Farnese, Clinton backed by lesbian, gay Democrats

Pennsylvania state Senate candidate Larry Farnese has received the endorsement of the Liberty City Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club.

Farnese, who was endorsed Monday night, faces two Democratic opponents, electricians union leader John Dougherty and political activist Anne Dicker, in the April 22 primary to represent the First Senate District. The district has a significant gay and lesbian population.

The Liberty City group also voted to endorse Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for president, and announced that it would co-sponsor a presidential forum at 7:45 p.m. tomorrow at Woody's, a gay bar on 13th Street near Walnut Street.

Clinton is in a tight battle with Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination. Tomorrow's forum will include her daughter, Chelsea. Obama's campaign said the singer Melissa Etheridge would participate on his behalf via conference call.

- Marcia Gelbart