movieguy Posted July 27, 2006 Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 Oklahoma Gets Its First Gay Lawmaker by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff July 26, 2006 - 3:00 pm ET (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) Oklahoma will have its first openly gay legislator when the new session begins this winter. Al McAffrey won the Democratic primary Tuesday night in a district that includes downtown Oklahoma City. With no Republican challenger automatically gains the seat. McAffrey, 58, with a diverse background is uniquely positioned for his new role. He is a Navy veteran, a member of the Choctaw Nation, a former Oklahoma City police officer and currently works as a funeral director. He also is a father and a grandfather. McAffrey was endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which helped raise thousands of dollars to fund his campaign. "Al's win is more proof that what fair-minded Americans care about most are issues that directly affect their lives," said Chuck Wolfe, Victory Fund President. "2006 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for the Victory Fund. Smart, qualified LGBT candidates, backed by our national network of donors, are proving that we can add voices for equality everywhere," Wolfe added. However, Rhonda Rudd, a lesbian candidate seeking the Democratic nomination to represent District 46 in the Oklahoma State Senate, lost her race to a Democratic Party insider. Jim Roth, an incumbent who sits on the Oklahoma County Commission, was unopposed in his primary race. McAffrey's win comes on the heels of other significant milestones for the LGBT community in red states this year, including the election of Patricia Todd to the state house in Alabama, and the election of Kathy Webb to the state house in Arkansas. Todd and Webb will become their states' first-ever openly gay elected officials. ©365Gay.com 2006 links Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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