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.
In a statement from NOW President and NOW/PAC Chair Terry O’Neill, “The National Organization for Women is sad to see Connie Saltonstall withdraw from the congressional race in Michigan’s 1st District. Saltonstall bravely stepped forward to take on the incumbent — reproductive rights foe and health care reform obstructer Rep. Bart Stupak — in the state’s Democratic primary. She opened the door for other candidates and may even have lead to Stupak’s decision not to seek another term. And how did the Democratic Party reward her? Disgracefully, by withholding its support.”
North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall moved one step closer to being the state’s next U.S. senator, placing first in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee enthusiastically endorsed Marshall and worked to ensure her first place spot with strong grassroots support.
NOW President Terry O’Neill said, “President Obama’s State of the Union speech was never expected to be a policy address about women’s rights, but women were keenly listening to every line — and paying close attention to the messages between the lines, or left unsaid altogether.”
“In just 100 days President Obama has begun reversing the extensive damage done to women’s rights these last eight years, giving us an idea of what is possible with enlightened leadership,” said NOW President Kim Gandy.