Row-Office candidates matter
In this high-media election, it is easy to pay attention only to the races at the top. It is easy to understand the difference between President Obama and Gov. Romney on LGBT equality. It is easy to figure out which Congressional candidate is best suited to represent our community.
But there are three races this year that are a bit more complex, and yet have an incredible amount of importance to the future of LGBT equality in Pennsylvania.
If we want to win marriage equality in Pennsylvania, then having statewide elected officials who support marriage equality is an important starting place. Currently, we have just one, State Treasurer Rob McCord. But after this election, we have the possibility of three: Treasurer McCord, Attorney General candidate Kathleen Kane and Auditor General candidate Eugene DePasquale. All three are endorsed by Equality Pennsylvania.
For anyone wondering why these seats matter, please remember that all three offices are independently elected and, to varying degrees, are able to hold Gov. Corbett accountable. Also, please remember that all three of these candidates could seek higher office at some point.
McCord, Kane and DePasquale all support marriage equality, LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination and LGBT-affirming anti-bullying policies in public schools, and they have all been public about their support for our issues. If they all win, it will mean that every Pennsylvania row office will have our communities’ interest in mind. We need to re-elect Barack Obama, and we need to support our great candidates for the PA House, Senate and the U.S. Congress, but we can’t forget about our row office candidates. Please support them on Election Day.
Adrian Shanker President. Equality Pennsylvania