[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 111 (Thursday, September 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ROBERT BARNES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 5, 2002

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Robert Barnes, one 
of San Francisco's premier political consultants who died on August 9, 
2002 at the age of 42. A fifth generation San Franciscan, his 
leadership and tenacity greatly influenced the political landscape of 
San Francisco for the past 20 years.
  Robert Barnes was a passionate advocate for his candidates and 
causes. He was responsible for electing more gay and lesbian candidates 
to office than any other political consultant in California. He also 
co-managed the first domestic partners initiative in San Francisco.
  Barnes served as consultant and advisor to dozens of elected 
officials, including Mayor Willie Brown, City Attorney Dennis Herrera, 
Supervisor Mark Leno, and Assemblywoman Carole Migden. He was a 
consultant for many important civic institutions and their bond 
campaigns, including San Francisco City College, San Francisco Unified 
School District, Laguna Honda Hospital, California Academy of Sciences, 
the De Young Museum, and the San Francisco Public Library.
  Robert Barnes' commitment to gay rights, social change, and political 
involvement began early. He founded one of the nation's first teenage 
gay clubs at San Francisco's Lowell High School. At the encouragement 
of the late Supervisor Harvey Milk, the 18 year old worked as the youth 
coordinator for the No on Proposition 6 campaign to defeat the anti-gay 
``Briggs'' initiative.
  Barnes held numerous leadership positions in Democratic and LGBT 
community organizations. He was Chair of the Lesbian and Gay Caucus of 
the State Democratic Party and was elected to the San Francisco 
Democratic County Central Committee. As president of the Alice B. 
Toklas Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club, he transformed the organization 
into one of the most influential local gay political organizations in 
the country.
  Robert loved San Francisco and was grateful for its tolerant climate 
that encouraged his success. San Francisco was well served by his 
passionate convictions and advocacy.
  To his partner and middle-school classmate Carlos Molina, his father 
Bob, and his sister Mauri Barnes Luna, I extend my deepest sympathy. I 
hope it is a comfort to his family that so many people share their loss 
at this sad time.

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