Windy City Times recently asked various local LGBT individuals what political race( s ) they are following or how they plan on voting. Here is what they had to say:
—Ted Korbos: "I think the races that are generating the most interest are the two presidential primaries ( both Democrat and Republican ). Locally, the two races are the state's attorney's race and the Cook County clerk of the Circuit Court race."
—Sports writer Christina Kahrl: "The presidential race and the Illinois Senate race are the two I'm most interested in and engaged by. I've already declared my support for Hillary, but I'd anticipate voting for any Democratic candidate given that all of the Republicans have unrealistic responses to immigration issues, incoherent defense policy objectives and track records favoring discrimination and the re-creation of second-class status of LGBT citizens. In the Senate race, picking between Tammy Duckworth and Andrea Zopp wasn't an easy choice, but in the end I've lined up behind Tammy."
—Eric Nelson, political consultant at Blueprint Campaign Consulting: "Obviously, the presidential primaries are fascinating to watch, with the GOP having to deal with Donald Trump. On the state level, the amount of money pouring into some of the state legislative races is unprecedented and forecast what will happen in the general elections in November. Illinois will see a level of spending in some state House and Senate races this fall that will rival Congressional levels of spending."
—Modesto "Tico" Valle, CEO of Center on Halsted: "With an election that will continue to see LGBTQ issues at the center of debate and LGBTQ candidates in the minority of those running, I am interested in seeing how the democratic ticket unfolds between Secretary Clinton and Sen. Sanders. With both candidates supporting LGBTQ issues and causes, I would like to see explicated plans that tackle poverty, homelessness and unemployment—issues that disproportionally impact LGBTQ individuals."
—Luis H. Roman-Garcia, ALMA advocacy chair: "I am keeping an eye out at the election as a whole: nationally and locally. At the presidential level, we are seeing the ugly, xenophobic anti-immigrant rhetoric translating into electoral victories; similarly, we are hearing plans about rolling back our recent victories protecting the LGBTQ community.
"At the same time, Illinois is stuck in a political statement with a budget impasse and elected officials who are unwilling to come together, put their own personal agendas aside and work on a state budget and other policies that will help working families, immigrant families and the LGBTQ community. We are seeing an unprecedented amount of money being poured into General Assembly races, that might change the dynamics of the General Assembly.
"We need to continue to organize in our communities, build collective power>—and for those of us who can, we must exercise our right to vote. We cannot afford to sit back and see what the consequences will be like."
—Terry Cosgrove, president/CEO of Personal PAC: "The most important Cook County race is the election of Kim Foxx as state's attorney. With doctors needing to wear bulletproof vests to work and women being harassed as they enter medical facilities for reproductive health care, we need a champion and a leader who will deploy the best and brightest in law enforcement to protect doctors and patients from violence.
"There are many critical races for state Senate and state Representative across Illinois where we are seeking to protect wonderful pro-choice incumbents as well as fill vacancies and defeat anti-choice incumbents. Hillary Clinton has stood up to the anti-choice right-wing extremists her whole life. Her commitment to repeal and end the disgusting Hyde Amendment and to protect teenagers who need to seek confidential reproductive health care makes her a hero in my book.
"We need Hillary Clinton as the next president now more than ever because the most pressing issue in this election and our lifetime is two, three, perhaps four new appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court."
—Victor Salvo, founder/executive director of The Legacy Project: "Besides a number of Senate races across the country, I am most focused on Tammy Duckworth here and, of course, Hillary Clinton. Preventing a racist, xenophobic fascist from becoming president 'trumps' all other considerations. This makes the election of Democrats—any and ALL Democrats —what this campaign cycle is all about.
"Those who are whining about once again 'having to choose the lesser of two evils' or who are still talking about a fading 'revolution' better wake up to the real revolution that is taking place ... because America 2016 is beginning to feel a lot like the last days of the Weimar Republic."
—Jackie Kaplan-Perkins: "The race I am watching is for state rep of the 40th District. On a personal note, both my parents were immigrants who settled in Albany Park when coming to the United States. So, I have always followed the politics of that community.
I would like to see the seat go to the impressive and inspiring candidate Harish Patel. For years, this district for has been run by political insiders and family dynasties. Harish's experience as a community activist will serve him and his constituency well and his candidacy give us an opportunity to bring an independent and diverse voice to Springfield.
—Charlie Rice-Minoso, communications strategist at Public Communications, Inc.: "I'm primarily following the presidential, Senate and Congressional races during the Illinois primaries. As both chambers of Congress and the White House could be controlled by either party, they've certainly piqued my interest most.
"The LGBT community and progressive movement have come so far under the Obama Administration's support, I do hope that no matter which candidate( s ) or party controls either branch of government that all Americans can continue to secure their freedoms and dignities no matter who they love or how they identify."
—Andy Thayer, activist: "State's attorney is the race to watch. Will Cook County voters reward Anita Alvarez for her poisonous, Black-lives-don't-matter reign? From the purposefully botched prosecutions and non-prosecutions of cops who beat and kill Black people, to the cover-up of a killing by a Daley cousin, to the farcical 'terrorism' prosecution of the NATO 3, she shamelessly twists the justice system to pursue political agendas. Long a national embarrassment, Alvarez's re-election would solidify Chicago's reputation as a thoroughly racist city, where 'justice' depends on who you know and the color of your skin."
—David Dodd, public relations and media consultant: "Of course, I am paying close attention to the presidential race. It has been one interesting ride thus far and am very anxious to learn who will be officially running on both the Democratic and Republican sides.
"I am also paying attention to the race for the U.S. Senate. Andrea Zopp is certainly my vote over Tammy Duckworth. Her commitment to getting guns off our streets and work to provide jobs for our community. She is an avid supporter of the LGBT community and was one of few African-American women in positions of power ( when at the Chicago Urban League ) to help with secure the passage of marriage equality in Illinois, knowing that it would change the quality of lives for many in the state."
