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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    Barney Frank Calls It Quits

    In 1987, Democrat Barney Frank of Massachusetts became the first member of Congress to publicly come out as gay. Since then, he's become a powerhouse, chairing the House Financial Services Committee when his party was in control.

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    By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    In 1987, Democrat Barney Frank of Massachusetts became the first member of Congress to publicly come out as gay. Since then, he's become a powerhouse, chairing the House Financial Services Committee when his party was in control. Today, after 30 years in Congress, Frank announced that he won't seek re-election next year, citing recent redistricting. Susan Milligan writes about politics and foreign affairs for US News and World Report.

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Frances Anderton

      architecture critic and author

    • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

      Sonya Geis

      Senior Managing Editor

    • KCRW placeholder

      Katie Cooper

      Producer, 'One year Later'

    • KCRW placeholder

      Susan Milligan

      US News and World Report

      NewsNationalPolitics
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