Yesterday Patricia Todd became the first openly gay person in Alabama history to serve in the state legislature. Since she has no Republican opponent in November, her victory is assured now that she has won the Democratic primary, and she will be serving her district this fall.

Ms. Todd had a little help from the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, the nation's largest LGBT political action committee, which helped her raise "tens of thousands of dollars" for her campaign. This seems like a lot of money to spend on a local state race. Where we grew up in Vermont, state congressional races usually had three-digit budgets, but the times are changing, at least for gay candidates in Alabama.

Congratulations to Ms. Todd. Hopefully she can put up with all the mens' men she's going to be serving with in the legislature and keep them in line.

Lesbian Wins Historic Race in Alabama; Patricia Todd to Become First Openly Gay Elected Official in State's History [US Newswire]
Elect Patricia Todd [Official Site]