Out Lesbian Runs for Wash. State House

Out lesbian Laurie Jinkins announced Monday that she is running to represent Tacoma in the Washington State house of representatives. If elected, she would be the first out lesbian to serve in the state legislature.

Jinkins, a Democrat, currently serves as deputy director of the Pierce County Public Health Department and as a trustee of Tacoma Community College. Last year she served as cochair of the successful campaign to approve Referendum 71 and uphold the state's expanded domestic-partnership law.

"I'm running on a simple platform: create jobs and opportunity for hard working families, protect the safety net of health and human services, and invest in clean energy and transportation solutions that protect our quality of life and environment," said Jinkins in a statement reported by The News Tribuneof Tacoma.

Jinkins is running to fill the 27th legislative district seat being vacated by Dennis Flannigan.