"Democrats provided American voters with an alternative to the divisive politics previously employed by Republicans to deflect attention from their failed agenda. Instead of a flurry of false social issues, Americans can now expect a Democratic Congress to turn its agenda towards safeguarding our troops, protecting our homeland and securing the American family," said Jo Wyrick, NSD Executive Director. "LGBT Democrats have now received a special obligation to ensure that the Democratic Party deepens its support for all families in this new capacity. Over the next two years, we must faithfully work to guarantee that the promise of our Party is fulfilled in its practice."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was elected by her colleagues as Speaker of the House of Representatives shortly after noon. 78 years after women were first guaranteed the right to vote, Pelosi becomes the first woman elected as Speaker of the House - a position third in line for the presidency after the Vice President. House Speaker Pelosi has long been a champion of the American family, including families headed by same-sex couples. In 2004, Speaker Pelosi declared her support for the extension of civil marriage to same-sex couples. Subsequently, Pelosi voiced her support for the "Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act" introduced by California Assemblymember Mark Leno (D-SF) that sought to extend civil marriage responsibilities to same-sex couples. The measure was approved by both chambers of the California legislature, but was later vetoed by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Democrats took the majority today with new advocates for equality. Newly-elected Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA) take their seats as decorated Iraq War veterans who have vocally spoken in favor of military readiness and in opposition to the failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy employed by the Pentagon. Freshman Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) becomes the first Muslim elected to Congress. Ellison has long been known as a strong supporter of LGBT families, and has used his prominence as an elected official and person of faith to advocate for marriage equality in mosques, churches and synagogues.

National Stonewall Democrats worked closely with Democrats during the 2006 cycle to ensure the election of fair-minded Democrats to Congress. National Stonewall Democrats organized its members throughout the country on behalf of endorsed candidates and ballot questions while National Stonewall Democrats PAC provided candidates with resources, staff and operational support on behalf of Democratic efforts.

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National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

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"Democrats provided American voters with an alternative to the divisive politics previously employed by Republicans to deflect attention from their failed agenda. Instead of a flurry of false social issues, Americans can now expect a Democratic Congress to turn its agenda towards safeguarding our troops, protecting our homeland and securing the American family," said Jo Wyrick, NSD Executive Director. "LGBT Democrats have now received a special obligation to ensure that the Democratic Party deepens its support for all families in this new capacity. Over the next two years, we must faithfully work to guarantee that the promise of our Party is fulfilled in its practice."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was elected by her colleagues as Speaker of the House of Representatives shortly after noon. 78 years after women were first guaranteed the right to vote, Pelosi becomes the first woman elected as Speaker of the House - a position third in line for the presidency after the Vice President. House Speaker Pelosi has long been a champion of the American family, including families headed by same-sex couples. In 2004, Speaker Pelosi declared her support for the extension of civil marriage to same-sex couples. Subsequently, Pelosi voiced her support for the "Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act" introduced by California Assemblymember Mark Leno (D-SF) that sought to extend civil marriage responsibilities to same-sex couples. The measure was approved by both chambers of the California legislature, but was later vetoed by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Democrats took the majority today with new advocates for equality. Newly-elected Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA) take their seats as decorated Iraq War veterans who have vocally spoken in favor of military readiness and in opposition to the failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue" policy employed by the Pentagon. Freshman Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) becomes the first Muslim elected to Congress. Ellison has long been known as a strong supporter of LGBT families, and has used his prominence as an elected official and person of faith to advocate for marriage equality in mosques, churches and synagogues.

National Stonewall Democrats worked closely with Democrats during the 2006 cycle to ensure the election of fair-minded Democrats to Congress. National Stonewall Democrats organized its members throughout the country on behalf of endorsed candidates and ballot questions while National Stonewall Democrats PAC provided candidates with resources, staff and operational support on behalf of Democratic efforts.

------

National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

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