This could be the year of the gay politician. The Associated Press just released a great report that takes a nice look at the openly gay candidates state-wide.

The article spotlights Colorado's Jared Polis who hopes to become the first openly gay man elected to Congress as a non-incumbent.

Other gay candidates to watch across the country:

In Oregon, state Sen. Kate Brown, who describes herself as bisexual, is the Democratic candidate for secretary of state. That's the No. 2 job in Oregon, which has no lieutenant governor.

In one of the most conservative states, Democrat Jim Roth is seeking election to the three-member Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which oversees energy, transportation and utilities. In 2002, Roth became the first openly gay man to win any elected office in Oklahoma — a county government post.

In Texas, Lupe Valdez faces tough opposition in her bid for re-election as Dallas County sheriff. In 2004, she became the first woman, first lesbian and first Latina sheriff.

In Pennsylvania, the Victory Fund has endorsed Kevin Lee, a Democratic candidate for the state House of Representatives from suburban Philadelphia, and says he would — if victorious — be the first openly gay legislator ever in the state.