LGBT Support Helped Candidates Win
A wide array of pro-LGBT candidates won election in Wisconsin. All but one of the candidates HRL-PAC endorsed
were elected to office.
"We were particularly thrilled that there were pro-LGBT winners in the races that we put most of our financial and volunteer
support into, including the governor's and attorney general's races," said Paul Williams, HRL-PAC President. Both Jim
Doyle and Attorney General-elect Peg Lautenschlager are strong supporters of LGBT rights.
Many pro-LGBT incumbent candidates won re-election in the state legislature. Out gay State Rep. Mark Pocan won a
new term, and State Rep. Tim Carpenter became Wisconsin's first out gay State Senator. Throughout the state, other legislators
who have supported gay rights initiatives won re-election.
Support from the LGBT community and other minority groups was expected to have played a role in the victories. "There
were several new efforts on the part of Wisconsin gay organizations to fundraise for candidates and increase voter turn-out.
We can be proud to have had an important impact on this election," said Williams.
There were key losses as well, however, including the fight for the 5th State Senate seat. Republican Tom Reynolds,
who has demonstrated strong opposition to gay rights, won that race against Democrat George Christenson.
HRL-PAC's Endorsed Candidates
