BOSTON, May 14, 2008  –  The Massachusetts Democratic Party has met its own target for LGBT representation on its delegation to the Democratic Nation Convention in Denver later this year.

The convention will ‘crown’ the party’s presidential candidate for November’s general election.

At a meeting of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103’s Freeport Hall, the committee elected 12 Pledged Party Leaders and Elected Officials, 2 unpledged add-ons, 20 at large delegates, and 6 ‘at large’ alternates.

Last year, the Democratic State Committee set a goal of sending eight gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered Democratic activists to Denver.  Throughout the year, a host of groups across the state worked tirelessly to insure the goal was met.  Delegates could be elected at congressional level caucuses, or at large at the DSC meeting held on May 10.

Four gay and lesbian delegates were chosen at the congressional level caucuses on April 5th:

● Richard Branson, Boston, 9th Congressional District, Pledged to Senator Obama
● Stephen Driscoll, Pembroke, 10th Congressional District, Pledged to Senator Clinton
● Patricia Deal, Arlington, 7th Congressional District, Pledged to Senator Clinton
● Robert Demers, Tewksbury, 5th Congressional District, Pledged to Senator Clinton

While the numeric goal of eight does not include Alternate delegates, Tony Fernandes of Winthrop was elected as an alternate for Hillary Clinton in his Congressional caucus. Congressman Barney Frank is included in the numeric goal and automatically attends the DNC by virtue of his office.

The final stage for selecting delegates was held on last Saturday, May 10.  The additional three delegates selected on Saturday were:

● Thomas Barbera, Waltham, Pledged to Senator Obama
● Carol Ann Aloisi, East Boston, Pledged to Senator Clinton
● Lynda Tocci, Medford, Pledged to Senator Clinton

Ms. Aloisi, also Secretary of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, received the most votes among the female pledged delegates for Clinton.

“I am thrilled to be heading to Denver,” she said.  “I very much look forward to starting a national campaign in Denver that will help Democrats secure the White House and increase our majority in Congress.”

Three gay and lesbian Democratic activists were also chosen to hold seats on the standing committees of the convention.

Rebecca Edmonson of Somerville, Joseph Kaplan of Mansfield, and Paul Giorgio of Worcester were all chosen Members of standing committees attend the convention but serve in a volunteer capacity and do not have a vote at the convention.

The first transgender Committee member, Diego Sanchez, also from Massachusetts, was appointed by National Party Chairman Howard Dean in March.

“We’re thrilled about the level of GLBT representation in the delegation,” said Bay State Stonewall Democrats co-chair Shawn Hartman.

“The Massachusetts Democratic Party and each presidential campaign team worked closely with various groups, including the Stonewall Democrats, to diversify the entire delegation, and their efforts clearly paid off.”

Massachusetts Democratic Party Chairman John Walsh congratulated all the gay and lesbian candidates.

“I am proud that we have reached our goal and elected the terrific GLBT activists who will join us in Denver,” he said.

“Our delegation is an exceptional one, both because of the calibre of the activists as well as their diversity.  They are truly a representative of Massachusetts Democrats and I look forward to working with all of them in the days ahead.”