Neptune Township Committeeman Randy Bishop is poised to be picked as mayor for 2008 after he is sworn into office tomorrow, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Bishop won re-election to the committee in November, beginning his second three-year term.
The paper reports that Bishop doesn’t want his sexuality to be a focus during his term as mayor.

“It really is a small piece of what makes me who I am,” he said. “It’s as much a piece of me as owning my own business, or having spent years in corporate America.
“Is it true that probably my experience influences how I approach problem solving? Yes, but they all play into that, and they all make me into who I am.”
The list of openly gay mayors in New Jersey is short: Democrat Gina Genovese became the state’s first openly gay mayor in 2005 when she was chosen for the position by the Republican majority on the Long Hill Township Committee. She no longer holds the office.
As in Long Hill, Neptune’s mayor is chosen by the Township Committee.
In November, Tim Eustace, a 10-year member of the Maywood Borough Council, became the state’s first openly gay mayor elected by popular vote.

A 32-year-old gay man named Spencer Livermore was named the most powerful politician in Britain by Pink News in its round-up of the top 50 LGBT government officials. Livermore, who serves as Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s director of political strategy, has worked alongside the PM for more than 10 years.
The site says of Livermore:

He speaks to Gordon Brown several times a day, and no-one is more trusted to give advice and analysis.
Only 32, Livermore lives the dream of many a West Wing addict. He contributes to speech writing for Mr Brown and he is one of his closest advisers, and with the departure of key personnel Ed Miliband and Ed Balls to greater things, he is one of the longest-standing.
Let’s put it this way – he attends Cabinet meetings, and unlike the rest of the people round the table, he has easy access to the Prime Minister.

The article adds that he Livermore has been out of the closet for his entire career.

On first meeting his demeanour and manner would never indicate his sexuality but his always-immaculate appearance might lead you to think otherwise.
A tall, besuited and perpetually discreet presence at the odd Stonewall event or gay networking evening, he has been heard to remark that he is not the gay representative in No 10.
However, he clearly has a hand when gay issues or requests from the gay community come to the attention of the Prime Minister – an ‘area of special knowledge’ rather than his own cause.

Victory-endorsed candidate Joel Burns emerged as the winner in last night’s runoff election a seat on the Fort Worth, Texas City Council.
The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which endorsed Burns, assisted him with strategic and financial support. “It was enormously important to have the endorsement of the Victory Fund. They understand what it takes to win and then they help you do that,” said Burns.
Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, celebrated the outcome of the election. “Joel’s election proves that leadership and experience are more important to voters than sexual orientation,” Wolfe said. “The people of Fort Worth rewarded Joel’s obvious dedication to his city, and ignored the tired politics of division. In a year of hard-fought battles in Texas, this is a sweet victory.”

A lawyer from Quebec City claims she was dropped by her political party because of her transgender status.
Micheline Montreuil, a federal New Democratic Party candidate, said that a party official informed her that her status was preventing the recruitment of new candidates, according to The Canadian Press.
“They just said I do not fit in the NDP anymore,” she said. “They also told me… that many people who wish to be a candidate for the NDP do not wish to have their name associated with the name of Micheline Montreuil, because I am transgendered.”
The article states:

In a letter, the party told her she lost the candidacy for statements she made in media interviews, her difficulty maintaining support in the local riding association and for not working in a team, she said.
Montreuil, nominated last spring to carry the party banner in the provincial capital riding of Quebec, disagrees with the allegations in the letter.
But she said a chat with an NDP member has caused her the most concern.
Montreuil declined to discuss details of the conversation, but alleges there are other “unpleasant” reasons for her dismissal, which must be “corrected” within the party.
She has not ruled out taking legal action.

LGBT ally Rep. Julia Carson passed away on Saturday at the age of 69. Carson, who represented Indiana’s 7th District, succumbed to a battle against lung cancer.
Gay 365 reports:

Carson quickly established herself as a champion of issues which impacted the gay community, maintaining a progressive legislative record on LGBT issues and becoming a vocal advocate of equality within Congress.
She was especially known by LGBT Democrats for her advocacy within the Congressional Black Caucus and Democratic Party politics.
“The word ‘friend’ is often over-used in Washington as politicians apply it to just about anyone with whom they may agree – or more often, disagree. However, Congresswoman Julia Carson was a true friend to National Stonewall Democrats,” said Jon Hoadley, NSD Executive Director.
“Not only was the Congresswoman an advocate for LGBT issues on Capitol Hill, Representative Carson made it a personal priority to attend numerous Stonewall Democrats events – often extending to our members warm hugs and encouraging words. We remember and honor the life and work of our friend, Congresswoman Carson, while we extend to her family, staff and constituents our thoughts and prayers.”