LPAC, the nation's first lesbian-backed Super PAC, on May 15 announced that Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts would be its new Board Chair, as well as a first-wave slate of 15 endorsements for 2014.
Ricketts, who is openly lesbian, co-founded LPAC and has been active in the committee since its inception. She replaces Chicagoan Sarah Schmidt.
In a press release, Ricketts said, "I am humbled and excited to take the reins as we continue to give lesbians a seat at the political table, and as we work hard to elect a new slate of LPAC candidates."
Ricketts told the Washington Post that she hopes LPAC will be able to raise about $1 million from small-dollar contributors on top of $1.2 million it has raised since its inception in 2012.
The 15 endorsed candidates represent a number of races across the nation; among them is Illinois governor Pat Quinn, who is facing a strong challenge from venture capitalist Bruce Rauner this year. On their website LPAC cited Quinn for his signing legislation abolishing the death penalty in Illinois in 2011, as well as his signing legislation legalizing gay marriage in 2013. They also note his 100% rating from NARAL.
Besides Quinn, other LPAC endorsements include:
Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.
Congressional candidate Sean Eldridge, D-N.Y. ( 19th )
Congressional candidate Gwen Graham, D-Fla. ( 2nd )
Congressional candidate Amanda Renteria, D-Calif. ( 21st )
New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan, D
Gubernatorial candidate, state Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Texas
Gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Michael Michaud, D-Maine
Gubernatorial candidate, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, D
Gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke, D-Wis.
Gubernatorial candidate, state Del. Heather Mizeur, D-Md.
Lieutenant Governor candidate, state Assemblywoman Lucy Flores, D-Nev.
Secretary of State candidate, state Sen. Nina Turner, D-Ohio
Attorney General candidate Maura Healey, D-Mass.