FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, May 25, 2010

Contact: Jeffrey Richardson, President (202) 491-9517, cell
president@steindemocrats.org
Washington, DC, Tuesday, June 15 - Last night in what was a very close endorsement vote for Mayor of the District of Columbia, the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club endorsed Vincent Gray as the Club's candidate for Mayor for the September Democratic Primary. The Stein Club also endorsed Eleanor Holmes Norton for re-election as the District of Columbia's Delegate to Congress.

Vincent Gray and Mayor Adrian Fenty were put in nomination for the Club's endorsement by members who have been very active in the Stein Club for many years. During what at times turned into a very tense but cordial debate; Mayor Fenty and Vincent Gray answered questions from Club members ranging from prevention of hate crimes, job creation, discrimination of Transgender persons in the workplace, and overall governance.

Vincent Gray won the club's endorsement with 63% of votes cast.

Eleanor Holmes Norton was challenged for the Stein Club's endorsement by Douglass Sloan. She won the Club's endorsement with 87% of votes cast.

"We thank Mayor Fenty for his support of the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club and his presence as an ally in our fight for equality. Having a mayor that didn't need to think twice about standing up for equality has been a major piece of armor in our local movement for marriage equality, and for that we cannot thank him enough ".

"Last night's endorsement forum reflects the importance of this election and the difficult decision that members of our community and DC residents at-large will make when we cast our ballots in September and November. While Mayor Fenty continues to have strong support among Stein Club Members, Vincent Gray's endorsement win demonstrates the passion, organization, and coordination within his campaign to make their case to members of the LGBT community and DC voters at-large. The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club Organization looks forward to joining the Gray Pride Team and working hard to elect Vincent Gray the next mayor of the District of Columbia."
- Jeffrey Richardson, Stein Club President

"The DC LGBT community has had no stronger or steady ally than Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. The Stein Club is proud to stand with her as she continues to stand with us and fight hard on behalf of all District residents."
- Sheila Alexander-Reid, Stein Club Vice President of Administration

"The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club is very honored to have had both Mayor Fenty and Chairman Gray seek our endorsement. We will do whatever is necessary to assist Chairman Gray and we wish Mayor Fenty luck as well. In addition, we are in the enviable position of endorsing, yet again, one of the most LGBT friendly members of Congress with our endorsement of Congresswoman Eleanore Holmes Norton."
--Tim Mahony, Stein Club Vice President for Legislation and Political Affairs