The national Log Cabin Republicans group today sent an email to their list urging members to send messages of support to Eastside Congressman Dave Reichert who was one of the few Republicans in the House to vote in favor of ENDA -- the Employment Non Discrimination Act that finally passed late last year after decades of futile effort.

The gay GOP group writes:

Rep. Reichert (R-WA) voted in favor of the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA).  As we know, no good deed goes unpunished and he no doubt heard from some unhappy voters in his district.  Please take the time to call or send an e-mail to him to let him know you support his courageous vote and acknowledge the courage it took.  Members of Congress hear the most when voters are unhappy, so messages of thanks and praise stand out all the more. Congress is already back in session and issues like this will come up again this year and we want to be sure we maintain Rep. Reichert's support.

They helpfully offer "Sheriff Dave's" email response form and his snail mail addresses:

Washington Office:
1223 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-4708
Phone: (202) 225-7761
Fax: (202) 225-4282

Main District Office:
2737 78th Ave., SE, Ste. 202
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: (206) 275-3438

In a November press release issued after passage of ENDA, Log Cabin highlighted GOP contributions:

Log Cabin, which has consistently supported ENDA, worked hard to gain Republican votes.  "We thank all those courageous Republicans who stood up to do the right thing," said Sammon.  We especially thank lead co-sponsors Representatives Christopher Shays (R-CT) and Deborah Pryce (R-OH), as well as the other original co-sponsors of ENDA."

Speaking on the floor of the U.S. House, Rep. Pryce said, "gay Americans currently hold the dubious distinction of being the only segment of our workforce that can be overtly denied an opportunity to contribute to our economy and to earn a living....The concept of ENDA, the fundamental American right to earn a living, should be a principle around which everyone in this chamber, regardless of party or ideology, should be eager to embrace."

Log Cabin members across the country filled out postcards to their members of Congress urging them to vote "yes" on ENDA.  Log Cabin also worked hard lobbying GOP members of Congress on this bill.