In what some are calling a major upset, Democratic State Committeeman Larry Moss of Soho was unseated as chairperson of the State Committee’s Reform Caucus by Sylvia Friedman of Gramercy by a vote of 27-11.
Moss who is openly gay, has championed the cause of gay marriage. According to a source, of four openly gay and lesbian members who were known to have voted, two backed Friedman, one backed Moss and one abstained. Moss served three two-year terms as Reform Caucus chairperson.
Moss was made Issues vice chairperson of the Reform Caucus.
Emily Giske, a lesbian who is vice chairperson of the state Democratic Party and an at-large member of the State Committee, said, “I think it was a vote for Sylvia, rather than against Larry. We kept Larry on as the caucus Issues guy to continue his good work on resolutions. The vote reflected a clear consensus. I didn’t even know there was going to be elections before I got there.
“Sylvia is a great progressive She is an organized person…. That seemed what people wanted.”