By PHIL LAPADULA, Express News

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank has endorsed Broward activist Mark LaFontaine in the race for state House of Representatives in District 92. Frank, who is openly gay, noted LaFontaine’s community activism in his endorsement.

“Mark LaFontaine has been an effective defender and fighter for LGBT equality on a number of fronts,” Frank said in a statement. “He will be an effective state representative, not just for the LGBT community, but for the broader community as well.”

LaFontaine is the only veteran in the race, having served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He currently serves as the national treasurer of American Veteran for Equal Rights and as president of the local Gold Coast chapter of AVER, which is the largest branch in the organization. He owns an accounting business in Oakland Park and serves on the board of Oakland Park Main Street, which guides the city’s development. LaFontaine is also a member of the Fort Lauderdale Audit Committee, which oversees the city’s finances.

“Rep. Frank knows how important my financial background will be in Tallahassee, especially considering the daunting fiscal issues Florida faces,” LaFontaine said.

In the state House race, LaFontaine will be competing for the gay vote against another gay candidate, Wilton Manors City Commissioner Gary Resnick, and a gay-friendly candidate, Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton. Newton frequently attends gay events and he signed a welcoming letter that was sent to gay groups by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau in the wake of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle’s anti-gay comments.

Florida House District 92 includes parts of Deerfield Beach, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Poinsetta Heights, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Victoria Park and Wilton Manors.