The Democratic National Committee (DNC) held its Summer meeting from August 27 -29 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since next year is a presidential election year, this meeting featured a "meet the candidates" session, as four of the announced candidates, Governor Lincoln Chafee, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Governor Martin O'Malley and Senator Bernie Sanders ( in alphabetical order) addressed the membership. Only Senator Webb who has been polling next to zero was not present reportedly for family obligations. Although he has not announced, Vice President Biden had supporters present who were meeting with DNC members and State party senior staff.
There were opportunities to meet and greet the candidates and their campaign staff at the host hotel as well as at receptions both at the hotel and at offsite venues.
As the Republican Party becomes more reactionary in policy and action, it's apparent that the DNC's support for LGBT rights becomes stronger and more inclusive.
At our LGBT caucus meeting there were several positive things on which to report: