Subject: APPROVE: Statement to Des Moines Register on Transgender Elector Selection
From: "Helmstetter, TJ" <[email-masked]>
To: "Walker, Eric" <[email-masked]>, "Miranda, Luis" <[email-masked]>, "Paustenbach, Mark" <[email-masked]>, "Walsh, Tom" <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 2 May 2016 09:35:01 -0700

"The Democratic Party is the party of inclusion, diversity, and equality. We are proud that the number of LGBT delegates continues to rise at each of our Democratic conventions, and in 2012 we had a record number of transgender delegates (14). While Republicans continue to attack LGBT Americans with 'Right to Discriminate' laws and 'bathroom bills,' LGBT voters know that the Democratic Party has their back. We congratulate Jack Schuler-Cruz on his selection to be a presidential elector, and we are committed as a party to welcoming transgender Americans at all levels of participation." - me

In response to below inquiry, which I have already run by Patrice, Julie, Sean, and IDP.  Thanks.

TJ,

Hello. My name is Courtney Crowder and I am a reporter with the Des Moines Register.

We are looking into whether or not Iowa has just elected the first transgender presidential elector ever. I am hoping you may be able to help confirm whether Jack (Elyse) Schuler-Cruz of Iowa's third district is the first transgender presidential elector nationally or, at least, the first from Iowa.

I am also looking to get a comment on this from the DNC. What does the DNC think about having a transgender elector representing Iowa and in the democratic party?

I am on deadline for today at 3 p.m.

Thanks,

Courtney

TJ Helmstetter
Deputy Director of Regional and Specialty Media
Democratic National Committee
202.863.8022 - desk
973.464.9224 - cell
[email-masked]<mailto:[email-masked]>