HRC makes nice in the Big Apple.

In an attempt to bolster its relationship with grassroots gay and lesbian activists, the Human Rights Campaign held a roundtable April 14 in New York City about the direction of HRC, the country's largest gay political organization.

The primary source of contention has been HRC's endorsement of Sen. Alfonse D'Amato (R-N.Y.) in his unsuccessful reelection campaign against Rep. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) in the November 1998 general election. Critics of the endorsement said D'Amato, who has supported gay rights, was ultimately beholden to the antigay GOP leadership. While serving in the House, Schumer was considered to be a more consistently loyal ally of gay men and lesbians.

"People are still very angry about the D'Amato endorsement," said Bill Dobbs, a New York activist who attended the session. "The event showed that the wounds are still deep and that they are not likely to close anytime soon."

At the meeting HRC announced an "enhanced endorsement process" designed to allow more outside input in its decision making. "We wanted to meet people eyeball to eyeball and allow them to vent all their concerns in a supportive environment," said Donna Red Wing, HRC's national field director. "We want to improve our communication with activists across the country."