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)