Week of June 12, 2009
DearThe political news is flying -- from the Supreme Court, to rampant Republican fundraising with Newt and Sarah, to a well-earned victory in Virginia.... Lots to report in this week's News from the Field.
Family-Leave Us Alone Already, GOP
During U.S. House consideration last week of a bill to grant federal employees four weeks of paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child, Republicans (who hail themselves as "family friendly") had some choice comments. A not-so-compassionate conservative Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) sarcastically suggested, "Maybe we just ought to let federal employees take 16 years off!" Rep. Chris Lee (R-NY) said the bill provided "more generous fringe benefits" for federal employees, and some Republicans even suggested that employees might have or adopt children just to get four weeks of paid leave.
The bill passed the House after a mostly party-line vote -- but with Republicans attempting to water down and block legislation designed to help families, there's no better incentive to elect even more Democrats to Congress in 2010.
Gillibrand Earns Key Endorsements
New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand gathered a number of prime endorsements recently, including many key members of the New York congressional delegation. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, highlighted that "Kirsten Gillibrand has proven herself as an advocate for working families.... I look forward to collaborating with her to achieve success for New York's diverse communities."
Kirsten has the momentum in her first statewide campaign, but a critical campaign finance filing is coming up on June 30. The Republicans are trying to recruit big names to run against her, and a strong fundraising total could dissuade them from getting in. I hope you will consider making a contribution to her campaign today.
Click here to contribute to Kirsten Gillibrand's campaign.
Remembering Dr. Tiller
Last week, we were shocked and saddened by news of the tragic murder of Dr. George Tiller, who operated the Women's Health Care Services clinic in Wichita, Kansas for many years. Following his murder, EMILY's List President Ellen Malcolm said, "Dr. Tiller was a courageous man who was determined to give women their rightful medical options, even though he faced constant threats of personal danger and legal and political harassment." We should remember every day that women seeking legal health care services -- and those who provide those services -- still face incredible hostility and even violence when exercising their reproductive rights.
Putting the Rich back in Ging-rich
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich headlined a fundraiser this week for Senate and House Republicans that hauled in a hefty $14 million to be used against Democrats in key 2010 races across the country, including, no doubt, many against EMILY's List candidates. The crowd cheered a surprise visit by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and when Gingrich railed against President Obama. With the money they raised here it's clear that the GOP will have ample funds to stage a comeback next year. With so many races in play this cycle, the money matters -- and they're certainly raising it. That's why EMILY's List always gets started early, too; we can't afford to let up for a minute. The GOP certainly isn't.
Yes, Virginia, there could be a Woman Lieutenant Governor
We have big news in Virginia, where lieutenant governor candidate Jody Wagner won a tough primary and will face Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling in the general election this November. This is a huge win for Wagner, who is supported by POP, EMILY's List's Political Opportunity Program. Wagner is currently Virginia's finance secretary under Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine, and stresses her experience addressing tough budget issues in her campaign. If she wins in November, Wagner will be the first woman lieutenant governor in Virginia history. Now that she's gotten through a tough primary, Wagner is heading full-speed into the general election. Her opponent, Bolling, did not have a primary and starts off with nearly $1 million in the bank.
Click here to learn more about Jody Wagner.
Justice for All
Seeking a swift confirmation for President Obama's first Supreme Court nominee, Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, scheduled hearings to begin July 13th on the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Leahy's move angered Republicans who were hoping to delay hearings until after the August recess, stalling for more time to build their campaign against Obama's historic pick, who would be the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice.
For the lack of anything concrete to say against Sotomayor, the right wing seems to be paying an awful lot of attention to her "temperament" -- a trait that has not previously emerged as a criterion for judging Supreme Court nominees.
EMILY's List is tracking this trend and other news on Sotomayor's confirmation on our new media watch page. You'll want to check if often, especially as the hearings progress, for breaking news and commentary from columnists, pundits, and bloggers. There's also space for you to weigh in with your opinion and share any unfair coverage you've come across with others.
That's all the News from the Field this week. As always, please e-mail me with your thoughts and comments at newsfromthefield@emilyslist.org and don't forget to check out our new Supreme Court media watch web feature.
Warmly,
Britt Cocanour
Chief of Staff
