Not Just Another Obama Fundraiser

We live in such a diverse and wonderful area; rich in landscape, weather, filled with varied people with different interests.

To which, I attended the LGBT Obama fundraiser last night which raised $100,000. It’s believed to be the largest amount ever raised in Sonoma County for a national political campaign.

Thanks to our hosts Tony Crabb and Barbara Grasseschi at the Wells Fargo Center for pulling it all together with the LGBT and Sonoma County Democratic Club.

State Assembly Member Jared Huffman started it off with opening remarks.

The event brought in heavy-hitter Washington Governor Christine Gregoire. An eloquent, fiery speaker who brought home points like: our need to keep woman’s rights intact, and the civil rights issue of gay marriage. She has just signed into law gay marriage in Washington.

Other issues: equal access to a good education, healthcare for all, foreign policy (without the sledge hammer), and putting people back to work by bringing our manufacturing back and encouraging alternative energy.

Other heavy hitters brought in were the Co-Chair, Obama for America LGBT Leadership Council Kathy Levinson, National LGBT Vote Director Jamie Citron, and Commander Zoe Dunning, SC, USNR (Ret.) who spoke about the rescinding of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”.

Dunning had been dismissed from service for that policy and was at President Obama’s side when the policy was officially rescinded. Did you know that it took 18 pens for just one signature? Being that close to him during the signing she couldn’t resist, she leaned over and said to him, “make sure you spell it right”. Apparently he has a good sense of humor.

All in all, the event was a good reminder that every vote counts, and that there is much at stake in this election. Do we want to move forward or backward? Do we want to repeat failed policies of the past or try to acknowledge the opportunities of the future?