The growing political significance of the Delaware Stonewall Democrats was evident as in excess of 200 people gathered Aug. 5 for the influential organization’s third annual summer fundraiser.

Held on the beautiful grounds of Dr. James D’Orta’s Silver Lake front home, the event attracted high ranking officials from around the state including Lt. Gov. John Carney, State Treasurer Jack Markell, Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn and Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach.

It seems NOT to be lost on Delaware politicians—many who traveled from upstate—that the Stonewalls are having an increasing impact on elections. As races tighten and the November election looms, the approval—and let us not forget partisan PAC money—of the Stonewall’s could be real political commodities. That includes prominent candidates running for "the races to watch."

Delaware Attorney General candidate Beau Biden and U.S. Congressional candidate Dennis Spivack, challenging Michael Castle both made a point to attend the event.

"I believe this shows the momentum of the Delaware Stonewall Democrats," said Peter Schott, a founding member and current president of the organization. "This event marks the next phase of Delaware Stonewall’s efforts to improve the conditions of GLBT people in Delaware." Quite the political strategist, Schott also serves as District 14 Democratic Chair and is a member of the Sussex County Democrats Executive Committee. The support could be pivotal as all 41 seats of the House are up for election and at least six will have new faces owing to the retirement of incumbents. The Stonewalls provide campaign contributions and volunteer support to Democratic candidates who support equality and fairness for all, and who support the full inclusion of gays and lesbians in the life of the state.

The executive board is eyeing not just candidates in favor of anti-discrimination legislation HB 36 but also those who back legislation promoting equality in other areas. The current priorities include extending hospital visitation rights for same sex partners and extending health coverage.

"We are pursuing rights which heterosexual couples receive but are denied to us," said Schott. "These issues have human faces that should afford them a broader support base.

Rep. Schwartzkopf concurs that the high turnout and continued commitment of host Dr. D’Orta indicates increased prominence for the platform of the Stonewall Democrats. "It certainly speaks to their reputation as an important organization in the electoral process," he said.

Schwartzkopf was one of several speakers who assisted in presenting three honors of recognition given by the Stonewalls. He introduced honoree Virginia House of Delegates member Adam Ebbin, the only openly gay member of the House of Delegates, and also offered a touching statement addressed to honorees former Presidential Press Secretary Jim Brady and his wife, Sarah Brady, founders of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, and residents of Dewey Beach.

"Jim and Sarah, of all the places in the world you could have chosen to rest your head, places to call home, we are all so pleased you chose Sussex County, specifically the 14th District. I am truly honored to represent your interests in Dover," said Schwartzkopf.

The board selected the Brady’s based on true recognition of their role as community and national leaders and sentiment that their struggles with their cause run parallel to the struggles of the GLBT community, both which have been countered by well financed and often overzealous leaders.

With an amazing and admirable half century of work on behalf of the gay liberation movement, the third recipient of recognition was Barbara Gittings. For 50 years she and partner, Kay, have dedicated their compassion, passion and knowledge to the support of gay rights. Now a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, Barbara and Kay have received numerous awards and recognition for their work in the nation’s capital and the "Nation’s Summer Capitol."

Schott said, "The whole event was just incredible. We covered the gamut—the Brady’s inspirational story, Barbara speaking to the pioneering history of the GLBT community, and Adam speaking as to where the community can go."

For information on the Delaware Stonewall Democrats visit www.delawarsstonewall.org.