Patricia Todd today became the first openly gay elected official in that state's history, winning the House District 54 runoff race in Birmingham by a narrow margin. This is a very positive step toward alleviating homophobia in a state that sits squarely in the center of the Bible Belt. Said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund: The road to equality in Alabama is a mile shorter today. Gays and lesbians in Alabama will now have what all Americans deserve — a voice and a vote. Alabama knows well what a single voice can accomplish. We applaud Patricia's courage in stepping up to be heard.”