A new lesbian super PAC headed by Laura Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, has launched to support pro-lesbian candidates and play a role in same-sex marriage ballot initiatives. 

Laura Ricketts is the daughter of Joe Ricketts, the TD Ameritrade founder and patriarch of the family that owns the Chicago Cubs. The Nebraska billionaire funds the Ending Spending Super PAC, which is at the other end of the political spectrum. 

Earlier this year, Joe Ricketts considered but ultimately rejected funding an ad tying President Barack Obama closely to his one-time pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., whose race-related comments were repudiated by Obama during the 2008 campaign.

The first of its kind lesbian political action committee, LPAC was officially launched Wednesday. 

"Frankly, we created LPAC because we were shocked by this past year," said LPAC Chair and Treasurer Sarah Schmidt. "Lesbians could no longer stand by and witness continued attacks on reproductive freedoms, marriage equality, and be immersed in a political sphere where women are not given a meaningful voice in politics."

LPAC has already secured some high-profile supporters, including actress and Glee star Jane Lynch, sports icon Billie Jean King, LGBT leader Urvashi Vaid and former Provincetown Banner publisher Alix Ritchie.

"Members of the LGBT community are inspirational leaders and role models in every aspect of American life -- from education to entertainment, from sports to science," said King in a statement. "The formation of LPAC provides lesbians and the entire LGBT community a new, stronger voice and a real and respected seat at the table when politicians make policy that impacts our lives."

LPAC will give directly to federal candidates and will also engage in key city, state, federal, and ballot campaigns through independent expenditures. 

The group hopes to raise $1 million this year and plans to support candidates like Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), who is campaigning to become the first-ever elected openly gay Senator. 

On the Web: www.teamlpac.com

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