Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., last week endorsed incumbent U.S. Rep. John Tierney, a Democrat, over his challenger, former State Sen. Richard Tisei, an openly gay and socially progressive Republican vying to represent Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District. In response, the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which has endorsed Tisei in the race and has long supported Congressman Frank, issued the following statement of its president and CEO, Chuck Wolfe:
We have tremendous respect and admiration for Congressman Barney Frank, a pioneering lawmaker who has long championed the Victory Fund’s work to grow the number of openly LGBT elected officials across America. He shares our passion for supporting out leaders who can tell their stories, influence their colleagues and speak out for equality within the halls of power. We are forever grateful for his service.
As a non-partisan organization working to bring LGBT voices to the table on both sides of the aisle, we disagree with Congressman Frank’s assessment of Richard Tisei, an openly gay, socially progressive Republican running in Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District.
Just as Congressman Frank was able to help persuade Democrats to turn away from an anti-LGBT record over the more than 25 years he served as an openly gay member of the House, we believe Richard Tisei’s personal influence in the Republican caucus has the potential to change the hearts and minds of colleagues. That is how real change begins.
Richard Tisei is a deeply experienced public servant who has effectively championed LGBT rights and reproductive rights for women. He is supported by numerous Democrats and Independents throughout the 6th District because he is interested in common sense solutions, not partisan gridlock.
The Victory Fund was proud to endorse Richard Tisei, and we stand with him as he seeks to represent the people of the 6th District in Washington. We need authentic and courageous voices like his and Barney Frank’s challenging both parties to change, and advocating for the freedoms all LGBT Americans deserve.
The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund is the only national organization dedicated to growing the number of openly LGBT elected officials at all levels of government in the U.S.
