Below are the endorsement of the homosexual publication Out and About and some of the commentary that accompanied the endorsements. This is a good list of people to vote against with the exception of Glover, Evans, Blalock, and maybe Holleman, who despite the endorsement of Out and About are worthy of support. Even a stopped watch is right twice a day. Even a blind pig occasionally finds an acorn.
Those highlighted in red are good candidates disliked by Out and About who are very much worthy of our support.
Mayor: Karl Dean
Mayor Dean has supported and signed two non-discrimination ordinances and directed his administration to lobby actively against HB600, a state law that eventually nullified Metro’s 2011 contractor non-discrimination ordinance. At this year’s Pride, he told the crowd, “We’re with you,” and he has consistently demonstrated his support.
Vice Mayor: Diane Neighbors
Vice Mayor Neighbors has not had to cast any controversial tie-breaking votes on equal rights ordinances, but her inclusive outreach to our community is always appreciated. Last year, she was the keynote speaker at the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition’s dinner.
Council Members At-Large: Megan Barry, Jerry Maynard, Ronnie Steine, Vivian Wilhoite, Sam Coleman. Barry, Steine, and Maynard were all sponsors of the 2009 non-discrimination ordinance. In addition, Barry and Steine were cosponsors of the 2011 CAN DO law.
District 1: Lonnell Matthews. Councilman Matthews was a sponsor of the 2009 NDO and voted for CAN DO.
District 2: Frank Harrison. Councilman Harrison voted for the NDO and CAN DO.
District 3: No endorsement. Incumbent Councilman Hunt is unopposed and abstained on third reading of CAN DO
District 4: Brady Banks.
District 5: Scott Davis.
District 6: Peter Westerholm. He has been the public policy chair for the Tennessee Equality Project. He is the embodiment of an ally.
District 7: Anthony Davis. Current District 7 Councilman Eric Cole will be hard to replace, but Davis’s business endorsed CAN DO and his guest editorial in the Tennessean in support of the ordinance showed equality is one of his core commitments.
District 8: Van Reece. She has been active in support of our community organizations for years. Her opponent, incumbent Karen Bennett, voted against the CAN DO law on third reading.
District 9: No endorsement. Candidate Bill Pridemore is unopposed.
District 10: No endorsement
District 11: Darren Jernigan. Voted for the NDO and CAN DO. He is opposed by a socially conservative candidate.
District 12: Steve Glover. Said to be conservative, Glover nevertheless voted for inclusive non-discrimination policies for Metro teachers and students as a school board member. He is unopposed.
District 13: Marilyn Robinson.
District 14: No endorsement, but a recommendation.Councilman Bruce Stanley did not vote in favor of the NDO or CAN DO, but his opponent is reported to be more socially conservative. Stanley did support Councilwoman Barry’s resolution opposing HB600, though. For that reason, we recommend a vote for Stanley.
District 15: No endorsement. Councilman Phil Claiborne is unfortunately unopposed. He spoke and voted against the NDO and CAN DO. If you live in this district, consider writing in your own name.
District 16: Anna Page. Councilwoman Page supported both the NDO and CAN DO.
District 17: Sandra Moore. Councilwoman Moore supported both the NDO and CAN DO
District 18: David Glasgow. He has been an active supporter of our community for a number of years.
District 19: Erica Gilmore. She has a perfect voting record on equality ordinances and was a sponsor of CAN DO. She is a plaintiff in the suit to overturn HB600.
District 20: Buddy Baker. Councilman Baker was a sponsor of the NDO and voted for CAN DO. He has the distinction of being, as far as we know, the only Council Member who is a parent of a gay child, a son who was tragically lost to HIV/AIDS. As well as his long history with his West Nashville district, he has a perspective that we need on Council.
District 21: Edith Taylor Langster. Councilwoman Langster voted for the NDO and CAN DO. She is unopposed.
District 22: Seanna Brandmeier. A former executive director of the Davidson Co Democratic Party, Brandmeier has received a warm reception from members of our community who have already volunteered in her campaign. Her openness will be a welcome change from Councilman Eric Crafton who currently holds the seat.
District 23: Emily Evans. Councilwoman Evans voted for the NDO and CAN DO despite the fact that socially conservative organizations targeted her vote during the discussion of both ordinances.
District 24: Councilman Jason Holleman. Voted for the NDO and CAN DO.
District 25: Sean McGuire. A sponsor of the NDO and voted for CAN DO.
District 26: Chris Harmon. Harmon has reached out to our community.
District 27: Davette Blalock. Blalock has reached out to our community.
District 28: Tanaka Vercher.
District 29: Karen Johnson. As a school board member, Johnson voted for inclusive non-discrimination policies for Metro teachers and students.
District 30: No endorsement. Incumbent Jim Hodge fiercely opposed the NDO and CAN DO. His opponent Jason Potts is reportedly as socially conservative.
District 31: Fabian Bedne. When he was president of the Middle TN Hispanic Democrats, Bedne led the organization to endorse the NDO.
District 32: Markeith Braden. Supportive of CAN DO and reaching out to the community when the bill passed Metro Council.
District 33: Page Turner. Turner has the best chance of defeating incumbent Robert Duvall who aggressively opposed the NDO and CAN DO.
District 34: No endorsement. Councilman Todd voted for the NDO
District 35: Bo Mitchell. Councilman Mitchell voted for the NDO and for CAN DO.
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Because clearly a candidate that support gay rights is evil. It pleases me that you are part of a shrinking group of Americans against equal rights. Before you suggest I am wrong, go read the poll numbers.
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