Political Candidates Respond To “Big Gay Invitation”

You may have read about the Openly Gay Elected Officials and Candidates Breakfast being hosted by the Pride Foundation and Women Vote during Montana Pride.

If you haven’t, it’s here.

We’ve gotten some amazing responses so far. I wanted to highlight a few:

AG candidate Jim Shockley let us know through his assistant that he can’t attend due to the Montana Republican Convention that same weekend.

Legislative candidate from the Flathead Reservation Tom Camel declined because Bozeman is “too far,” but says he “supports Pride in the ways I can.”

“Dear Caitlin, I would love to come to your breakfast mixer but I work on Saturdays. I absolutely support equality for ALL and wish I could be there to support you and meet potential collaborators. If you have any questions of me, please ask. Keep me up on other events and I’ll try and make it. Sincerely, Jessie Nichols for House Distict 14 (Alberton)”

“My wife and I would like to join you for the breakfast mixer. I’m running for Senate District 36 (Beaverhead and Madison counties). We’re also the proud parents of a gay daughter. My campaign website is at www.turnerforsenatedistrict36.com. – Richard Turner, Dillon”

“I received your invitation to the festivities in Bozeman, unfortunately my husband and I will be in Germany visiting our son who is stationed there with the Air Force. I’m sorry to miss meeting all the legislators and many supporters. Will you be having any events in Billings? Thank you again for the invitation and I hope the events of that week go well. Best, Debbie Willis Candidate, HD 50 (Billings).

“You can count me in as a supporter of the Gay Community and Women everywhere! – Norma Duffy, Democratic Candidate of HD72 – Beaverhead County”

“Thank you for your invitation to the June 16th event. Due to the distances I will be unable to attend. Please know that I am a huge supporter of all rights for women. They by the way seem to be more treated then ever.”
Sincerely, Peggy Steffes Candidate for HD 89 representative” (Bitterroot Valley)

I received your invitation to this breakfast and I would like to attend. I left a message on your cell phone. I need to know what exit gets off highway 90. I’ve got a map. Maybe you’ll be able to point me in the right direction for the parade too. (I don’t know my way around Bozeman as well as I should). So this is my RSVP and I look forward to meeting you all. Marla Clark for House District 83 (Helena)

Awesome support for LGBT’s in Montana! Still time to make it if you’d like- donations accepted but never required!

Please RSVP by Thursday, June 14 by texting or calling Pride Foundation’s Regional Development Organizer in Montana, Caitlin Copple at 546.7017 or by emailing caitlin@pridefoundation.org.