But not for the reasons many others have.
Full disclosure: I've been hired to work with with National Stonewall Democrats' Elect Equality program. Elect Equality is providing support to 11 races this cycle where candidates present a real opportunity to move the national LGBT legislative agenda forward in Congress.
That I am now a paid staffer isn't a secret. It was disclosed August 27th, in the GLBT and Friends at Daily Kos diary and also yesterday.
I thought my moment to TTFN had passed, lost in the dash to abruptly pack for my new assignment and relocation. However, yesterday's disclosure about the infiltration of a Rand Paul worker, was a wake-up call to me to be as upfront as possible with this community. So I'm posting this, just in case anyone didn't know. I don't want anyone to think I've not been fully transparent on why I've suddenly gone silent.
My regular readers know I've not spared the rod for anyone responsible for the glacial pace of LGBT progress, regardless of party affiliation.
But whatever critiques I've had for some Democrats, I know the alternative is far worse. In 55 days, voters face a binary choice. I want to do everything in my power to influence them to choose wisely.
Because faced with frustrations and setbacks, I'm not the type to take my ball and go home. I'm gonna stay and fight for my community's place in the Democratic coalition. I've been fighting 25+ years. Another cycle, is just another cycle.
And there are Democrats well worth fighting for.
Forgotten are the many diaries and kind words I've written in praise of Democrats that have fought for our community. On the DADT issue, Speaker Pelosi, Representative Patrick Murphy, Senators Gillibrand, Levin, Udall are just a handful that demonstrated admirable leadership I remain grateful for. Let's send them people they can worth with, not against.
And the goal this program is to make supporters like them the rule, not the exception.
So, I signed on to fight for one such candidate. I was assigned to the Paul Hodes for Senate campaign by a higher power. Upon researching his positions, I felt very comfortable the US Senate will be a better place when he is sworn in, on LGBT issues and on a host of other issues as well. It's a winnable race. And one that will offer a bright spot of progressive goodness on November 2nd.
So this account will be going quiet for awhile, out of respect that I speak, no longer on my own behalf, but on that of a campaign. And, full disclosure, I'll be among the contributors to the postings you see from the ElectEquality handle. Like today's entry, Equality's Unsung Hero. Please check it out. Judd Gregg's Senate seat is up for grabs, we can flip what has traditionally been a LGBT-hostile seat into one that supports our full equality.
Thanks for all your support over these few years. To the people who've come to rely on me for DADT news, I can only apologize for my reluctant silence. It pains me a great deal to be sidelined at this critical time.
And to the LGB troops who have read me and written to me, please know, my heart remains in your fight. I have not abandoned you. My voice, which I've lent on your behalf this past year, will roar back, as ferocious as ever come the first Wednesday of November.
I already miss my involvement here. But right now, folks, we have a vote to get out, don't you think?