TODAY'S SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, AUG. 23

Breakfast
9:30AM-10:45AM

Breakout Sessions
9:30AM-10:45AM

Breakout Sessions
11:00AM-12:15AM

Lunch Plenary
12:30PM-2:00PM

Breakout Sessions
2:15PM-3:30PM

Closing Session
3:45PM-5:15PM

Authors' Café
3:45PM-5:45PM

Not-So-Silent Auction
6:45PM-8:45PM

View the full schedule here

TODAY'S WEATHER

WHAT IS NLGJA?

Find out more about NLGJA at the official website.

MENTORS

A big thanks to our mentors:

Brett Zongker
The Associated Press

Caroline K. Hauser
The Washington Post

Mark S. Luckie
Entertainment Weekly

Larry M. Shaw
ABC

Dennis M. Powell
ABC

Doug Mitchell
NPR

LGBT votes carry clout, politicians take notice

by Oscar Raymundo

As the 2008 presidential election approaches, the LGBT community is growing into a more influential and appealing constituency for both candidates.

Although the Democratic Party and the Republican Party might not be on the same page when it comes to the issues, for the first time they are taking steps—at their own pace—to attract the gay vote.

"There is a big change from previous campaigns," said executive director of Stonewall Democrats Jon Hoadley. "The emphasis on organizing and mobilizing the LGBT community is the most comprehensive it has ever been."

The Obama campaign has placed diversity at its cornerstone, so it's not surprising to see a more visible inclusion of the LGBT community, especially in its commitment to hire openly gay staff members to work on the campaign like the new director of communications for Illinois, Justin DeJong.

In August, the Obama campaign extended its LGBT Leadership Team. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), the only Congresswoman to run and win as an openly gay candidate, will be co-chairing the new National LGBT Steering and Policy Committee, responsible for educating voters on the differences between Obama and McCain in regards to LGBT issues.

The expansion also includes the grassroots effort Obama Pride.

"The LGBT community is growing from a closed-door fundraising group to a full-body constituency," Hoadley says. "Members of the LGBT community are being used to deliver the message to a wider audience."

Michelle Obama has also been cited as a link between the LGBT community and the Obama campaign. She has attended various fundraisers and has managed to establish a close rapport with the community.

But it is rather easy for the Democratic Party to cater to gay and lesbian voters and use them as examples of the campaign's commitment to diversity. After all, four out of five LGBT voters vote democrat, making it vital for campaigns to not take its base for granted.

"The platform is not perfect, but for the first time we are calling for an end of all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identification in the workplace," Hoadley says. "We are calling to revoke ‘Don't ask; don't tell.' Where are those words in the Republican platform?"

And even though those words will never come out of McCain's mouth, at least he is not doing what President Bush did back in 2004. Mostly as a result of Karl Rove's tactics, gay marriage was introduced as a campaign issue to polarize the country and garner votes. It was divisive and it worked, according to Scott Tucker, director of communications for Log Cabin Republicans.

"McCain does not have a perfect record when it comes to gay and lesbian issues," said Tucker. "But what he is not doing is that he is not going on the campaign trail and using his personal views as wedge issues to try to win the election."

And although progress in the GOP may not be happening overnight, Tucker acknowledges that the wheels are turning and cites a recent victory.

Earlier this month, the Republican majority in the New York state senate introduced the Safe Schools for All Students Act, protecting kids from being bullied in public schools because of sexual orientation or gender identity.

"It was a big deal to include transgender students in that bill," Tucker said, "And we did it."

Another challenge facing McCain and the Republicans this November is the potential backlash from their conservative base not wanting the GOP to venture too deep into equal rights for LGBT.

"We are obviously not going to convince every member of the party," Tucker said. "But equality will never be reached unless we convince a large number of Republican voters that these issues are important."

At least both parties agree on the power of the gay vote, especially after a deadlocked primary contest, where there was record-breaking voter turnout.

"When it comes to issues that affect the LGBT community, America gets it, especially when it comes to equality and discrimination," Hoadley said. "More than ever, this is our election. We need to make our values known and play a role in furthering equality in this country."

Read tomorrow to figure out what LGBT voters look for in a presidential candidate.