Openly gay and lesbian political candidates are becoming more andmore commonplace all across America. But not in the nation’scapitol. Out of 435 members of Congress, only two are openly gay— Barney Frank of Massachusetts and Jim Kolbe a Republicanfrom Arizona. And both of them came out after they were elected.

But things may be changing. Margarethe Cammermeyer, a retiredArmy colonel and out lesbian, declared her candidacy this week fora House seat in her Washington state district. She’s challengingtwo-term Republican incumbent Jack Metcalf. She was the co-chair this year in the campaign for Initiative 877, a WashingtonState ballot measure that would extend job protections to gay menand lesbians.

Guest:

• Margarethe Cammermeyer, a retired Armycolonel and the co-chair this year in the campaign for Initiative677, a Washington State ballot measure that would extend jobprotections to gay men and lesbians.

Related links:

• Service Members Legal Defense Network