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All Politics is Loco: Who I am voting for, and why

By Sean Kosofsky

On Nov. 7, you will have an opportunity once again, to determine Michigan's fate. You can sit idly by and watch conservative voters turn out to the polls and vote for people who will hurt us and our families. Or you can make sure you are registered to vote and that you know exactly where you vote (www.publius.org) and take the time to vote. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are really busy and afraid you may forget to vote, call your city clerk and ask for an absentee ballot. I strongly encourage everyone reading this column, to vote and to commit to reminding everyone you know about election day.
A number of entities in Michigan are steering GLBT people and our allies toward their voter guide. First, I would encourage you to visit the site with the largest list of endorsements, www.TrianglePridePAC.org. But you can also find an impressive voter guide with a great deal of helpful information, including how other GLBT PACs and Between The Lines have rated candidates, at www.PrideSourceVotes.com.
But let me tell you how I am voting and why, just in case my opinion matters to you. My endorsements might be slightly different from those in the voter guides, but using and comparing all three wouldn't hurt.
For governor, I am voting to keep Jennifer Granholm. I have worked closely with her administration and I know that our community is best served with her in office. We will continue to see progress and leadership on our issues if she is at the helm to protect us.
For U.S. Senate, I am voting to retain Debbie Stabenow. She is a dynamic woman who has risen quickly in the ranks of the U.S. Senate. She is well-loved and would represent all Michiganians in D.C.
For attorney general, Amos Williams is my man. Mike Cox has been a universal let down to everyone. For secretary of state I will be voting against Terry Lynn Land, because she actively raises money for anti-gay candidates for office and because she has not made voting more accessible the way her Democratic challenger has promised to do.
For state Supreme Court, I am voting for Michael Cavanagh and Jane Beckering. Cavanagh has a reputation of ruling appropriately on issues of civil rights. Jane Beckering has not been endorsed by Pride PAC but I assure you, she would be a refreshing change to the right-wing member of the court she is challenging.
For state board of education, I will be voting for Reginald Turner and Cassandra Ulbrich. I know them both personally, and believe they are progressives that will work to end bullying in our schools and provide leadership instead of caving into pressure to teach creationism in our public school science classes.
For the university boards, here are my picks. For U of M Board of Regents I will support Julia Darlow and Kathy White. For MSU Board of Trustees, I will support Faylene Owen and George Perles. For WSU Board of Governors I will vote for Debbie Dingell and Eugene Driker.
I have not fully made up my mind on all the ballot proposals but I will tell you clearly that I am voting "NO" on Proposal 2, which would ban affirmative action in Michigan making Michigan an unattractive and intolerant place to live. I will also be voting "YES" on Proposal 5 which will ensure that K-16 public education will be fully-funded in the future. This is critical as a state and we make sure that education is paramount. Having the best educational system in the nation will help our workforce and help children.
To learn more about Congressional, legislative and county commission and judicial races, go to the websites above.
You may be asking yourself why I am only supporting Democrats this year. More importantly, you should be asking Republican candidates why they have lost the vote of the GLBT community. Then you will get your answer. Pride PAC has endorsed Republican candidates, but only a few. It is a shame that the Republican Party has made our basic civil rights, a partisan issue. Join with me in voting your values on Nov. 7. Vote against discrimination. Vote for hope.

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Topics: Opinions
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