Press Release - September 9th, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats congratulates Stonewall Democrats of Summit County President Sandra Kurt on her victory in yesterday's Democratic primary for the Ward 8 seat on the Akron, Ohio City Council. Kurt won 50% of the vote in the five-way primary, beating incumbent Councilman Raymond Cox in the process.

"Sandra Kurt's victory in the Akron City Council primary yesterday shows that Americans everywhere are ready to elect strong pro-equality Democrats. In addition to founding and leading Stonewall Democrats of Summit county, Sandra is a community leader, a business leader, and will be an effective and inspiring municipal leader," said Kyle Bailey, Interim Executive Director of National Stonewall Democrats. "Her campaign message - about the need to create jobs, to make government more effective and efficient, and to advocate for all members of the Akron community - obviously struck a chord for Akron voters."

In addition to serving as President of the Stonewall Democrats of Summit County, Kurt is a professional engineer. She is a committed Democratic Party activist and volunteers at the local battered women's shelter.

"I'm pleased my door to door voter outreach was so successful and the voters of ward 8 came out to support me," said Kurt after hearing she'd won yesterday's primary. "I look forward to continuing our positive campaign in the general election."

After her victory in the Democratic primary yesterday, Kurt will face Republican candidate Elizabeth Berry in the general election in November. If elected, Kurt will be the one of the most prominent openly LGBT elected officials in Ohio.

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With 120 affiliated chapters, Stonewall Democrats is the national organization for LGBT and allied Democrats. Stonewall Democrats works to elect pro-equality Democrats to public office and hold them accountable to advance the pro-equality policies and legislation important to LGBT Americans.

To learn more about our work, visit www.stonewalldemocrats.org or follow us on twitter @StonewallDems.

Contact:
Jenna Lowenstein
Director of Communications
National Stonewall Democrats
jlowenstein@stonewalldemocrats.org
(202) 635-1382