Frumin and Bonds top GLAA's D.C. Council candidate ratings
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Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance of Washington, DC
P.O. Box 75265, Washington, DC 20013
202-667-5139

March 13, 2013

Contact: Rick Rosendall, President
202-667-5139

Frumin and Bonds top GLAA's D.C. Council candidate ratings

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Matthew Frumin topped the ratings by the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance (GLAA) candidate ratings in the April 23 special election for At-Large DC Council with a score of +7. Councilmember Anita Bonds earned +6.5. Former Councilmember Michael A. Brown earned +6. They were the highest-rated candidates in this race, but Perry Redd, Elissa Silverman, and Patrick Mara had scores that followed closely behind. No candidate received a negative rating. GLAA held its ratings meeting on March 12. A key to available ratings points is provided below.

The following are explanations of the individual ratings for D.C. Council special election candidates.

Democratic candidate Matthew Frumin (+7) agreed with GLAA on every issue and showed a strong understanding of the issues. He co-sponsored a resolution in favor of a marriage equality law with the other members of ANC 3E on May 14, 2009. It passed unanimously. The resolution was timed for the marriage recognition bill and submitted as testimony later on the marriage equality bill.

Democratic incumbent Anita Bonds (+6.5) agreed with GLAA on every issue. Her questionnaire showed a good understanding of the issues. Her record in favor of LGBT rights goes back many years.

Democratic candidate Michael A. Brown (+6) wrote over his 2012 response instead of retyping the questionnaire, which had several changes for 2013. He agrees with GLAA on nearly every issue. He added no new substance. He voted reliably for all of GLAA's issues in his one term on the council.

Statehood-Green candidate Perry Redd (+5.5) agreed with GLAA on every issue, demonstrated a reasonable understanding of the issues, and has some record of support of gay people and issues.

Democratic candidate Elissa Silverman (+5.5) agreed with GLAA on every issue. Her questionnaire showed a fair level of understanding the issues. Her record reporting on LGBT issues goes back many years.

Republican candidate Patrick Mara (+5) agreed with GLAA on most positions, but disagreed on issues including school vouchers and liquor licensing reform, and offered limited substance. His advocacy for marriage equality, including his lobbying of Republicans in Congress not to interfere in the District's decision on the matter, earned him one of the highest record-related scores in this field of candidates (see points breakdown).

Democratic candidate Paul Zukerberg (+2) agreed with GLAA on most issues. He provided almost no substance. His advocacy for medical marijuana was noted.


GLAA rates candidates on a scale of -10 to +10, based on their answers to our questionnaire and their record on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The questionnaire addresses a variety of issues including marriage and family, public health, public safety, human rights, youth and seniors, and defending LGBT consumers and businesses. The GLAA agenda, questionnaire, and complete candidate responses are available online at www.glaa.org.

All candidates were advised to read "Agenda: 2013," GLAA's comprehensive policy brief on LGBT issues in Washington, D.C.

Ratings should not be interpreted as endorsements. GLAA does not endorse candidates in partisan elections.

GLAA has rated candidates in every D.C. primary and general election since 1971.

Founded in 1971, the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance of Washington, D.C. is an all-volunteer, non-partisan, non-profit political organization that defends the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the Nation's Capital. We are the nation's oldest continuously active gay and lesbian civil rights organization.

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GLAA Ratings for April 23, 2013 D.C. Special Election


To see the full text of a candidate's questionnaire responses, click on his or her name below.

At-Large DC Councilmember

Candidate
Party
Rating
Matthew Frumin
Democrat
+7
Anita Bonds (Incumbent)
Democrat
+6.5
Michael A. Brown
Democrat
+6
Perry Redd
Statehood-Green
+5.5
Elissa Silverman
Democrat
+5.5
Patrick Mara
Republican
+5
Paul Zukerberg
Democrat
+2

Key to available ratings points

Questionnaire: yes/no+/- 2 points
Questionnaire: substantive grasp of issues+/- 4 points
Record:+/- 3 points
Championship: taking the lead on an issue
of concern to gay men and lesbians
+/- 1 point
Total available:+/- 10 points

Click here to view a detailed breakdown of all candidates' ratings points.

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