gainesville Races
(GAINESVILLE) Last night, the Equality Florida Action PAC announced it’s endorsements in the 2011 Gainesville city elections to a packed room attending the Equality Florida Office Opening Party at Lux.
The organization announced support for Thomas Hawkins, At-Large 2; Lauren Poe, District 2; and Susan Bottcher, District 3.
“Each of these candidates has a strong pro-equality record,” said Stratton Pollitzer, chair of Equality Florida Action PAC. “When elected, they will each continue Gainesville’s long legacy as a community that welcomes and supports diversity.”
Susan Bottcher, a long time community activist, has stood side by side with the LGBT community to protect the city’s nondiscrimination ordinance for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. She is running a strong campaign and has also been endorsed by former Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan.
"I’m humbled to have received the endorsement of Equality Florida Action PAC,” said Susan Bottcher. “I’m proud to have helped with their efforts in the past and I think their support is proof of my commitment to equality for all Gainesville residents.”
Lauren Poe has been an ally to the LGBT community during his time on the Gainesville City Commission. He voted to include gender identity in the city’s nondiscrimination ordinance and has been a vocal supporter of the city’s domestic partnership registry.
The Equality Florida Action PAC is also proud to support Thomas Hawkins for his reelection. Thomas was instrumental in the defeat of proposed Charter Amendment 1 in 2009 that would have taken away protections for LGBT residents. Thomas has also been endorsed by Gainesville Professional Firefighters.
All three candidates receive a 100% rating on Equality Florida’s candidate questionnaire and have also been endorsed by the Human Rights Council of North Central Florida, our local partner and one of the oldest local LGBT advocacy groups in the state.
Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
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