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Addressed by Party's Leaders |
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Compiled by GayToday
National Stonewall Democrats
Among the Democratic leaders who addressed the event were DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe, Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt, Democratic Whip Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson - Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Senator John Kerry, Vermont Governor Howard Dean and David Mixner. "This impressive gathering of Stonewall members and national Democratic leaders underscores the critical role that gay Democrats have within the Democratic Party," said Chad Johnson, NSD Executive Director. The National Stonewall Democrats head into the 2002 election cycle having completed an unprecedented period of growth. In the previous six months, over 30 local clubs have been created with the guidance of NSD Board Vice Chair for New Clubs Fred Bilodeau, of Cathedral City, CA. The creation of these new clubs brings the total number of NSD affiliates to more than 80. In addition to club and membership development, NSD has also increased its financial development under the leadership of Executive Director Chad Johnson and Vice Chair for Fundraising Claire Lucas, of Washington, D.C.
"Helping affiliates develop financially allows NSD to maximize our electoral efforts by allowing our clubs to fund and implement strategy on the local level," said Johnson. "Although this grassroots model might be rare in Washington, it offers gay and lesbian Democrats the best opportunity to achieve success on election day." The "Democrats Unite" kick-off reception also announced the formation of the organization's new political action committee, NSD PAC, and previewed the NSD National Convention that will be held in Cleveland, OH on April 25-28. In the coming months, NSD, and its local affiliates, will begin announcing candidate endorsements and will continue to develop political strategy. |
Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, spoke to the National Stonewall Democrats on March 20 