Hagan speech in Charlotte key for gay rights

[davidinalameda]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/politics/story/551765.html

When Sen. Kay Hagan takes the podium Saturday, in her first public address in Charlotte since taking office, she'll face a group that's become a key part of the Democratic constituency – gay rights advocates.

That hasn't always been a comfortable choice for politicians because of the potential backlash from folks who don't support gay rights.

“That's a gutsy thing to do, though I guess less so all the time,” said Ted Arrington, a political science professor at UNC Charlotte. “They've become a more important part of the Democratic coalition.”

The group, the Carolinas chapter of the Human Rights Campaign, a major gay rights advocacy group, said Hagan will be the first statewide elected federal official from North Carolina to address its annual fundraising dinner. Former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., had declined invitations to speak, though he did host meetings with the group, said Joni Madison, a member of HRC's national board who lives in Hillsborough.

[dsc]

1. I am not going to lie I was pissed when Neal lost the primary

but I have some pretty high hopes for her given that she is speaking at that dinner.