Posted on 09/06/2011 10:53:39 AM PDT by markomalley
Wisconsin Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D) has made it official — she’s running for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Herb Kohl (D) next year.
If she wins, Baldwin will make history as the the first openly gay member of the Senate. But how much will her sexuality factor into the race (if at all)?
Baldwin was first elected to represent Wisconsin’s 2nd district in 1998, becoming the first female House member from the Badger State. She was also the first openly gay person to be elected to Congress as a non-incumbent.
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) was the first congressman to voluntarily come out as gay — he did so in 1987, during his fourth term, in the Boston Globe. There are currently four gay members of Congress, all in the House.
“When I first ran for Congress in 1998, people counted me out,” she says in her Senate announcement video released this morning “But we worked hard, campaigned across south-central Wisconsin, and we won.”
In that announcement — via video and an e-mail to supporters — Baldwin made no mention of being gay. And, when asked about the impact on her campaign during a conference call with reporters, Baldwin said: “From day one, I have always been open about my sexual orientation. I think that that integrity is something that is important to voters. But frankly, this campaign isn’t going to be about me.”
Of course, that depends on who ultimately decides to run — and who Republicans decide to nominate.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Maybe he can play her in a Lifetime Network movie about her life.
This woman is perhaps the most far-left member of Congress. She cannot win state-wide in Wisconsin.
Did that guy from Idaho ever admit it?
Democrats PLAN on stealing elections. The people be damned.
The “D” after her name is an instant disqualifier.
What’s that stuck between her teeth?
Nevermind.
A slightly less-weathered Mick Jagger.
Will Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) be the first gay Senator?,
Bulldog Barbara Mikulski (D) of Maryland does not agree with the headline
And the question implies Leslie Graham is straight?
Nice picture....was gonna have to do that if you didn’t.
I think Barbara Mikulski is probably the first lesbian senator.
Good point.
The election to replace the Dairy Queen will occur AFTER the full effect of Wisconsin Voter ID is in place. I’m not sure she could even come close if it weren’t.
“Lipstick Lesbian”(tm)
She has no support outside of Madistan and Milwaukee. I’m ashamed she represents my district in Wisconsin.
She can dance with Bono at the inauguration ball. Let the attendees figure it out.
“I think Barbara Mikulski is probably the first lesbian senator”
Yup. Bulldog Barbara says been there, done that.
Probably not. I’m not saying she wouldn’t win. I’m just saying she probably wouldn’t be the first.
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