Coalition Movement
Four local LGBT groups unite in advance of 2010 political campaign

By Glenn Gullickson

As the 2010 political year begins, four local groups have formed a political coalition to advance LGBT issues.

The AZ LGBT Political Coalition includes members of the Arizona Human Rights Campaign, Equality Arizona and the local chapters of Stonewall Democrats and the Log Cabin Republicans.

While each of the groups has conducted election-year efforts in the past, the idea this year is to pool resources and avoid duplication, members of the coalition groups said in a joint interview.

The groups will collaborate and cooperate at the local and state levels and support candidates who are supportive of LGBT rights. The coalition will also work on advocacy, education, outreach and communication projects.

Bobby Parker, chair of the local Stonewall Democrats, said the issues are “so serious that we have to work together.” He said people “want us to get our acts together and move forward.”

With the Arizona Legislature up for grabs in November, the coalition will identify key races and bring donations and volunteers to candidates supportive of LGBT issues.

Parker said he expects that people may find it easier to contribute time than money to this year’s campaign. “Now that money is tighter they are more interested in something to do,” he said.

Members of the coalition said it will be easier to make an impact on the state Senate since there are fewer members in that chamber. Turning the larger House around is more difficult task, they said.

Linda Elliott, of HRC, said the coalition will seek out viable, “ fair-minded candidates.” HRC is bi-partisan, so the group could support progressive Republicans as well as Democrats, she said.

The coalition hopes to be active throughout the state, but won’t be involved in every district’s race, Elliott said.

Elliott said outreach is an important part of the coalition’s mission. “We need the straight community behind us,” she said. Minority groups and communities of faith are among the groups Elliott would like as outreach targets.

Elliott said HRC started working with the Stonewall Democrats in October. Equality Arizona joined the effort in November. The Log Cabin Republicans, who just recently reactivated a local group, joined in January.

Marcus Milam, chair of the local Log Cabin Republicans, said his group can work with the Democrats as long as they don’t discuss things like health care and the economy. On LGBT issues, Milam said the groups agree.

Milam said the Log Cabin Republicans want to support candidates “who would be better on issues,” even if that means they’re not members of the GOP.

Steve Brittle, a political consultant with the local Stonewall Democrats, admitted that the odds are against his party, but “hope springs eternal.” He said he’s noticed change in public opinion in the last two to four years. “I think our time is coming,” he said.

Steve Reid, of HRC, said there will be a vetting process for candidates supported by the coalition.

Mike Remedi, of Equality Arizona, said his group sends candidates questionnaires concerning issues like civil unions, domestic partners benefits and adoption policies.

Members of the coalition said they hope the group will remain active after the 2010 election. They said the effort this year could build a base for candidates in the 2012 and 2014 elections.

Other members organizing the coalition are Anne Groth, of Equality Arizona, and Cynthia Leigh Lewis, of HRC.

For more information, e-mail azlgbtpolitics.org or visit www.azlgbtpolitics.org.

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