Wisconsin's Tammy Baldwin becomes first openly gay Senator
Wed. November 7, 2012 2:38 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
tammy baldwin becomes first gay u.s. senator
photo credit // tammybaldwin.com
Openly gay Mark Pocan wins Baldwin’s seat in Wisconsin
Madison, WI -
Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin became the first openly gay U.S. Senator and the first Wisconsin woman elected to the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, defeating former Gov. Tommy Thompson.
"Now, I am well aware that I will have the honor of being Wisconsin's first woman senator. And I am well aware that I will be the first openly gay member," Baldwin said in her victory speech on Tuesday night.
The 50-year-old Baldwin, who first ran for Congress in 1998 after serving 8 years in the Wisconsin Assembly, will replace retiring four-term Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl.
Despite the historic significance of her win, Baldwin's sexuality was never an issue in the race.
Openly gay Mark Pocan was the winner in Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district, taking the seat held by Baldwin.
"It's fitting that as Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin fights to win a historic victory in the Senate, Mark Pocan will follow in her footsteps as one of the most powerful voices for LGBT equality in America," said Victory Fund CEO Chuck Wolfe.
"Now, I am well aware that I will have the honor of being Wisconsin's first woman senator. And I am well aware that I will be the first openly gay member," Baldwin said in her victory speech on Tuesday night.
The 50-year-old Baldwin, who first ran for Congress in 1998 after serving 8 years in the Wisconsin Assembly, will replace retiring four-term Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl.
Despite the historic significance of her win, Baldwin's sexuality was never an issue in the race.
Openly gay Mark Pocan was the winner in Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district, taking the seat held by Baldwin.
"It's fitting that as Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin fights to win a historic victory in the Senate, Mark Pocan will follow in her footsteps as one of the most powerful voices for LGBT equality in America," said Victory Fund CEO Chuck Wolfe.
"OUT ELECTIONS 2012" Mark Pocan & Chuck Wolfe from GAY CHICAGO TV on Vimeo.