Democrats Doug Jones and Tina Smith Sworn In as Senators

Mike Pence on Wednesday swore in a pair of Democrats as the newest senators on Capitol Hill. Tina Smith from Minnesota and Doug Jones from Alabama, who won the seat vacated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Two down, (at least) four more to go.

Says my friend Jim:

This pic of the openly gay son of Alabama’s new senator, staring defiantly into the eyes of the outrageously homophobic VP who’s swearing in his dad, is everything!

The Minnesota lieutenant governor replaced unfairly embattled Senator Al Franken. Here's hoping she is as good or better than the former comedian -- and can hold the seat come election time.

Hoosier Daddy?

The New York Times reports that Evan Bayh seemed to turn a lost cause for Democrats into a sure win in Indiana when he decided to run for his old Senate seat, but the race is a lot closer than anticipated. Still, something tells me he's got the gay vote locked up.

Dishonorably Discharged

Senate bill would provide clean service records for discharged gay, lesbian troops

No-brainer here. THIS bill needs to become a law.

A Down-Low Dirty Shame

Towleroad is reporting that Michael Rogers just outed virulently anti-gay senator John Barrasso (R-Wyoming). I don't know if Rogers is gay or not, but his face is. Read HERE.

86 the 46

 (Click to enrage)

Furious Obama slams Senate's rejection of expanded gun background checks  

See which senators supported sensible gun laws, and who voted against them -- and then vote accordingly moving forward. The president got it right when he called it a "shameful day" for Washington. 

Mark -- But Not Blair -- Warner Supports Marriage Equality

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va. -- who had previously denounced his state's anti-gay adoption bill -- has come out in favor of same-sex marriage:.

"I support marriage equality because it is the fair and right thing to do. Like many Virginians and Americans, my views on gay marriage have evolved, and this is the inevitable extension of my efforts to promote equality and opportunity for everyone. I was proud to be the first Virginia governor to extend anti-discrimination protections to LGBT state workers. In 2010, I supported an end to the military’s ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy, and earlier this month I signed an amicus brief urging the repeal of DOMA. I believe we should continue working to expand equal rights and opportunities for all Americans." 

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., is on our team too!