The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 7PM at the WNY Pride Center, 18 Trinity Place.

The meeting's agenda will include consideration of additional judicial endorsements.

The Stonewall Democrats of Western New York proudly announce our endorsements of Assemblymember Sam Hoyt in the 144th District, State Senator Antoine Thompson in the 60th District and Joe Mesi in the 61st Senate District.

Sam Hoyt has, for sixteen years, focused on ensuring that all New Yorkers enjoy the full rights to which every citizen is entitled. His career in Albany has been recognized and honored for consistently and openly advocating for the full inclusion of GLBT individuals into our society, championing anti-discrimination, dignity for all students, and marriage equality. We also support his platform of ending urban sprawl, improving the quality of public schools, and promoting a green economy.

Senator Antoine Thompson has also been a strong champion of GLBT issues, sponsoring the gender identity law as a member of the Buffalo Common Council and co-sponsoring state legislation that protects and advances the civil rights of our community. We applaud his steadfast dedication to social, economic, environmental and racial justice for our area and all of New York State.

Joe Mesi offers a strong commitment to ensuring justice and equality for all New Yorkers, a refreshing contrast to the representation that the district has endured for too long. He recognizes that every citizen deserves the full benefits of the jobs, affordable healthcare, and tax sanity that he pledges to bring to Western New York. We recognize in Joe a man of the people who will fight for all of the people he represents in Albany.

The Stonewall Democrats of Western New York proudly announce our endorsements of Congressman Brian Higgins for re-election in the 27th District and Jon Powers in District 26.

Rep. Higgins, a consistent and energetic advocate for all of his constituents, has earned our support through his co-sponsorship of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act and his support for legislation to re-unite American families and end discrimination in employment and our Armed Forces.

Jon Powers has received grassroots support throughout his district and he will work to ensure fair and equal treatment for all of the citizens he represents. We applaud his commitment to join Rep. Higgins in co-sponsoring hate crimes prevention legislation and pursuing a policy of nondiscrimination in the military and the workplace.

Stonewall Democrats of WNY has determined a schedule for candidate interviews and endorsements for 2008.  The schedule will be:

• April 2008: Congress
• May 2008: NYS Senate/Assembly
• June 2008: Followup on Congress and NYS Senate/Assembly
• July 2008: Courts

Stonewall Democrats of WNY has also adopted a new procedure for endorsements.  If you are a candidate, please acquaint yourself with the new process and procedure here.