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| The State of Washington [Democrat] for U.S. Congress Primary: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 Election: November 3, 1998 
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| Don Romesburg
GLAAD Publications Manager Seattle Times' Eloquent Endorsement for a "Formidable" Candidate With an incumbent facing questions "about his energy level to serve if re-elected," a September 6 Seattle Times editorial implied that the winner of Washington state's 2nd congressional district Democratic primary will be headed to that other Washington.
 In that case, the paper said, the best man
for the job is a woman - and, only incidentally, a lesbian. The paper
endorsed retired Army Col. Grethe Cammermeyer, who "became a national
hero" by fighting successfully against being drummed out of a distinguished
military career after she came out.
Cammermeyer and her opponent, Fran Einterz, are "two solid Democrats," the Times writes. "If the endorsement were for mayor" or county commissioner, "Einterz would be the choice. The election, however, is about service in Congress and melding local issues into a much larger view." This year, for the first time, four openly lesbian candidates, including Cammermeyer, seek House seats. If she wins, she could be the first openly lesbian representative sent to Congress. The Times addressed the issue this has raised in the campaign by stating, "Voters looking at Cammermeyer face a question that is really more fair and politically pragmatic than mean-spirited or narrow minded.
 Is Cammermeyer a
one-issue candidate whose entire motivation for running is to elect a
homosexual to Congress? Or is she an intelligent, dignified retired
military officer with exceptional educational and professional credentials,
who is also a lesbian? Is her campaign about a private agenda or the 2nd
district? Our conclusion is Cammermeyer has extraordinary gifts for
continued public service. Her gracious, steady presence makes her a
formidable Democratic nominee in the 2nd district."
One of the more valuable services an editorial page can provide is the endorsing of candidates for local political office - and the most valuable endorsements are those that give voters constructs by which to judge the candidates. This is such an editorial. It presents the strengths of both candidates - then gives solid, job-related reasons for preferring Cammermeyer. It properly acknowledges the campaign issues inevitably caused by her sexual orientation - but also assigns those issues their proper weight. Please tell the Seattle Times of your appreciation for its fair and sensible handling of what, sadly, remains the sensitive issue of a candidate's sexual orientation. Please discuss with the Times your appreciation for the service it has provided its readers in assessing these candidates in terms of attributes that should provide voters the best representation in Congress. Contact: Alex MacLeod, Managing Editor, Seattle Times 1120 John Street Seattle, Washington 98109-5321 Fax: 206.382.6760 E-mail: www.seattletimes.com Cammermeyer: A Victory Fund Profile
 In what pundits are calling "one of the most-watched races of 1998," retired National Guard Colonel Grethe Cammermeyer is running for Congress in Washington's 2nd District. A decorated veteran, Grethe is a hero in the national gay and human rights communities because of her well-publicized fight to stay in the military (depicted in the book and award-winning TV movie, Serving In Silence).
Washington's 2nd District seat is currently held by two-term Republican Jack Metcalf, who earned a 0 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's rating scale. The 2nd is a swing district; before Metcalf won in the 1994 Republican sweep, the seat was held by Democrats for 32 years. Metcalf's tenure is extremely vulnerable. His popularity has decreased since his first election; he won by 55% to 45% in 1994, then dropped to 49% to 48% in 1996. Grethe was born in Oslo, Norway, in 1942, and became a U.S. citizen in 1960. At the University of Maryland, she enlisted in the Army student nurse program. Grethe's military service and military career are marked by numerous awards and honors, including the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service during the Vietnam War. In 1988 she accepted the position of Chief Nurse of the Washington State National Guard. One year later she applied for an upgrade of her security clearance to apply for the War College to become competitive for a higher military position. During that interview in 1989 she told the military, "I am a lesbian," as part of the top secret clearance investigation. In 1991 the military board recommended she be discharged after 26 years of service. She was separated from the military despite an exemplary military and civilian professional record in 1992. Grethe filed suit in Federal District Court in Seattle, challenging the existing ban. In June 1994, after 25 months separation, the policy which forced her separation was ruled unconstitutional and based on prejudice. Grethe was reinstated to the National Guard in June 1994 and served as Chief Nurse of the 164th MASH until May 1996. In November 1997, the Justice Department denied a motion to vacate the decision. Today, Grethe's ruling is case law. Despite promises to the contrary, incumbent Congressman Jack Metcalf is already gaybaiting Grethe. In a recent letter he calls Grethe "a liberal spokesperson for the lesbian lifestyle" and says she is "the lesbian Army National Guard colonel who was recruited by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, especially the ultra-liberal Barney Frank." The Victory Fund is helping this outstanding role model (a mother of four, grandmother of five, nurse, and soldier) to fight off antigay attacks and get her real credentials to the voters. |
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