UPDATE (9:31 PM). U.S. Senate candidate Ken Lewis graciously stayed to take questions for about an hour and 15 minutes this evening, so we covered a lot of ground. The text of the liveblog is below the fold.

We’re pleased here at the Blend to welcome Durham Attorney Ken Lewis. Some background:

In 1987, Ken was the first African-American lawyer ever hired by Moore & Van Allen, at the time North Carolina’s largest and most prominent law firm. He later became a partner in the firm, also a first. Ken’s specialty was business law. He helped companies across a wide range of industries in North Carolina to grow, create jobs, and compete successfully in the US and around the world.

During this time, Ken also served as the legal advisor for the Raleigh Housing Authority. He served on the Board of Directors of the Authority’s college scholarship fund, and he started a program called RaleighWorks that matched college students who were residents of public housing with local businesses for summer employment.

When he was 32, Ken found a new way to pursue his dream of helping businesses grow, create jobs, and transform communities. He left his secure career at the prominent law firm and started his own small law practice dedicated to providing high-quality legal services to nonprofit organizations and small businesses. His clients included a nationally-recognized Small Business Administration lender called the Self-Help Ventures Fund; the Downtown Housing Improvement Corporation, one of North Carolina’s most successful nonprofit housing developers; and several nationally-prominent affordable housing and community development organizations

He is running for the Dem nomination to face off against incumbent U.S. Senator Richard “Bank Run” Burr (R-Wingnut) in the fall. We’re discussing LGBT issues tonight, but I wanted to share what Ken has in his Justice section of his web site.

• I support increased funding for and reform of The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (also known as No Child Left Behind) to address disparities among school districts.
• I would have voted for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and will support policies for pay equity and non-discrimination in the workplace.
• I am opposed to discrimination in any form, including against persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered. I support full and equal legal rights for same-sex couples.
• I support efforts to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
• I would have voted for the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009.
• I support bipartisan efforts for comprehensive immigration reform.
• I support the closure of Guantanamo Bay.
• I am opposed to the death penalty.
• I support the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade.

In contrast to 2008, when now-Senator Kay Hagan was running for the seat formerly held by Jesse Helms, there has been a genuine interest by Lewis and his rival Democrats (including Cal Cunningham and Elaine Marshall in courting the LGBT vote). And not just behind closed doors or fundraising campaigns, but by clearly and publicly discussing positions on the issues. Note: Only Cal Cunningham has not scheduled a liveblog with the Blend after promising to do so.

For the LGBT community and our fight for civil rights at the federal level, this is a significant development with Senate control in the balance — North Carolina is definitely fighting ground for moving a progressive agenda forward. With an Obama win here in NC, the state has been trending Blue for some time now, with more of the state’s population living in urban and suburban areas than rural ones, and the many transplants to the area are solid Democrats, along with the large minority population activated with the last election.

Ken Lewis has picked up significant endorsements — from U.S. Congressman Mel Watt, and from the former mayor of Charlotte, Harvey Gantt.

Harvey Gantt, whose two Senate campaigns against Jesse Helms inspired the Nation and shaped the political landscape of North Carolina in the 1990s, today called Democratic Senate Candidate Ken Lewis the best candidate to unseat Senator Richard Burr, and the best candidate to continue the fight for progress that Gantt began over two decades ago.  

Gantt said, “Since I first met Ken I’ve known he has the heart to fight for those whose voices are too often not heard in Washington and the intellect to make a difference. Ken understands that the role of the U.S. Senate is to promote the long-term, common interest of the people. I am convinced that Ken Lewis has the necessary skills, passion, and determination to champion these interests in the U.S. Senate.”      

Gantt continued, “I also know that unseating an incumbent Senator takes more than a strong character and a compelling storyline; it takes a campaign that attracts both political and financial support as well as inspires grassroots activism.”  

“I told Ken, to show me a campaign that can win not just in May but in November and I would get behind that campaign 100%.  Today, Ken Lewis has proven that he can mount such a campaign and finish the job we started two decades ago.”

My city, Durham, is in fact a majority minority city, and any serious candidate for the U.S. Senate has to win here. Ken Lewis also recently picked up the endorsement of popular mayor Bill Bell. Overall, the Triangle is a critical area to cultivate solid support. The primary here is on May 4, so they are almost on the home stretch — and each Dem wants our vote.

Richard Burr has been a stalwart opponent of any rights for LGBTs and civil rights generally, so he has to go.

• Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. (Sep 2004)
• Voted YES on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
• Voted YES on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
• Voted YES on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage. (Sep 2004)
• Voted YES on protecting the Pledge of Allegiance. (Sep 2004)
• Voted YES on constitutional amendment prohibiting flag desecration. (Jun 2003)
• Voted YES on banning gay adoptions in DC. (Jul 1999)
• Voted NO on ending preferential treatment by race in college admissions. (May 1998)
• Supports anti-flag desecration amendment. (Mar 2001)
• Rated 13% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
• Rated 0% by the HRC, indicating an anti-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
• Apply 14th amendment protections to pre-born fetuses. (Jun 2008)
  
  Rated 7% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
• Amend Constitution to define traditional marriage. (Jun 2008)
• Constitutionally prohibit flag desecration. (May 2009)

Learn more:

http://kenlewisforsenate.com

Make a contribution:

http://ow.ly/1rWOD

Become a fan on Facebook:

Ken Lewis

Review: the 3/28 Blend Elaine Marshall liveblog.Tonight’s liveblog, cleaned up from CoverItLive.

7:58

Pam Spaulding: This is Pam Spaulding and welcome to the Pam’s House Blend liveblog with North Carolina U.S. Senate candidate Ken Lewis.

8:00

Ken Lewis: Hi Pam

Ken Lewis: Thanks for having me!

8:00

Pam Spaulding: Hi Ken, where’s your avatar!

Pam Spaulding: Our introduction post for readers is up: http://www.pamshouseblend.com/…

8:01

Ken Lewis: we are putting one up right now….

8:03

Pam Spaulding: OK. I had to send out a few emails to get folks in the room.

8:04

[Comment From LoveMoby]

Hey Pam, Mr Lewis

8:04

Pam Spaulding: He LoveMoby. We’re about to start off with questions.

8:04

Ken Lewis: Hi LoveMoby, good to have you here

8:05

Pam Spaulding: I’ll start off …Q: As a candidate from the South, you’re well aware of the role religion plays in society; Senator Burr no doubt will play this up during his campaign. Do you support the repeal of DOMA, if so, how will you make it clear that you are advocating a change in the status of civil, not religious marriage, something marriage equality proponents continue to conflate even though the U.S. has a clear separation between church and state, with the repeal of DOMA not affecting any church’s belief systems on religious marriage.

If you do not support the repeal of DOMA, state why you believe that separate-but-equal status such as civil unions will be workable in practice? Note that this is something that has not been found to be the case in NJ. which has civil unions and civil marriage on the books and a state panel to track the matter determined civil unions only confused citizens and they were not treated as equivalent to civil marriage by many businesses as well.

8:06

Ken Lewis: I would sponsor and support any legislation that tears down the inherent discrimination of the DoMA which prevents same-sex couples from, among other things, filing joint tax returns, receiving surviving spouse benefits under Social Security, and receiving equal family health and pension benefits as federal civilian employees. I believe that no law should make a distinction in terms of the substantive rights or benefits between heterosexual couples and same-sex couples.

8:07

Pam Spaulding: Thanks. Another Q: As Senator, how would you handle the issue of LGBT rights and U.S. policy and aid when it comes to virulently anti-gay countries such as Uganda, which is considering legislation that would criminalize homosexuality that includes imprisonment, and at one point execution for simply being gay. It also criminalizes any open support or affiliation with someone who is gay.

8:10

Ken Lewis: For me this is an issue of basic human rights, and we should oppose discrimination and these types of draconian laws as part of our broader human rights agenda. I would encourage a range of strategies including diplomatic missions, and attempts to leverage the relationships we already have–such as those with religious groups and aid groups already active in the country. If necessary I’d consider and employ other sanctions or consequences.

8:12

Pam Spaulding: Thank you for that answer. There are so many pockets of LGBT citizens in NC, as well as conservatives who are fighting a losing cultural battle, but civil equality may be quite a ways off. Have you experienced push back or criticism for taking pro-LGBT positions in North Carolina?

8:12

Pam Spaulding: Being on the road, I’m sure you’ve spoken to people of all sorts of political persuasions in this purple state.

8:13

[Comment From CraigKG]

I’ll chime in w/ a question, Pam. Mr Lewis, studies show we have an epidemic in this country of homelessness among GLBT youth. Half of all teens that come out as GLBT to their parents, experience a negative reaction, a third are victim to an act of violence as a result and a quarter are kick out of their home at least temporarily. As Senator, what would you do to help address this problem that is all too overlooked?

8:13

Ken Lewis: Some people have cautioned me that being tolerant on LGBT issues will cost me votes, but to me it is a matter of principle and standing up for what is right and what I believe in. When people ask me on the campaign trail, when I get push back, this how I talk about it: I say our campaign is about putting the old barriers and divisions behind us. Too often rather than using our diversity as an asset, we’ve turned it into a liability. We’ve done this by slicing and dicing each other into groups based upon race religion gender and sexual orientation and denying rights and privileges to people based on these categorizations. We can no longer afford to do that. Our promise and prosperity in the future depends on leveraging all of our assets, including our diversity, and providing unlimited opportunity for all.

8:14

Pam Spaulding: Great answer (and show of spine); it’s sorely needed on the Hill.

8:15

Pam Spaulding: This is a question from our liveblog with candidate Marshall from Jake Geller-Goad that we’d like to have you on the record about.

Q: I’d like to hear your stance on Voter Owned Elections/Publicly Financed Campaigns. After working on Mark Kleinschmidt’s Mayoral Campaign and supporting Penny Rich’s Town Council campaign and seeing them each having less money over all, but still able to win the most votes in their respective categories as voter owned candidates I think I’d like to see more of this at all levels of government. And on a somewhat related note of election reform and I wonder where you stand on efforts of those like Congressman David Price and Alan Grayson to introduce sunshine legislation following the recent SCOTUS ruling?

8:17

Ken Lewis: Part of the answer comes in promoting greater openness and tolerance in society as a whole-that may seem like a long shot, but in my life I have seen that views can change and people can come a long way. We should better educate parents on the difficulty faced by teens who are discovering their sexuality. We should provide help and support and safe environment for all our vulnerable citizens, especially our youth.

8:18

[Comment From Rob in Conover]

Good evening, Mr. Lewis. We have seen a bunch of senators here and elsewhere who get elected, go to Washington, and are then invisible in their home state until next election year. If/when you are elected, what will you do to keep in touch and in contact with North Carolinians and reassure us that you are listening?

8:20

Ken Lewis: I oppose the recent SCOTUS ruling-I don’t know of any sound thinking person who thinks we need more corporate involvement in financing campaigns. I support Price’s effort; if the money is going to be allowed, certainly we need to know where it comes from. I’d support the exploration of other measures to restrict corporate involvement in finance of elections.

8:20

Pam Spaulding: Another reader question from the last liveblog, and it touches on immigration issues.

Q: Where do you stand on Uniting American Families Act? UAFA being a measure to allow all bi-national married couples (or whatever permanent partners terminology a given state or country uses) the same immigration right to be together that straight couples are allowed.

8:21

[Comment From LoveMoby]

Yeah the UAFA is extremely important!

8:22

[Comment From LoveMoby]

And almost always ignored.

8:23

Pam Spaulding: Immigration issues in general are a third rail topic, and in particular, many proponents of fair reform are not necessarily on board with including or making public UAFA because of political homophobia.

8:24

Ken Lewis: My model for leadership is service based leadership. And to serve people I need to maintain my understanding of issues affecting them….To me leadership also means returning to the state and telling voters about what is happening and changing in Washington and how it affects them. I’ll maintain a constant dialogue with the voters of NC.

8:26

Pam Spaulding: Ken (and readers) the answer he gave is critical to North Carolinians because, for instance, Elizabeth Dole had horrible constituent services, as did John Edwards, and sadly, Kay Hagan hasn’t been much of an improvement. I almost hate saying this, but Jesse Helms, as horrible as he was, excelled at being responsive and that was lesser-known reason he was popular.

8:26

[Comment From LoveMoby]

Unfortunately, the majority of voters do not support the UAFA even though it’s the right thing to do. How will you deal with that?

8:26

[Comment From CraigKG]

If its not DADT, DOMA or ENDA it tends to be ignored. We have a large set of issues important to the GLBT community and unfortunately the dearth of progress has stunted our ability to broaden awareness of our issues. We are starting to see more progress in getting legislation filed with UAFA atleast being mentioned in DC now and with Reps. Polis and Sestak filing of bills to protect GLBT students and to ban housing/credit discrimination.

8:26

Ken Lewis: My position is that LGBT couples should have the same legal rights and protections as heterosexual couples. This extends to our immigration laws.

8:26

Pam Spaulding: Q: What logical reason does any sitting U.S. Senator who is a Democrat have to oppose the Employment Non-Discrimination Act when anti-discrimination language is in the party platform? How can a party play politics with a fundamental civil rights issue that shows the difference between Dems and the GOP?

8:28

Pam Spaulding: It’s not a facetious question. I fail to understand the assumption that a D in name only is going to count as a D vote. We see the result of that right now on the Hill. 60 votes isn’t really 60 votes.

8:31

[Comment From Jerimee in Raleigh]

Terrorists and criminals are able to purchase great numbers of weapons without any check on their legality at any of numerous gun shows. http://www.campaigntoclosetheg… Will you support closing the gun show loop hole?

8:32

Ken Lewis: You’re right, this election is NOT just about electing a Democrat, it is about putting people in power that are strong proponents of progress and will work in the long term common interest of the people. Candidates should stand before the people on their ideas and their vision, and not hide behind party labels. We can’t sacrifice our beliefs just to elect candidates that fit a certain party label.

8:33

Pam Spaulding: Q: What do you see as your main strategy in terms of defeating Burr, who has deep pockets and connections to special interests to try to mask his ineffectiveness and actions against the working people of NC?

Also, his record on LGBT rights issues is 0%, so he has nothing to lose by pretending to be pious on the issue. Whoever wins this primary is going to need to spread commercials all over the state to combat the predictable fearmongering — and I’d gather it will get race-based if matters become desperate enough and you are the nom. Do you think the GOP will go there, and are you prepared for that?

8:36

[Comment From Jerimee in Raleigh]

re: We can’t sacrifice our beliefs just to elect candidates that fit a certain party label.

8:38

[Comment From Jerimee in Raleigh]

What do you feel like a popular progressive beliefs that have been unrepresented by the Democratic party (and presumably also the GOP)?

8:38

Ken Lewis: My main strategy for defeating Burr is showing a clear difference on the issues, and my vision for NC and the country. I do not subscribe to the belief of some Democrats that the way to beat incumbents is to run candidates that are out of the same mold as the candidate you want to defeat.

8:39

Autumn Sandeen: Hello sir, I served in the US Navy for 20-years. I’m a disabled, Persian Gulf War Veteran with a 100% VA Disability rating. I’m also transgender identified. Like many disabled veterans, my disability is service connected, and it’s a mental health related disability.

So, what are your thoughts and plans regarding veterans issues, especially relating to desabled veterans, as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) veterans?

8:40

Pam Spaulding: Hmmm. Ken, who might you be referring to? LOL

8:41

Ken Lewis: I am running in building prosperity from the bottom up by broadening and deepening opportunities for all. This is in contrast to Burr’s approach on concentrating resources in the hands of a few and hoping that prosperity trickles down.

8:41

Pam Spaulding: Well trickle down hasn’t worked in NC, that’s for sure.

8:43

Pam Spaulding: Q: from last liveblog. LGBT people have high rates of smoking. How do you reconcile the national call for healthier Americans, including insurance penalties for higher health risk, and the agrarian role of tobacco in North Carolina. (For NC farmers dependent on tobacco when use is waning and discouraged in the US, how are you planning to address alternatives and crop change prospects?)

8:43

Ken Lewis: I’m confident that the Democratic nominee in this race will have the resources to defeat Richard Burr, who is a first term Republican in a state where only three first termers have one re-election since 1954, and who has one of the lowest re-election numbers (24%) of any Republican in the country…in a state that Barack Obama just won.

8:44

Pam Spaulding: Do you have anything to say about possible race- or gay-baiting by the GOP/Burr?

8:44

Ken Lewis: For any Dem to win NC in 2010 they must 1) inspire the coalition that produced victory in 2008. Only our campaign has shown we can do this. 2) That candidate must have momentum in the fall

8:45

Pam Spaulding: AKA: get out the black vote. Obama could not win here without it.

8:45

Pam Spaulding: and the vote turnout was MASSIVE. I witnessed it in the Durham precincts.

8:47

[Comment From LoveMoby]

But it wont be massive IMHO this year. That worries me.

8:48

[Comment From Jerimee in Raleigh]

With a high voter turnout we beat Burr hands down – what will your GOTV strategy be, and how will you fight Republican efforts to suppress the vote?

8:48

Pam Spaulding: No, you are right, it won’t be large but it can be done. GOTV has to be key.

Q: If Burr tries, as Bob McDonnell did when running for governor of VA, to downplay his long personal and professional anti-gay record, will you, as a proponent of social justice, point out his deficits in this area, rather than avoid it, allowing him to skate?

8:50

Ken Lewis: In response to your question about gay/race-baiting . 20 years ago the effect of race/gay-baiting was much more predictable than it is today. Today anyone engaging in such tactics would run a substantial risk of backlash.

8:51

Ken Lewis: I will force Burr to completely own his record, which I believe to be out of step with the values and needs of North Carolinians.

8:51

[Comment From Rob in Conover]

One more question, sorry. North Carolina’s economy was (and in some places still is) heavily reliant on manufacturing. Although it takes effort from many people, what role do you see yourself playing in diversifying NC’s economy and also ensuring that further manufacturing jobs are not lost?

8:53

Ken Lewis: To turn out voters in an off year we have to provide them with something different. Not just career politicians and Washington insiders. People want something fresh and authentic. That’s what produced the coalition that led to success in 2008, and that is the type of coalition we are seeing developing around our campaign across NC.

8:53

Pam Spaulding: I agree, Ken. Make him own his record on all of the issues, it’s abominable. Read this post for the worst of it: http://www.pamshouseblend.com/…

8:55

Pam Spaulding: Q: What are your thoughts on the conservative turn of Wake County School Board and its elimination of its diversity policy? What does this say to you about race and class in NC, as it has drawn negative national press of late. And certainly LGBT students in lower-income brackets will be affected. The Triangle and many of the urban areas of the state (Triad, Charlotte area), have become increasingly powerful places for companies to relocate. Does this tarnish our state’s image?

8:57

Pam Spaulding: Just keeping track: we have pending questions about veteran’s issues, GOTV strategy, diversifying the NC economy.

8:57

Autumn Sandeen: =)

8:58

Ken Lewis: As to the economy question: North Carolina has to be a leader in alternative energy jobs and the new green economy. I will work on policies that will drive investment and innovation in speeding along development of a low carbon economy in NC. Part of that investment is retraining to help workers that have lost jobs or whose industries are losing ground. We should also reexamine trade agreements so that they provide greater labor and environmental protections.

9:01

[Comment From RainbowPhoenix]

LGBT teens are represented in disturbingly high numbers among America’s homeless youth and often face far more barriers than normal in recieving assistance for their situation. If elected, what would you see done on the federal level to combat this problem?

9:02

Pam Spaulding: We’ve hit 9PM, Ken – just watching time for you. Can you get those pending questions in?

9:02

Pam Spaulding: Let me know if you can go another few min..

9:05

Ken Lewis: You know, I have actually been encouraged by the push-back I have heard against the change in the diversity policy, especially from students. Recently I heard a high school student talk about her own school experiences: she articulated a view that reflects what I know, that it is impossible to receive a quality education in the 21st century in a non-diverse environment.

9:06

Ken Lewis: You sound like my campaign manager Pam — always trying to get me on to another event!

9:06

Pam Spaulding: LOL. I like to ensure I’m not the one to blame for a candidate to be late.

9:06

Pam Spaulding: But I’m not booting your off. We enjoy seeing your responses.

9:06

Ken Lewis: What pending questions do you have? I have a few more minutes.

9:07

Autumn Sandeen: (Hey Pam, I think you’re being recruited for his campaign! Hee-hee!)

9:07

Pam Spaulding: questions about veteran’s issues, GOTV strategy

9:07

Pam Spaulding: (Autumn, unlike most campaign managers, I need sleep).

9:08

Autumn Sandeen: I had my earlier question on veterans issues — especially regarding disabled veterans, as well as LGBT veterans.

9:09

Pam Spaulding: GOTV is critical; having the President show up in NC to campaign with the Dem nom would be something people may have strong opinions about one way or the other as a strategy. What is your opinion?

9:11

Ken Lewis: All the freedoms that we enjoy in this country are secured for us people who volunteer to serve in the armed services. We owe them an incredible debt of gratitude. When veterans return we owe them the best of the opportunities available in this country. These opportunities should be afforded all veterans.

9:12

Ken Lewis: I would stand proudly alongside President Obama if he came to our state. I hope any Democrat would do the same.

9:13

Ken Lewis: Okay Pam — my wife and youngest daughter just showed up. Time for family dinner.

9:13

Pam Spaulding: OK. Thank you for your time

9:13

Pam Spaulding: And thank you everyone for the liveblog.

9:14

Autumn Sandeen: Enjoy dinner!

9:14

[Comment From LoveMoby]

Thank you Mr Lewis

9:14

Pam Spaulding: Good luck, Ken — the vote here is on May 4.

9:14

Autumn Sandeen: And thank you for your time, Ken.

9:14

[Comment From LoveMoby]

And thank you Pam

9:14

Ken Lewis: Thanks to everyone who participated tonight, and thank you Pam for putting this together. If you have any questions send them to info@kenlewisforsenate.com or check out my website. www.kenlewisforsenate.com

9:15

Autumn Sandeen: Wonderful! Thank you sir!

9:15

Pam Spaulding: Everyone, I will have the text up of the liveblog at this link (below the fold).:

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/…