Do You Know Where the Candidates Stand on Choice?

[theHandpuppet]

From NARAL Pro-Choice America
http://www.blogforchoice.com/archives/2014/02/do-you-know-whe.html

Do You Know Where the Candidates Stand on Choice?
By Ali
on February 27, 2014 11:39 AM

Today, we launched our 2014 Voter Guide, a breakdown of choice ratings for candidates running in every federal primary elections across the country.

Imagine what we could do if politicians across the country knew voters would only support candidates who believe in a woman's right to comprehensive reproductive-health care and abortion access.

Despite the fact that seven in 10 Americans believe abortion should remain safe and legal, 53 anti-choice measures were enacted in 24 states in 2013 alone. Those restrictions included bans on abortion throughout pregnancy, legislation aimed at shutting down reproductive-health care clinics and providers, and measures to block access to birth control.

In 2014, a year with 36 senate races and 36 governors seats on the ballot, it's more important than ever that voters are aware of a candidate's position on choice and whether they would protect or restrict women's rights if elected. That's why we're holding them accountable.... MORE

[Warpy]

1. My state rep is a Democrat and prochoice

and the Republicans keep trying to gin up fake scandals about her, which she answers immediately to all registered Democrats by mail, usually before most of us have heard about it.

I'll be voting for her again later this year.

[RC]

2. Politics on DU?

Anyway, that is a good thing to know. Do they hem and haw, or do they come right out and state their position?

[theHandpuppet]

3. The guide is pretty specific even if the candidates aren't

I'm disgusted at the number of Dems who refuse to state whether or not they support reproduction rights.

In my state of WV, they are trying to eliminate and criminalize abortion:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/11383442

When I checked the NARAL scorecard for WV, almost none of the Dems declared for choice. There were many more who either refused to declare or stated they were anti-choice! Democrats my ass!!!!

[ismnotwasm]

4. Interesting

My rep is Jim McDermott-- who is of course pro choice. His challenger is being 'researched'


Very interesting thank you

[theHandpuppet]

5. You're very lucky.

It seems even a lot of Dems these days are afraid to support choice. It's disgusting.

I've already printed out the pro-choice voter poster (available at the link) for my window and it's going up first thing in the morning. No anti-choice candidate better come knocking at my door looking for support.

[BainsBane]

6. k and r

[redqueen]

7. I tend to just take Emily's List's word for it.

Now I want to cross check their candidates against NARAL's information. Just curious.

[theHandpuppet]

8. I'd be very interested in what you find out.

Please let us know.

[cinnabonbon]

9. Now this is interesting and useful.

Thanks for posting about it!

[theHandpuppet]

10. A map all should see

A map showing the landscape of abortion bans
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/03/28/the-landscape-of-abortion-bans-in-one-must-see-map/

[KitSileya]

11. Kick and rec. nt

[LWolf]

12. Yes.

At least, I know where the candidates appearing on my ballot stand on choice and any other issue I deem critical. I can't say I know where "the" candidates across the nation that aren't on my ballot stand.

My Senator, Jeff Merkley, is pro-choice and has earned my full, enthusiastic support. My House Rep, Greg Walden, is anti-choice and is unlikely to be unseated. My Governor, John Kitzhaber, is pro-choice. My State Senator, Tim Knopp, is anti-choice, as is my State House Rep, Gene Whisnant.

Walden, Knopp, and Whisnant are wrong on just about every issue, so there's no surprise there.

I only support candidates that stand firm on issues that matter to me, choice among them. That means that most of the candidates I support and vote for don't win. That means that I don't throw my support to any candidate because of a particular party affiliation, since some Democratic politicians are neo-liberals. That often makes me persona non grata at DU during campaign season, at least on campaign-related threads.

So be it.