Newspapers / Q-notes (Charlotte, N.C.) / March 1, 1994, edition 1 / Page 13
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March 1994 T PAGE 13 Q-Notes Victory Fund invades North Caroiina by Brent L. Pack Q-Notes Staff DURHAM—The Victory Fund, the nation’s top gay political fundraising group, infdtrates North Carolina on March 12,1994 for its initial battle to raise funds for gay and lesbian political candidates in the home of oneof its staunchest opponents. Senator Jesse Helms. In its first fundraising initiative in the Tarheel State, the Victory Fund will feature a superior line of attack. David Mixner, who gained notoriety as a personal and political ally of Bill and Hillary Clinton, will be the featured speaker at the event. Mixner “came out” to the Clintons in the 1970s and quickly became a trusted confidant both politically and personally. He was instrumental in help ing Clinton secure the gay, lesbian and bi sexual vote in the 1992 presidential election. Mixner’s influence became especially im portant during the controversy surrounding Clinton’s successful attempt to promote open acceptance of gays, lesbians and bisexuals in the armed forces in 1993. In addition to Mixner, William Wayboum, executive director of the Victory Fund, will deliver a brief address and be available to answer questions concerning the Victory Fund. Established in 1991, the Victory Fund had little influence in North Carolina until the 1993 elections when it chose Mike Nelson, a gay activist who sought election to the Carrboro Board of Aldermen, as one of its selections for its slate of financially sup ported candidates. North Carolina, the 10th largest state, had been viewed by the Victory Fund as an important state in which to make efforts. It was not known, however, how to make the necessary inroads. In backing Nelson’s successful campaign, the Victory Fund broke the right ground to begin work in North Carolina, traditionally a stronghold of the conservatives and religious right. This first fundraising and informational event will focus on gaining more Victory Fund members in the state. The Victory Fund, a donor network, was fonned to finan cially support gay and lesbian political candi dates in their bids for public office. To become amember, interested parties are asked to contribute $100 to cover administrative costs of the organization. In addition, the members agree to contribute at least $100 each to two candidates from the Victory Fund’s carefully chosen slate of candidates. In total, members are asked to contribute at least $300 per year in assistance to gay and lesbian political candidates. The Victory Fund undergoes a thorough process to select the candidates it presents to members for financial consideration. The selection conunittee carefully examines the platform and organization of the campaign, in addition to the political history and the likelihood of victory by the candidate. Al though the selection process may seem too involved for candidates to attempt, a selected candidate, however, receives additional, and usually very needed, campaign contributions that allow him or her to significantly advance the campaign. Mike Nelson comments, “The security of knowing that additional money was coming into the campaign allowed me to expand my campaign strategies into additional radio and newspaper advertising that would not have been possible without the Victory Fund.” In addition to financial assistance, the Vic tory Fund is sponsoring workshops foropenly gay and lesbian candidates. These work shops allow the candidate and the campaign manager to spend a weekend with Victory Fund officials who educate them on cam paign organization, techniques and fundraising. According to Nelson, “These training weekends are what gay and lesbian candidates need to learn how to run an effec tive and successful campaign.” If you would like more information about the Victory Fund’s fundraiser in Durham on March 12, contact Mike Nelson at (919) 929- 7514 or Andy Knapp at (919) 688-1497. For further information on the Victory Fund and ways to get involved, contact the Victory Fund at (202) 842-8679. CLEARVISION OPTICAL OUTLET The Only Quality Retail Store in Mecklenburg County With Discount Prices R. Wade Ferrell Optician Eye Exams Available As part of our Eye Care Service, we offer 4 Plans and a selection of over 1200 high quality Frames including Polo, Tura, Stetson, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Sophia Loren. Our professional staff is trained to help you select frames that look good, fit properly and are compatable with your new prescription. 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