For more information contact:

Richard Meritzer – Chair

412-404-7609

rmeritzer@yahoo.com

For Immediate Release:

The Gertrude Stein Political Club of Greater Pittsburgh announces its endorsement of Alan Sandals for United States Senate. While we recognize that Chuck Pennacchio is very good on the issues the Club is concerned about as well, we feel that Mr. Sandals has exhibited a greater interest in working with the G/L/B/T community.

In the 14^th Congressional District we found both Mike Doyle and Mike Isaac to be excellent candidates. We applaud the support Mr. Doyle has given to issues we are concerned about in recent years. We are still concerned about his opposition to abortion. Mike Isaac, who is a member of the Club, is very good on all the issues we support. But this is his first time running for office and we expect him to mature politically. We will be well served by either candidate.

On April 13^th the membership of the Gertrude Stein Political Club of Greater Pittsburgh met in an open meeting and after reviewing questionnaires and discussion, in addition to Alan Sandals endorsed these candidates in the May 16^th Primary.

For Lieutenant Governor the Club endorsed Valerie McDonald Roberts. The members were impressed with her commitment to G/L/B/T and feminists issues. She also brings an energy and honesty to government that is refreshing.

For State Legislature we endorsed Dan Cindric in the 27^th District and Steven Karas in the 34^th District. Both candidates returned excellent questionnaires and have attended club events. They are also both active in Democracy for Pittsburgh a group which supports our issues. We also endorsed Daniel Mator based on his questionnaire responses.

We also endorsed incumbent State Legislators Don Walko in the 20^th District, Frank Pistella in the 21^st District, Dan Frankel in the 23^rd District and Joe Preston in the 24^th District. They have all been consistent supporters of our rights in the Legislature. And members who live in their districts feel they also keep their G/L/B/T voters informed on issues of concern to them. Lisa Bennington also running in the 21^st District and Ed Gainey also running in the 24^th District are exceptional candidates as well and would serve their districts well.

For Democratic State Committee the Club endorsed Ellen Harrison in the 38^th District, Robert Vincent Frank in the 42^nd District and Michael McGeever, Tara Reynolds and club member Marvin Liebowitz in the 43^rd District. State Committee creates the environment for political discussion. And these candidates understand and appreciate L/G/B/T and feminist issues.

The members of the Club were impressed with the number and quality of responses we received this year. Increasingly G/L/B/T issues are important to candidates. And we, as a community are the reason they care. We continue to remind them we are here are we are concerned. And we must continue to let our elected officials know, especially outside the City, that our issues are important. And vote on May 16^th.