The five-year-old Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund has raised more than $1.3 million as the only group in the nation that works to elect openly gay and lesbian people to local, state and federal public offices. The group ranks as the 15th largest independent political-action committee in the nation and helped double the number of openly gay and lesbian elected public officials.

Nelson looks forward to his work with the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund which will include developing ways for the group to expand its growth in the state and nation with fund raising and recruiting candidates for elected public office.

"Nothing compares with electing our own leaders," Nelson said. "Gay and lesbian elected public officials are serving their communities as ably and articulately as our friends have, Their elections guarantee us uncompromising place at the political table."

"There are certain political districts in the state and nation where qualified gay and lesbian people can be elected to public office with the right combination of campaign resources and training," Nelson said. "Our job is to match these resources with talented candidates."