UNDATED (AP) -- The historic quest by Jared Polis to become a Colorado congressman is part of a nationwide trend in which a record number of openly gay, lesbian and bisexual candidates are seeking office this November.

The 33-year-old Democrat would be the first openly gay man to win a seat in Congress as a non-incumbent. But although Polis has not shied away from his sexual orientation, he has not made it a part of the campaign.

Instead he has focused on emphasizing his entrepreneurial expertise and the education reforms he advocated during six years on the State Board of Education.

Across the country, a record 100 gay, lesbian and bisexual candidates have won endorsements from the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund in campaigns for federal, state and local offices. The group was founded in 1991 to increase the number of openly gay elected officials. About 420 out of the nation's roughly 500,000 elected officials are openly gay.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)