Equality South Dakota PAC Press Release:

EqSD PAC Endorses South Dakota Primary Candidates
SD LGBT Community and Its Friends Becoming More Politically Active

For the first time in South Dakota electoral history, a state LGBT group has given political action money to state legislative candidates.Equality South Dakota PAC (EqSD PAC) has recently provided over $5,000 in funding to both Republican and Democratic candidates involved in the June 3, 2008 South Dakota primary. Full details of all candidates provided funding can be found after May 23, 2008 on the South Dakota Secretary of State's website in the EqSD PAC's pre-primary contribution report.

"Besides EqSD PAC seeking candidates to endorse, candidates came to us wanting our endorsement and financial support," said Todd Epp, a straight lawyer from Harrisburg, SD and chair of EqSD PAC. "The fact that candidates were excited about our support and that almost all of the primary surveys were so positive about LGBT issues is exciting."

Among those EqSD PAC has provided funding to in June primary races:

* Elaine Elliott, Democrat, House District 2, Aberdeen.
* Darrell Solberg, Democrat, House District 11, Sioux Falls.
* Martha Vanderlinde, Democrat, House District 15, Sioux Falls.
* Caitlin Collier, Democrat, House District 17, Vermillion.
* Larry Lucas, Democrat, House District 26A, Mission.
* Kevin Killer, Democrat, House District 27, Pine Ridge.
* Jeff Nelson, Democrat, House District 33, Rapid City.

Following the primary election, EqSD PAC will endorse and provide funds to selected legislative candidates in the November general election who it believes have progressive views on LGBT issues. General election candidates have until June 10 to return their surveys to EqSD PAC.

All legislative candidates were sent a survey on critical LGBT issues. The survey included questions on 1) would they support adding "LGBT" to existing state law prohibiting employment discrimination; 2) whether the candidates would support anti-bullying state legislation; and 3) whether the candidates supported allowing domestic partner hospital visitation rights.

The survey is posted on the EqSD PAC web site (pac.eqsd.org). The candidates also provided biographical information and how they believed their campaigns can win.

"In addition to money, we hope to deliver volunteers, campaign support and ultimately enough votes to make the difference," said PAC board member Karen Mudd, a lesbian in Sioux Falls. "Please get involved to help elect these candidates."

EqSD PAC is the political action committee for Equality South Dakota (EqSD), a South Dakota non-profit corporation. EqSD PAC is a voluntary, non-profit, unincorporated association operating as a separate, segregated organization of EqSD.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES FROM THE S.D. LGBT COMMUNITY AND ITS FRIENDS ABOUT THE ENDORSEMENTS:
Don Frankenfeld, Rapid City--"Equality is a bipartisan issue. I'm glad that both Republicans and Democrats participated in our survey, and I'm proud that Equality South Dakota PAC is supporting highly qualified candidates from both parties," said Don Frankenfeld, a Republican former legislator and member of the EqSD PAC board of directors.

Lawrence Novotny, Brookings--"More and more South Dakotans want to see positive change in support of LGBT equality and know they need to actively work for and support legislative candidates with integrity who are willing to take a stand," EqSD PAC treasurer Lawrence Novotny of Brookings said. "That is why EqSD PAC was created," he added.

Curtis Price, Rapid City--"I'm very proud to be associated with an organization that is already changing the dialogue by supporting candidates that believe in fairness and respect for all South Dakotans and their families," Curtis Price, EqSD secretary from Rapid City said. "Fairness is a South Dakota value," he added. EqSD is a sister organization to EqSD PAC.

David Fischer, Aberdeen--"In 2008, on November's election night, I believe the dark clouds over America that have dumped an acid rain of social division to nourish the pockets and power of dishonest political addicts will dissipate. An eagle of truth and justice will soar again as citizens are led by people who know the value of individual fairness and equality. If this funding feeds this symbol of freedom, scatter it with the wind." said David D. Fischer, gay nurse anesthetist from Aberdeen, SD and Secretary of EqSD.

Paid for and authorized by EqSD PAC, 610 S. Grand Ave., Harrisburg, SD 57032, Lawrence Novotny, Treasurer.