Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund to back Patricia Todd

As the ugly fight over out lesbian Patricia Todd's effort to hold on to her win in the Alabama House District 54 Dem primary continues, the good folks at the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund are on board to lend support.

Despite Todd’s ability to win the most votes twice, a formal challenge to the election was filed by Hendricks' mother-in-law. That challenge has now been tainted by powerful party officials, disappointed by the election results, seeking to improperly influence the decision of a panel that will hear evidence in the matter, according to reports. There is no Republican opponent vying for the seat in November, so Todd's primary win would make her the state's first-ever openly gay elected official.

"Democracy means nothing if backroom deals can change the outcome of a fair election. The people have spoken, but party power brokers are insisting on having the last word. That's un-American," said Chuck Wolfe, President and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.

It looks like no matter what the decision is in Montgomery on Thursday, this is sadly, likely to end up in court as the race-baiting, homophobic, and backroom strongarm tactics swirl around the backers of challenger Gaynell Hendricks.

Read earlier posts on the Todd-Hendricks race.


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NOTE: Ace blogger Kathy of Birmingham Blues will be on board to post her on-the-scene coverage of the Thursday hearings -- and all the follow-up -- right here at the Blend! Many thanks, Kathy!