From: LmCAgayLOB@aol.com Date: Fri, 8 Nov 1996 18:53:43 -0500 Subject: SHEILA KUEHL PICKED FOR #2 SLOT IN CA State ASSEMBLY !!!!! [AND CORRECTION] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 8, 1996 CONTACT: LAURIE McBRIDE 916 444 0424 LmCAgayLOB@aol.com SHEILA KUEHL PICKED FOR #2 SLOT IN CA State ASSEMBLY !!!!!! After an all-day session, Democrats announced Thursday evening that their new Assembly Speaker would be Cruz Bustamante of Fresno. Friday morning, news leaked out that Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl had been chosen as the Assembly's Speaker Pro Tem, which places her second in command. On a daily basis she will share responsibilities for running the Assembly, and for chairing the Assembly when in session. This historic agreement is possible because Sheila Kuehl has proven herself far more than a one or two issue politician. In her first two years she has become a leader in the women's caucus and in the progressive caucus. Her savvy and willingness to work with members, regardless of political orientation, cemented relationships based in respect. Insiders report that negotiations putting Bustamante in the top slot centered on ensuring Kuehl's support, as well as the support of progressives in the Bay Area. In the latter group, Assemblywoman Carole Migden took the lead, ensuring a strong voice for her progressive colleagues. "The upshot is an unprecedented victory for the gay and lesbian community," said Laurie McBride, Executive Director of LIFE: California's Lesbian/Gay and AIDS Lobby. "Our two first openly gay lesgislators in California, are elected in the last two years. Now Sheila Kuehl is Speaker Pro Tem, and Carole Migden is right there with her as part of the inner circle of Assembly leadership as well. They are role models of the highest order, and will no doubt prove themselves exemplary leaders for ALL Californians." "This is a great, great day for California," McBride concluded. From: LmCAgayLOB@aol.com Date: Fri, 8 Nov 1996 21:52:32 -0500 Subject: CORRECTION: SHEILA KUEHL ONLY RUMORED TO BE CANDIDATE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 8, 1996 CONTACT: LAURIE McBRIDE 916 444 0424 LmCAgayLOB@aol.com CORRECTION: SHEILA KUEHL IS A CANDIDATE FOR #2 SLOT IN CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY !! The final leadership configuration of the Assembly won't be final until voted on by the Assemblymembers themselves, on December 2nd. Sheila Kuehl's candidacy for Speaker Pro Tem of the Assembly is not confirmed. Repeat: The information released earlier about her possible election to the Speaker Pro Tem post is an unconfirmed rumor. "I regret the error in our earlier press release," said Laurie McBride. "It was my fault for not checking the facts, and rushing into celebration-mode." "However it turns out, we still welcome the new leadership of the State Assembly. The gay and lesbian community should be enormously proud of the role that Sheila Kuehl and Carole Migden continue to play on behalf of all Californians." "We can continue to hope, however, that these remarkable women will be included in leadership -- their talent and energy and expertise would surely prove a welcome asset in the work ahead," McBride concluded. -- end -- [ So, there is no historic agreement... yet... except about the leadership of Cruz Bustamante, the first Hispanic to hold the Speakership of the California State Assembly. The exact leadership make-up is yet to be decided. But it is still true that Sheila Kuehl has proven herself far more than a one or two issue politician. In her first two years she has become a leader in the women's caucus and in the progressive caucus. Her savvy and willingness to work with members, regardless of political orientation, cemented relationships based in respect. And it is still true that Carole Migden is a leader and positive force for progressive issues of concern statewide.]