Choice is a Winning Issue in Washington Elections
Pro-choice candidates use their pro-choice records to their advantage. SEATTLE – The 2008 election season has underscored Washington State’s pro-choice majority. Pro-choice candidates like Governor Christine Gregoire and 8th congressional district challenger Darcy Burner (and the groups supporting them) have utilized their pro-choice, pro-contraception, pro-woman records like never before. “What we have seen this year is a tremendous increase in the use of choice as a winning issue for pro-choice candidates,” said Karen Cooper, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. “Washington is a strongly pro-choice state, and Gregoire and Burner, as well as the independent groups supporting them, have brought the issue to the forefront of their campaigns.” “I am pleased that the candidates are talking about issues that have a direct impact on the women of Washington,” Cooper added. Here is just a sampling of the many ways in which pro-choice candidates and their supporters are using the issue of choice in their campaigns: - The Governor’s race:
- Governor Gregoire has touted her pro-choice, pro-contraception record in her television ad about her anti-choice opponent Dino Rossi’s opposition to access to Plan B emergency contraception. She also ran a radio ad on this subject.
- Gregoire’s campaign aired another radio ad that compared Dino Rossi’s staunchly anti-choice views to those of President Bush.
- The Washington State Democratic Central Committee produced two mailers that highlight Dino Rossi’s extremist anti-choice, anti-contraception, anti-comprehensive sex education record.
- Evergreen Progress, an independent group, ran two television ads on Rossi’s anti-choice, anti-contraception views. The first discussed his vote against requiring insurance companies that cover other prescriptions to also cover birth control. The second underscores Rossi’s virulent opposition to the right to choose.
- Women’s Voices, Women Vote Action Fund, an independent group, sent a mailer to Washington voters that highlights the contrast between Gregoire, who is a vocal advocate of women’s ability to access Plan B emergency contraception at the pharmacy counter without hassle or delay, and Rossi, who thinks pharmacists should be able to turn women away for personal, non-medical reasons.
- The 8th Congressional District:
- Pro-choice candidate Darcy Burner featured her pro-choice stance in her “Darcy Magazine,” which her campaign sent to households across the 8th congressional district.
- In the October 10 debate, while Rep. Reichert dodged questions on the right to choose and comprehensive sex education, Burner spoke passionately about her commitment to women’s reproductive freedom and her belief that young people deserve access to comprehensive, medically accurate sex education.
- The Attorney General’s race:
- In his first television ad, pro-choice challenger John Ladenburg drew a stark contrast between himself and incumbent Rob McKenna on the issue of choice, highlighting McKenna’s statement in support of anti-choice Supreme Court justices Roberts and Alito.
- Ladenburg’s campaign literature also includes his commitment to preserving a woman’s right to choose.
- Legislative and judicial races:
- King County Superior Court candidate Holly Hill (position 22) prominently featured her endorsement by NARAL Pro-Choice Washington on a mail piece sent during the primary.
- Patricia Terry, pro-choice candidate for state representative (district 10, position 2), listed her pro-choice, pro-comprehensive sex education position among the top 5 reasons to vote for her on mailer sent to voters.
“Washington voters are simply not interested in the kind of backward-thinking, anti-woman records of candidates like Dino Rossi and Dave Reichert,” Cooper said. “What they are looking for are candidates who prize equality, privacy, and respect for women. That is why pro-choice candidates like Gregoire and Burner have been so vocal in their support of women’s rights and health, and that is one of the reasons we are seeing them increase their leads over their anti-choice opponents.” “From the top of the ballot to the bottom, pro-choice candidates are proudly declaring their belief in women’s rights, and the electorate is standing behind these candidates,” Cooper added. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the leading grassroots pro-choice advocacy organization in Washington State. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington works to protect every woman’s right to access the full range of reproductive health options, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the state affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America. ###
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