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Dan Choi and Anthony Woods at Tomb of the Unknowns

Lt. Dan Choi and former congressional candidate Anthony Woods, who were discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell",  join other LGBT veterans today for the ceremonial wreath laying at the Tomb Of The Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. This was one of dozens of events throughout the weekend that culminate in Sunday’s National Equality March.

Choi appeared on CNN's AC360 earlier this week and masterfully slayed gay-obsessed Elaine Donnelly.

More photos at Eric Politzer's Flickr stream. Thanks Robert Polzoni.

Woods Loses Congressional Race

Anthony Woods, the West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran who launched an historic campaign to become the first black openly gay man elected to Congress, loses his bid to represent California's 10th Congressional District. Woods received about 8% of the vote and finished fourth among Democratic candidates vying for the seat to represent the East Bay and Sacramento and replace the outgoing Rep. Ellen Tauscher, according to the California Secretary of State.

With about 26 percent of the total, Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi captured the Democratic nomination. Garamendi has a strong pro-gay record and recently announced his support of marriage equality on Twitter. Garamendi will face Republican attorney David Harmer and minor party opponents in the November 3 runoff election.

Woods, a 29-year-old native of the 10th District and Fairfield, California, energized progressives and the netroots. The West Point graduate earned the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal. Woods earned his master’s degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He was honorably discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy after coming out at Harvard.

AFTER THE JUMP, watch San Francisco's KGO-TV interview Woods on the day of the election. Woods loses the election but emerges as a hero. Congratulations for competing in a tough race against very well known opponents. And thanks for bringing visibility to black LGBTs.

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Anthony Woods: "A Rare Candidate in A Unique Period in History"

Photo: WoodsforCongress Flickr

More news on Anthony Woods, who is running in the special election in California’s 10th Congressional District to replace the outgoing Rep. Ellen Tauscher. As the debate around "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and health care reform intensifies, in an op-ed in the Washington Blade, DC-based freelance writer and gay activist Jeff Marootian describes Woods as "a rare candidate running in a unique period in American history."

Woods is among a rising class of America’s next generation of leaders.  Educated at West Point and Harvard, he is a former captain in the U.S. Army who served tours of duty in Iraq and received the Bronze Star. In Iraq, he oversaw 81 men, all of whom returned home safe and sound. After returning from serving his country, he faced firsthand the discrimination of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and was honorably discharged for coming out. 

Truly there could be no better advocate in the fight for equality on the Hill on this and so many other important social issues. It is fitting that he would replace Rep. Ellen Tauscher, who introduced legislation to repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell." His military leadership would bring additional credibility to the Democratic Party on the issues of national defense, and a welcome young veteran’s perspective to the House Armed Services Committee if he were to replace Tauscher as a member. 

He is a rare candidate running in a unique period in American history. His election would be a tremendous step forward for California and for the country, and an assurance to further progress on the issues so significant to us all.

In related news: Earlier this week Woods participated in a debate among the 11 candidates hoping to replace Tauscher. KCBS Radio reports Anthony Woods took aim "at the more seasoned politicians in the field. 'It’s time to start sending a different generation of leaders to start solving those problems,' said Woods. 'Time and time again we keep sending career politicians to these seats, and then we’re disappointed when we realize that nothing changes.' "

The special primary election  is September 1. The latest polls are not so encouraging: SurveyUSA for KPIX-TV in San Francisco shows Lt. Gov. John Garamendi with a solid lead at 26% and Woods with 5%.

If you can, please donate to Anthony Woods' campaign or his ACTBlue page. Join Anthony Woods on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @Woods4Congress.

News: Schwarzenegger, Anthony Woods, Queen Latifah, Ref 71

· Federal court orders California to reduce its prison population by 43,000 inmates within two years.

· California Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg announces he will file a lawsuit against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The suit contends the governor "violated his constitutional authority" in making line item vetoes when he ordered "huge and potentially disastrous cuts in vital California health and welfare programs, including those that affect people living with HIV/AIDS, seniors, the disabled, and the very young."

· Washington: Rejection rate rising signatures for Referendum 71, which would rescind the state's recently passed "everything but marriage" domestic-partnership law.

· For the seventh year in a row, the City of Chicago issues a mayoral proclamation and holds a ceremony "recognizing the service of GLBT veterans. It is the only such municipal recognition ceremony in the country."

· Queen Latifah now a regular at New York City lesbian party "Eden."

· Congressional candidate Anthony Woods as a positive role for black gay youth: "Woods' ability to connect with a youth culture increasingly accepting of gays suggests a number of possibilities for black gay community. Should Woods win the seat and go on to enjoy a lengthy and successful career in politics, it will be very hard for history to downplay his contributions to the political world the way it was done with civil rights activist Bayard Rustin. Many—including a number of black gays—know little about Rustin's work to combat segregation, apartheid, and homophobia. In the digital age where everything is photographed, taped, and blogged, Woods' potential ascension from fallen victim of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' to the first black openly gay person elected to Congress will be a story told repeatedly to young gays of color."

Anthony Woods on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher"

Now this was hot. If you were watching HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher last night, you probably were pleasantly surprised to see congressional candidate Anthony Woods make a surprise appearance.

Woods is running in the special election in California’s 10th Congressional District to replace the outgoing Rep. Ellen Tauscher. The West Point graduate earned the Bronze Star serving two tours in Iraq and was  later discharged under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy after publicly coming out as gay. 

AFTER THE JUMP, watch Anthony Woods on Real Time. Woods appeared in Maher's "Overtime" and "New Rules". IMHO they weren't the most exciting segments, but, it was great to see Tony on a national platform and a very popular television show. Oh and there is also this love lettter to Woods and a poll at Daily Kos. If you can, please donate to Anthony Woods' campaign or his ACTBlue page. Join Anthony Woods on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @Woods4Congress.

HRC and Victory Fund Endorse Anthony Woods for Congress

The hits keep coming for Anthony Woods, the West Point graduate who earned the Bronze Star serving in Iraq, discharged under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and running in the Special Election in California’s 10th Congressional District. The Human Rights Campaign and the Victory Fund have endorsed Woods for Congress.

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which helps recruit and support openly gay candidates for elected office, says Woods "is an exciting candidate" with a "tremendous record" of accomplishment.  "He's also running an impressive campaign. ... Woods will be an authentic voice not only for the people of California's 10th Congressional District, but for the millions of Americans for whom the promise of equality remains unfulfilled."

Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese adds: "Anthony hasn’t just shown his support on issues of LGBT equality, he’s lived them—especially the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'  ... There is no doubt that Anthony will be a role model for LGBT youth, and we applaud his continuing service to our country."

The special election will replace the outgoing Rep. Ellen Tauscher who accepted a presidential appointment as Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. For the fundraising quarter that ended June 30th, the two tour Iraq War Veteran outraised his opponents and recruited more than 800 donors, more than "more than twice the number of donors as Lt. Governor John Garamendi", according to reports.  Woods has organized more than 4,700 supporters on Facebook, described as "more than every other CD 10 candidate combined."

Anthony Woods is the truth. AFTER THE JUMP, watch Tony Woods talk to AMERICAblog's Joe Sudbay, a recent appearance on CNN and his campaign video. If you can, please donate to Anthony Woods' campaign or his ACTBlue page. Join Anthony Woods on Facebook or follow him on Twitter (@Woods4Congress). Wouldn't it be great to have a member of Congress who is black, gay, a veteran and knew what it was like to grow up without health care?

Anthony Woods Raises More Than $100K in Q1 of CA-10 Campaign

Fabulous news to report on Anthony Woods. In the first two months of his first campaign, the West Point graduate who earned the Bronze Star serving in Iraq and discharged under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy has raised more than $100,000 for the recently scheduled Special Election in California’s 10th Congressional District.

Woods is running to replace the outgoing Rep. Ellen Tauscher in the East Bay. For the fundraising quarter that ended June 30th, the two tour Iraq War Veteran also recruited more than 800 donors, more than "more than twice the number of donors as Lt. Governor John Garamendi", according to numbers released by the Garamendi.

Key to Woods fundraising success: The Facebook and Twitter generation. Woods has organized more than 4,700 supporters on Facebook, described as "more than every other CD 10 candidate combined."

If you have never heard Anthony Woods speak, he is incredible. AFTER THE JUMP, Woods talks to AMERICAblog's Joe Sudbay. If you can, please donate to Anthony Woods' campaign or his ACTBlue page. Join Anthony Woods on Facebook or follow him on Twitter (@Woods4Congress). Wouldn't it be great to have a member of Congress who is black, gay, a veteran and knew what it was like to grow up without health care?

Thanks LANE HUDSON (@TlaneHudson)

Anthony Woods in WaPo: Speaks Out Against DADT, Prop 8 Racism

The latest on Anthony Woods, the West Point graduate who earned the Bronze Star serving two tours in Iraq and was discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Woods is running in a special election to replace the outgoing Rep. Ellen Tauscher in CA-10 and is profiled in the Washington Post where he says DADT is the least of President Obama's problems.

Woods tells WaPo: "Of all the huge problems that he's confronting, I actually think this one is the easiest. Look, we're a country at war fighting in two different places and trying to combat terrorism all around the world. We need every able-bodied American who wants to serve their country to be allowed."

Woods also shared his frustration on the ongoing race-baiting in the aftermath of Proposition 8a—such as these comments earlier in a post on Lt. Dan Choi, also discharged under DADT. "It's going to be defeated in the future when we build a coalition of African Americans and Hispanics and folks from every swath of life in California. ... It's not at all helpful for the LGBT community, right or wrong, to scapegoat the African American community. That's the exact group of people who you need to speak to immediately and get them on board. What I hope I can do in the future is be a bridge for that. I'm a member of both of those communities and that's how we're going to be able to start speaking to each other in a language we both understand."

Last night was the end of the fundraising quarter for congressional candidates. There's going to be considerable focus on Woods' numbers, so, if you can, please donate to Anthony Woods' campaign or his ACTBlue page.

If you have never heard Anthony Woods speak, he is incredible. AFTER THE JUMP, Woods talks to AMERICAblog's Joe Sudbay. If you can, please donate to Anthony Woods' campaign.

 

Gay Iraqi Vet and Congressional Candidate Anthony Woods on CNN

More news on Anthony Woods, the West Point graduate who earned the Bronze Star serving in Iraq and was discharged under  "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Woods is running in a special election to replace the outgoing Representative Ellen Tauscher. In addition to a new profile at Advocate.com, CNN's Campbell Brpwn interviewed the congressional candidate to discuss the military's failed "Don't Ask" policy.

Woods tells CNN: "I was extremely frustrated with the idea of lying about who I was. I thought it was very important for people who disagree with the policy to take a stand and say they were not going to lie anymore. I knew it was going to cost me my career. I knew it would cost me the opportunity to teach at West Point. ... Ultimately I think it was the right decision to do to get rid of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. It hurts our country and is not good for our country."

AFTER THE JUMP, via Mad Professah, watch Anthony Woods on CNN. Donate to Anthony Woods' campaign here.

Daily Beast: "Anthony Woods Life Reads Like a 'West Wing' Script"

Anthony Woods' star is rising. Benjamin Sarlin at The Daily Beast talks to the black, openly gay congressional candidate and writes a glowing profile. Sarlin says the highly decorated Iraqi War veteran and West Point graduate has "the" biography of this election cycle. "In 2004, it was Barack Obama; in 2006, it was Vietnam vet Jim Webb. Anthony Woods' biography—he’s a gay, black Iraq vet with a Harvard degree—reads like a West Wing script Aaron Sorkin threw into the wastebasket for being too over the top"

Woods’ résumé seems perfectly tuned to attract national attention. One of his top issues is repealing the military’s “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy, an issue that seems to be gathering steam as liberals try to hold President Obama to his campaign pledge. Woods has already received an endorsement from Dan Choi, a fellow West Point graduate whose recent discharge for being gay made him a rallying point for activists, and popular blogger Andrew Sullivan recently took note of his campaign as well.

For Woods, the issue is deeply personal. He was forced to leave a promising Army career after he came out in 2008. He received an honorable discharge under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell rules. “I knew getting into it that if I took a stand, it would be a costly decision and it certainly has become one,” Woods said in an interview with The Daily Beast. "But people have to take a stand for what's right. There's a reason this policy is on the front burner now... We're a country fighting two wars, having trouble recruiting, yet we want to turn away some of our most talented, most well-trained soldiers?"

Woods said that he “agonized” over the decision to come out for several months while he was studying for his master's in public policy at Harvard. In addition to his military career, his choice ended up costing him his military scholarship as well as several friends. "As I grew more comfortable with who I was, the less comfortable I was with lying about it," Woods said. "It was a real struggle because I absolutely love the military. I still do today. I would gladly serve, I would love to teach at West Point, I had no problem deploying again."

Woods is running in a special election in California's 10th Congressional District where he grew up. The seat is being vacated later by Rep. Ellen Tauscher who has resigned to become the Obama Administration's Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.

If elected, Woods would become the first openly black gay person elected to Congress, and, only the second gay man who was elected to Congress while fully out of the closet. The first was Colorado's Rep. Jared Polis.

AFTER THE JUMP, watch Anthony Woods' campaign video. Donate to Anthony Woods' campaign here.