LGBTQ PAC focused on gun reform makes its first endorsements in battleground states of North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia
WASHINGTON, DC, OCTOBER 6, 2016 -- Pride Fund to End Gun Violence PAC – America’s only LGBTQ organization solely focused on gun violence prevention – today announced six new endorsements in U.S. Senate and House races up and down the East Coast including in key battleground states: Deborah Ross in the North Carolina Senate race, LuAnn Bennett in Virginia’s 10th congressional district, Bryan Caforio in California’s 25th, DuWayne Gregory in New York’s 2nd, Steve Santarsiero in Pennsylvania’s 8th, and Anna Throne-Holst in New York’s 1st.
“Pride Fund has thoroughly reviewed the platforms and records of these candidates to assess their commitment to protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community and improving the safety of all Americans,” said Jason Lindsay, founder and Executive Director of Pride Fund. “Candidates Ross, Bennett, Caforio, Gregory, Santarsiero and Throne-Holst represent the kind of leaders we need---who won’t prioritize the special interests of the gun lobby over the lives of Americans.”
With this election, we have an opportunity to start reducing the more than 33,000 gun deaths that take place in our communities every year. Pride Fund is turning anger into action by working to elect candidates who will work to make America safer for everyone.
Deborah Ross for U.S. Senate - NC
Deborah Ross believes in the Second Amendment. She also wants to keep guns away from dangerous people like violent criminals, domestic abusers, and terrorists. That is why she supports closing the loophole that allows suspected terrorists to buy guns and expanding our background check system to prevent dangerous people—including domestic abusers and criminals—from buying guns online or at a gun show. “I believe we can protect the Second Amendment while also putting common sense gun safety laws in place that help keep guns away from the people we all agree should not have them,” said Ross.
LuAnn Bennett VA-10
LuAnn Bennett knows that keeping the American people safe is Congress' most important job. In the wake of high profile domestic terrorist incidents like Orlando and San Bernardino, Bennett supports taking action to close the loophole that allows suspected terrorists to purchase dangerous firearms. "As a mother and a grandmother, it breaks my heart every time I hear that another family has to experience the pain and the loss caused by gun violence. We need a Congress willing to act on common sense gun safety laws," Bennett said. "I want to thank the Pride Fund for their support of my candidacy, and for their outspoken advocacy for gun safety measures and the LGBTQ community. In Congress, with allies like the Pride Fund behind me, I know we can move common sense gun safety reforms forward."
Anna Throne-Holst NY-01
"Pride Fund understands the urgency of common sense gun reform and shares my conviction that Washington must do more and can do more to end gun violence in America," said Anna Throne-Holst. "I would like to thank the Pride Fund for helping to bring us all together in the wake of the tragedy at Pulse night club, for their continued support of the LGBTQ community and for their determination to further the debate on gun safety. Suffolk County needs a forward-thinking representative who will stand hand in hand with with the Pride Fund to keep our communities safe. I will be this voice in Congress."
Steve Santarsiero PA-08th
As a state representative, Santarsiero authored the bill to close the gun show loophole in Pennsylvania, introduced a version of “No Fly, No Buy” legislation for the state, and fought “Stand Your Ground” legislation. Santarsiero is committed to bringing this kind of common sense thinking to the gun reform fight in Congress.
"As a State Representative, I've been a proud supporter of both common sense gun safety measures and equality for all Americans. I'm grateful for the advocacy of Pride Fund to End Gun Violence and am honored to have their support in my race for Congress," said Santarsiero.
Bryan Caforio CA-25
“Keeping Americans safe at home – in their neighborhoods, sports arenas and schools – must be our top priority in the face of tragedies like what we saw in Orlando. We must take immediate action and close the dangerous loophole that allows suspected terrorists to legally buy firearms. If you’re too dangerous to fly on an airplane, you should not be able to buy a dangerous weapon,” said Caforio.
DuWayne Gregory NY-02
DuWayne Gregory has devoted his life to serving our country and the people of Long
Island. From his service as an officer in the United States Army to his proven record of protecting our tax dollars, balancing budgets and putting politics aside to deliver results for Long Island families, seniors and businesses in the state legislature, DuWayne is the type of leader we need in Washington.
About the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence
Pride Fund to End Gun Violence (Pride Fund) is a Political Action Committee (PAC), organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect pro-LGBT candidates at the national level who support sensible gun reforms.
To learn more, visit www.pridefund.org. Like on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pridefund and follow on Twitter: @Pride_Fund
PO Box 32377
Washington, DC 20007
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