Washington, D.C. -
Openly gay Wisconsin Representative Tammy Baldwin is being urged to run to succeed Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl, who announced on Friday he would not seek a fifth term in 2012.
Baldwin is among the four openly gay lawmakers serving in the House. Also gay are David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Barney Frank of Massachusetts and Jared Polis of Colorado.
The 49-year-old Baldwin was first elected to represent the people of Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district in 1999. For 8 years prior she served in the Wisconsin Assembly.
"She would become the nation's first openly LGBT senator," Kevin Naff, editor of gay weekly the Washington Blade, wrote in a post titled Run, Tammy Run! on Friday. "Emphasis on 'openly,' of course, given the fairly long list of rumored-to-be gay and closeted senators, including Barbara Mikulski, Larry Craig, Lindsey Graham and Harris Wofford, among others."
"Baldwin's move to the upper chamber would mark historic progress and a new first for the country," Naff added.
Baldwin is a perennial favorite among her constituents – she won 63% percent of the vote on November 2 – but remains untested in a statewide election.
Baldwin is among the four openly gay lawmakers serving in the House. Also gay are David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Barney Frank of Massachusetts and Jared Polis of Colorado.
The 49-year-old Baldwin was first elected to represent the people of Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district in 1999. For 8 years prior she served in the Wisconsin Assembly.
"She would become the nation's first openly LGBT senator," Kevin Naff, editor of gay weekly the Washington Blade, wrote in a post titled Run, Tammy Run! on Friday. "Emphasis on 'openly,' of course, given the fairly long list of rumored-to-be gay and closeted senators, including Barbara Mikulski, Larry Craig, Lindsey Graham and Harris Wofford, among others."
"Baldwin's move to the upper chamber would mark historic progress and a new first for the country," Naff added.
Baldwin is a perennial favorite among her constituents – she won 63% percent of the vote on November 2 – but remains untested in a statewide election.
Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine
