Endorsement: Beth Fraser gets Stonewall DFL nod

Here's the release from the Fraser campaign:

Stonewall DFL Endorses Beth Fraser,

Minnesota Deputy Secretary of State, for Open House Seat

SAINT PAUL, Minnesota – Stonewall DFL announced today its endorsement of Beth Fraser, Minnesota deputy secretary of state, in the election contest to replace retiring Rep. Michael Paymar, DFL-St. Paul, District 64B.

"As St. Paul's first openly LGBT legislator, we know Beth will be a strong voice and advocate for progress and equality for all," said Stonewall DFL Chair Gerald Strauss. "Her demonstrated legislative experience clearly positions her as the most accomplished and knowledgeable of those pursuing this critical statehouse office representing St. Paul constituents."

Fraser, who has lived in Saint Paul for 12 years, spent the last seven years working in the Office of the Secretary of State under Secretary Mark Ritchie. As deputy secretary of state, she manages the office's legislative initiatives, as well as the state's Safe at Home address confidentiality program.

Prior to accepting her appointment as a deputy secretary of state for Ritchie in 2007, Fraser spent eight years leading public policy efforts for the Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action, now TakeAction Minnesota. In that position, she established broad coalitions for legislative advocacy. Notably, she succeeded at winning passage of nation-leading legislation ensuring that private corporations receiving state public subsidies meet specific job goals or return public funds. She also advocated for Fair And Clean Elections legislation and founded the Voting Rights Coalition.

"I am very proud to have the esteemed support of Stonewall," said Fraser. "In my life, through school into my adult career, I've witnessed unfairness based on misunderstanding and fear. There is still much to be accomplished at the Capitol to ensure equal and just consideration of all, regardless of identity, race, creed, or any other difference which makes us unique -- our hallmark of being an American. I want to serve to ensure every Minnesota receives dignity and respect."

Fraser, a graduate of Trinity University with a BA in Sociology, moved to Minnesota nearly 20 years ago to organize community members in the Minneapolis Jordan neighborhood for the Lutheran Volunteer Corps. She chose to remain in Minnesota and worked to organize mobile-home residents facing buyouts for All Parks Alliance for Change.

Currently, Minnesota has only two openly gay members in the House. If elected, Fraser would increase the voice of the LGBT community and be the first LBGT member from Saint Paul.

Stonewall DFL, www.stonewalldfl.org, was formed in 1980 as a caucus of the Minnesota DFL. One of the oldest and most active party caucuses, it champions progress on issues facing the LBGT community, including HIV/AIDS, youth homelessness, school bullying, gender neutral services, and access to affordable and non-discriminatory health care.

Caucuses to select candidates for the open St. Paul House seat will be held on Tuesday, February 4 at 7 pm at Highland Junior High. Delegates will select the party's official candidate at the district convention at Central High School on Sunday, March 23.

Learn more about Beth Fraser and her positions on legislation and issues facing St. Paul residents at www.bethfor64B.com.

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