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My closest friends in the world are gay, lesbian or transgender. I could not turn my back on people that I love with all my heart. When our community in Ferguson was under attack, members of the LGBT community stood with us. They walked with us, they prayed with us, and they fought for justice with us.

Our country has come a long way under our president, Barack Obama, but we have a long way to go. The rise of hatred and xenophobia among Republican candidates – not just Donald Trump – shows the world something residents Ferguson have known for a while: we live in two different versions of America.

Party establishment and insiders in DC are looking for slow, incremental change in our country. All change toward progressive goals is of course, preferable to the path Republicans advocate, one which sees millions of Americans as less than or inferior. Donald Trump summed this up in my city yesterday when he said of protesters: “These are the people that are destroying America.”

Telling the truth is not always comfortable. It doesn’t always make me the most well liked Democrat in the state senate. It means that I seek significant change, important change for America and I am unprepared to compromise with those who advocate hatred and intolerance.

Now is the time for Democrats to roar into DC. We need an American truth teller, and it is why I am proud today to endorse Senator Bernie Sanders for the US Presidency.

Our Democracy needs new perspectives, new viewpoints and a bold, aggressive Democratic outlook for the future. I believe Senator Sanders sees that future and will work hard to deliver it for all Americans, no matter where they live.

To give him the congress he needs, we need more Democrats who are willing to rock the boat. We need Democrats who don’t see being a politician as just another job.

I’m running for the US House of Representatives to bring a new, fresh perspective to Washington. I will go to DC promising to bring my district, and Democrats nationally the same fighting spirit I brought to my full throated defense of LGBT Missourians.

I ask you today to join with me, and support my campaign.

Now, Chappelle-Nadal for Congress needs your help. #TeamMaria is working really hard to be your voice in Congress. When you go to the Crowdpac page, please write out an Endorsement and let others know why you are supporting my campaign. People in Missouri and around the country are waiting to hear your voice to make a determination on their giving. Please endorse my campaign on Crowdpac.

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My note: Maria is running in Missouri-1. This is a safe Democratic seat currently held by Democrat Lacy Clay, who has served for 16 years. The district has changed a few times due to redistricting, and as a result, he has faced challengers at times, often due to issues of where he relates in the community. Chappelle-Nadal is challenging largely on the grounds she feels the situation in Missouri has changed significantly over the last 16 years, and in conversations with her and others, she believes that it is important for congress to not become a life long career where you "lose touch” with your district.

This is not a backing of either setting, just forwarding the position of those involved :)