From: Hrccomm@aol.com
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 10:35:42 -0500
Subject: Wyden Win Seen As Major Victory For Gay Community Nationally

________________________________________________________

NEWS from the
Human Rights Campaign

1101 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
email:  communications@hrcusa.org
WWW:    http://www.hrcusa.org
________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 31, 1996

WYDEN WIN SEEN AS MAJOR VICTORY FOR GAY COMMUNITY NATIONALLY
                                                      
HRC Played Key Role in Campaign That Stressed Treating People Fairly

Washington -- Ron Wyden's win in the Oregon Senate race Tuesday
night was a victory of fairness over extremism, and an
encouraging bellwether for the 1996 political season, according
to the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national lesbian and
gay political organization.

     "Voters in Oregon sent a strong signal to the rest of the
country that fair-minded candidates have the edge in 1996," said
Daniel Zingale, HRC's political director. "Extremism, once again,
was rejected in a state that has had more than enough, with
anti-gay ballot measures in the last two elections, and another
on the way."

     The special election in Oregon to replace former Sen. Bob
Packwood was a major priority for the Human Rights Campaign. HRC
played a key role in ensuring Wyden's election through
contributions and organizing HRC members in a massive field
effort. HRC contracted with a local political professional, Jean
Harris, who worked full-time, mobilizing more than 200 HRC
volunteers to staff phone banks and distribute literature for the
Wyden campaign. HRC has more than 1,400 members in the state, who
together contributed tens of thousands of dollars to Wyden's
effort, Zingale said. HRC's political action committee also
contributed $10,000 to Wyden's campaign, the maximum allowed by
law, plus $5,000 to the state Democratic Party and $5,000 to the
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

     "By electing Wyden, voters chose a senator who is committed
to bringing people together, supporting policies that treat
lesbian and gay people fairly, and serving all residents of his
state," Zingale said. Oregon has been torn apart in recent years
by anti-gay extremists, led by Lon Mabon of the Oregon Citizens
Alliance, who has twice failed to pass statewide anti-gay ballot
measures. OCA had backed Wyden's opponent in the special Senate
race, as did other extremist groups, including anti-abortion
organizers and property-rights activists. 

     Wyden, in contrast, had the backing of progressive groups,
such as HRC, the Sierra Club, the National Abortion and
Reproductive Rights Action League and the AFL-CIO.

     During the 1996 election season, the Human Rights Campaign
will be involved in more than 150 congressional races -- both
Democratic and Republican -- in more than 40 states, providing
financial as well as technical assistance. In addition, the
organization plans a national voter mobilization program,
targeted toward gay voters and their supporters.

     The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian
and gay political organization, with members throughout the
country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign
support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay
Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in
the community.

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