Key to Ratings


 
OVERALL RATINGS (excluding Judicial Ratings) - Overall Ratings are determined by the SEAMEC Steering Committee and are based on all pertinent information available on each candidate, including but not limited to: the interview panel's grades; press reports; and background information supplied by the candidate and by informed sources. Final SEAMEC Ratings are in BOLD.
   
* ENDORSED Seamec's endorsement of a candidate is indicated by a rainbow flag (or an asterisk) as well as CAPITAL TYPE and BOLD TYPE. This is given when there is a clear choice of importance to voters on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered issues.
5 DEMONSTRATES LEADERSHIP Vocal & active supporter of GLBT rights. As an elected or appointed official, sponsored bills, issued executive orders, gave speeches, etc. in support. If no prior political record, has been active in GLBT rights organizations and causes. A 5 rating requires a record of leadership/activism.
4 EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS Votes for and is verbally supportive of GLBT rights and interests. Has not taken a leadership stand or been an activist in GLBT organizations and causes.
3 MEETS EXPECTATIONS Passively sympathetic or supportive, may be an ineffective or passive supporter. Makes minimum efforts in support of GLBT rights and interest.
2 NEEDS IMPROVEMENT Indifferent, inconsistent or unpredictable in reagard to GLBT issues.
1 RESISTANT Usually against GLBT rights and issues but is not outspoken.
0 HOSTILE Actively outspoken opponent of GLBT rights; known history of anti-gay activities.
? INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION Insufficient information for rating.
X NOT RATED SEAMEC has considered but declines to rate this candidate.
 
RATINGS FOR JUDICIAL CANDIDATES
   
HR Highly Recommended
RE Recommended
AD Adequate
IN Inadequate
00 Hostile
 
LETTER GRADES These grades are based solely on the interview, conducted by a panel of volunteers. The individuals on the panels vary from interview to interview. An average of 5 panelists attend each interview. The questions asked are the same for each candidate interviewed. The panelists' grades for each of the five (5) subject areas (listed below) covered in the interview are averaged to provide the letter grades provided here.

The letter grades are given in the format XXXXX, where each X stands for the panel's average letter grade for the candidate in the following topic areas (and in this order):

For all candidates:
  • Equal Rights
  • Youth & Schools
  • Family
  • Health & HIV/AIDS
  • Awareness

For example, a letter grade of ACABA means that the candidate received:

A for Equal Rights, 
C for Youth & Schools, 
A for Family, 
B for Health & HIV/AIDS, 
A for Awareness.
 
WHEN AN INTERVIEW IS NOT HELD: explanations
   
DI Declined to be interviewed outright or did not respond to written invitation and phone calls.
DR Declined to be interviewed in a rude manner.
NS Failed to appear for scheduled interview.
U Unable to schedule interview