NY State LGBT to Harold Ford: Drop Dead

Harold Ford's intrusion into New York politics initially sparked some reactions from some black politicians I talked to that basically indicated to me that Ford would not be doing well among black politicians in NYC. Even the Caribbean community, who might to some degree side with Ford's more conservative social views, seems wary of him (see, for example, Rock Hackshaw's piece). So far Harold Ford's main supporters have been Michael Bloomberg and Vito Lopez, two people I particularly do not respect.

Now NY State's LGBT politicians are officially siding with Senator Kirstin Gillibrand of New York over failed Senate candidate from Tennessee, Harold Ford. From their press release:

Recognized as one of the “Persons of the Year” by The Advocate, Kirsten Gillibrand is an outspoken proponent of marriage equality, publicly announcing her support for same sex marriage rights while serving in the House of Representatives. She supports full repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and is a leader in the effort to repeal the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, which prohibits gay and lesbian Americans from serving openly in the military. At Senator Gillibrand’s urging, the Chairman of the US Senate Armed Services Committee will hold the first Senate hearing since 1993 on the subject. Senator Gillibrand was an original co-sponsor of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Hate Crimes Act, which passed last year, is an original co-sponsor of a fully inclusive Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), and is a co-sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act, which allows same sex couples in bi-national relationships to sponsor a partner for legal immigration to the United States.

Additionally, Kirsten is a cosponsor of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act and the Early Treatment for HIV Act. Kirsten Gillibrand firmly opposes any amendment to the U.S. Constitution to discriminate against LGBT Americans, including the Federal Marriage Amendment.

"As the first openly gay or lesbian member of the New York State Legislature, I am enormously proud to support Senator Gillibrand,” Assemblymember Deborah Glick said. “Senator Gillibrand is only the second woman Senator in New York State's history and the first to support Marriage Equality. I am proud that in a time of deep cynicism her hard work on behalf of all new Yorkers can instill confidence in government, once again. Twice elected to the House of Representatives, she demonstrated her deep concern for New York's struggling families of all descriptions. With her leadership, the LGBT community was able to ensure that both US Senators representing New York support Marriage Equality.”

"I am so proud to endorse my longtime friend Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for re-election,” Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell said. “I have known and supported her since she first ran for Congress. During that 2006 campaign I held fundraisers on her behalf, confident that she supported full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals including the right to marry. Senator Gillibrand has been a steadfast friend of the LGBT community and has become the Senate’s outspoken leader in the effort to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. Kirsten Gillibrand is exactly the type of fair-minded and effective Senator that New Yorkers need and deserve."

"Senator Gillibrand is a strong advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and is working to guarantee our full and equal rights,” Assemblymember Matthew Titone said. “The LGBT community is lucky and proud to have Senator Gillibrand as an ally."

"I am proud to endorse Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a true ally of the LGBT community,” City Councilman James Van Bramer said. “My partner was a victim of the shameful Don't Ask Don't Tell military policy and I applaud Senator Gillibrand for her steadfast, passionate and determined effort to allow LGBT citizens to openly serve in the armed forces. She is a leader worthy of our support."

"Senator Gillibrand has always put LGBT issues front and center no matter where she is speaking,” City Councilman Daniel Dromm said. “We can count on Senator Gillibrand to fight for us as we move forward in our struggle for full equality," said NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm. "She's got my support!"

"Based on my personal relationship with Senator Gillibrand, I know she is an ardent supporter of LGBT issues and will fight hard for all New Yorkers,” Suffolk County Majority Leader Jon Cooper said. “Whether the battle is for marriage equality, the passage of ENDA or the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, we can count on Kirsten to stand with us. In contrast, Harold Ford has a terrible record on our issues and went so far as to vote twice for the hateful Federal Marriage Amendment. The choice is clear -- Kirsten Gillibrand has earned the support of the LGBT community."

“United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has proven to be an outstanding advocate for all New Yorkers,” Binghamton City Council Majority Leader Bob Weslar said. “Displaying independent thinking and a keen intellect, she shows the courage to lead on important issues: repealing 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' and passing the historic Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act. I proudly endorse Kirsten Gillibrand for Senate and look forward to being a partner in supporting her legislative agenda for years to come."

“Kirsten Gillibrand shares our vision for fairness and equality,” said Sean Massey, Binghamton City Councilman. “Since day one in office, she has fought to remove barriers that hold the LGBT community back – by fighting to repeal the unjust ‘Defense of Marriage’ Act so Gay and Lesbian couples get the benefits they deserve. And she is leading the fight to allow Gays and Lesbians to serve our country freely and openly the way every American deserves to. I believe in Kirsten Gillibrand’s ability create a fair, just and equal future for all of us. We need her voice in Washington and that’s why I’m proud to endorse her for U.S. Senate.”

“Senator Gillibrand is a true champion for the LGBT community,” said Richard Conti, President Pro Tem, Albany Common Council. “Kirsten is from the Capital Region and understands the needs of our families. I am proud today to endorse Kirsten Gillibrand for U.S. Senate so she can continue to fight everyday for equality.”

Why do Bloomberg and Vito Lopez think that Harold Ford, who failed in his own state of Tennessee, will do better in NY State?