NOW Congratulates Elaine Marshall on Primary Win in N.C. Senate Primary, Looks Forward to November Victory

Last night, North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall moved closer to becoming the state’s next U.S. Senator. The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee proudly endorsed Marshall and helped organize strong grassroots support that ultimately helped her win the Democratic primary.

The June 22 runoff between Marshall and Cal Cunningham determined who would face the Republican incumbent, Senator Richard Burr, in the November election. “With this victory, Marshall has proven herself a winning candidate,” said NOW President and NOW/PAC Chair Terry O’Neill. “NOW calls upon the national Democratic Party leaders, including President Obama, Tim Kaine and the DNC, and Senator Robert Menendez and the DSCC to rally behind Marshall in order to assure her victory in the fall.”

NOW Congratulates Sewell on Strong First-Place Finish in Alabama Primary

Alabama voters cast their ballots for Terri Sewell on Tuesday, giving her a first-place finish in the state’s Democratic Party primary. Sewell received 37 percent of the vote and will face Shelia Smoot, who garnered 29 percent of the vote, in a July 13 runoff. NOW’s Political Action Committee proudly endorsed Sewell, a first-time candidate for public office, early in her campaign. Sewell is running for an open seat in the House of Representatives from Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.

“NOW congratulates Terri Sewell, and we look forward to continuing to work together toward a win in July and again in November,” said NOW President and NOW PAC Chair Terry O’Neill. “Early support for women candidates is critical to their success. We must continue backing women like Terri Sewell if we hope to achieve gender parity in government.”

NOW Hails Votes to End Discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy, Says Bill Does Not Go Far Enough — Discharges Should End Immediately

Yesterday the House of Representatives and the Senate Armed Services Committee voted to end the discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy that has barred lesbians and gay men from serving openly in the military.

“This has been a long time coming. More than 14,000 service members have had their careers cut short,” said NOW President Terry O’Neill. “While NOW applauds the action taken by Congress, we believe that it does not go far enough.”

NOW Congratulates Joe Sestak on Pivotal Win in Pennsylvania Primary

Last night, Rep. Joe Sestak achieved a pivotal victory in Pennsylvania by besting 30-year incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter in the state’s Democratic primary. After two previous endorsements for the House of Representatives, the NOW Political Action Committee enthusiastically endorsed Sestak for his Senate run.