Brianne Nadeau: Last News

questionnaire, which surveys candidates about their stances on various issues prioritized by the LGBTQ political group.Issued every two years, the questionnaire grades mayoral, Council, and attorney general candidates — in both the primary and the general elections — on the depth and thoroughness of their answers, in addition to holding GLAA’s preferred positions on various issues. Candidates are rated on a scale of -10 to +10, with points awarded for answers that align with GLAA’s positions, as well as their record on LGBTQ rights.

Stonewall Democrats President Jatarious Frazier told Metro Weekly that all candidates who received a spot on the primary ballot were invited to attend and participate in the forums, in keeping with the club’s bylaws, but some individual candidates may have chosen not to participate, which in turn may have affected their chances of winning the club’s endorsement.For instance, in the Attorney General’s race, Bruce Spiva and Ryan Jones participated in the forum. But even though candidate Brian Schwalb did not, he was invited, and ended up getting the second-highest number of votes from club members when it came to deciding on an endorsement.Incumbent Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, who had been seeking the AG post, was left off the primary ballot after a three-judge panel of the D.C.

questionnaire, which is based on GLAA’s policy priorities (outlined in a policy brief that serves as an election guide), asks candidates where they stand on various issues.Candidates’ responses are then graded by GLAA members, with certain numbers of points awarded for agreeing with GLAA’s stated positions, for the depth and breadth of answers explaining their positions, and for their demonstrated record of pro-LGBTQ advocacy, both in and out of elected office. All scores are on a scale of -10 to +10, and candidates may have points deducted for any positions or records that demonstrate hostility to LGBTQ people or to GLAA’s priorities.In past cycles, incumbents — who have the benefit of amassing a record of pro-LGBTQ actions while in office — have typically fared better in GLAA’s ratings.