DNC Lawsuit
Settled

A lawsuit against the Democratic National Committee by its former gay and lesbian leadership council director was settled January 16.

Donald Hitchcock sued the Democratic Party after he was removed from his position, which occurred soon after his partner, Paul Yandura, vocally criticized DNC chairman Howard Dean for his stances on gay issues. The terms of the settlement between Hitchcock and the DNC were not made public.

"We appreciate Mr. Hitchcock's intense advocacy of LGBT equality and have never doubted his strong commitment to Democratic principles or the goals of the Democratic Party," Dean and DNC chief of staff Reverend Leah Daughtry said in a statement. "Mr. Hitchcock is and has always been a valued member of the DNC community, including during his employment at the DNC."

Hitchcock added to the statement that he "appreciates all the things the DNC, Governor Dean, Reverend Leah Daughtry, Andy Tobias, Julie Tagen -- and the Democratic Party generally -- have done to advance equality. I had hoped for even more, but the dialogue is not over yet. I look forward to working with them all for continued progress."

Dean ended his term as DNC chair Tuesday with the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Dean orchestrated a "50-State Strategy" that helped propel Obama into the White House and several Democratic politicians into Congress. Former Virginia governor Tim Kaine has taken over the job. (Michelle Garcia, Advocate.com)