Dave Reichert – The Wrong Choice for the 8th
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2004
Dave Reichert – The Wrong Choice for the 8th
Seattle, WA— Dave Reichert (R) and Dave Ross (D) faced off last night before voters in the 8th Congressional District. During the debate, the issue of reproductive rights emerged as a clear difference between the two candidates. Dave Reichert revealed his extreme anti-choice views, which are totally out of step with the views of 8th District voters.
On the question of whether insurance companies that cover prescription drugs should be required to cover birth control, Reichert responded “I’ve never been asked that before.” In clear contrast to Reichert’s ignorance of the issue, Dave Ross told the crowd, “if the companies cover Viagra, they sure as hell should cover birth control, absolutely.” The audience applauded Ross’s answer-the only line to draw applause during the debate.
Regarding federal funding for sex education, including abstinence-only sex education, Dave Reichert’s response was shocking. Reichert said he believed this is an issue for parents and that, “no federal funding should be spent on sex education ever. Period.”
During the debate, Dave Ross clearly stated, “I’m pro-choice. Government does not have a place making these decisions.” When Reichert finally stated his position, after being pressed by the moderator, he said, “I’m pro-life.”
“Let’s get this straight,” said Karen Cooper, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington “the Sheriff feels we should not provide education to young people so they can prevent unintended pregnancy, and isn’t sure whether or not women should have access to birth control through their insurance companies. However, he is sure that women facing unintended pregnancies should be denied the right to make decisions about their own bodies.” Cooper, who lives in the 8th, concluded “those are extremely anti-woman, anti-choice views and they are dangerous to the women of our state.”
The 8th Congressional District is a heavily pro-choice district. The last time Washington had a state-wide referendum on a woman's right to choose - Initiative 694 in 1998 - 57.2% of Washington voters cast a pro-choice vote. In the 8th Congressional District an even greater majority, 57.9% of voters voted pro-choice. "The voters of the 8th District believe that choice is a fundamental freedom that they want to uphold for themselves, their daughters and their grand-daughters," said Cooper.
NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is a state-wide grassroots advocacy organization that works to protect a woman's right to choose. It is a non-partisan organization that supports pro-choice candidates of both parties.
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