LGBT Supporters Pick Mendelson for D.C. Council

BY Marchae Grair

July 14 2010 4:25 PM ET

Members of the largest LGBT Democratic group in Washington, D.C., have chosen
to endorse a straight incumbent who helped gain marriage equality in
D.C. instead of endorsing a gay challenger.

The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club will support Phil Mendelson's reelection for an at-large council position, instead of gay opponent, Clark Ray, according to The Washington Post.

Mendelson has served for three terms and swayed many gay supporters with his commitment to securing gay marriage in the district. Ray countered that he could bring new ideas to the campaign and an authentic experience to the council — as both a gay rights activist and gay man.

Many supporters who decided to back Mendelson believe gay voters should support politicians who prove to be good allies. "We want to send a message to anyone who supports marriage rights — we will support you and we're not going to dump you just because someone gay comes along," said Mendelson supporter Bob Summersgill in the Post article.

The club also voted to support Kwame Brown for the area chairman race. Brown will face Vincent Orange, who made negative remarks about gay marriage in 2006.