Colorado state House Dems pick gay man to lead (WashingtonBlade) 
Openly gay Rep. Mark Ferrandino (D-Denver) is the newly elected Democratic leader in the Colorado State House, after Rep. Sal Pace stepped down to focus on a U.S. Congressional run, according to the Associated Press.
Ferrandino — who last year authored legislation to legalize civil unions in Colorado — will lead the minority party as they attempt to reverse the Republican’s razor thin majority in that chamber next year. Ferrandino’s Civil Unions bill failed to pass last year, but he is expected by many in the LGBT community to push for the unions again in the next legislature.
“We’re really happy for Mark,” said Victory Fund Vice President of Communications, Denis Dison. “He’s an outstanding legislator and he’ll be a terrific leader for his party. Colorado could see a number of openly gay and lesbian candidates for the state legislature next year, and with Mark at the helm of the Democratic caucus it’s possible there will be reinvigorated efforts to pass pro-equality legislation.”
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Complete article at Washington Blade : http://bit.ly/ts3NkH
