The National
Organization for Women Celebrates
Ned Lamont's Victory
in Connecticut
Democratic Primary
Statement by NOW
President Kim Gandy, August 8, 2006
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| Amid confetti, NOW President Kim Gandy (on right)
celebrates Ned Lamont's victory in the Connecticut primary |
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I am proud to stand here today with
Ned Lamont to celebrate this significant victory in Connecticut's Democratic
primary for U.S. Senate.
Back in May, when the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee
became the first national PAC to endorse Ned Lamont, there was no bandwagon to
jump on. In fact, many Beltway politicos thought we had lost our senses,
or worse -- endorsing a relative unknown against a well-connected 18-year
incumbent.
This challenger, however, spoke truth to power; and NOW PAC never shies away
from a principled fight when women's rights are on the line.
In the wake of perhaps the most stunning political upset in decades, we could
not be more pleased. Women's rights are being challenged in every arena,
our access to emergency contraception is being blocked, and Roe v. Wade
is hanging by a thread. That's why we applaud Ned Lamont -- a candidate
who stands firmly and uncompromisingly for women's rights and reproductive
justice.
Peace is a feminist issue and the Iraq war has been a key issue in this
campaign, but it is not the only issue. Because of the actions of the Bush
administration, the national economy is in a shambles, our civil rights are
being eroded, and the nation's standing in the world community has been
seriously compromised.
It is time for the elected members of Congress who have enabled such travesties
to retire or be retired. We applaud the voters in Connecticut who sent a
strong message with Ned Lamont's primary win. The status quo must be
transformed, and the voters recognized in Ned Lamont a forceful advocate for
change.
Senator Joe Lieberman has made many contributions throughout the years. We
hope that he stands down from further campaigning for this Senate seat and
accepts the rules of political engagement and, of course, the will of the
Connecticut Democratic voters. We hope he will not "cut and run" from the
democratic party.
NOW PAC will continue to support Ned Lamont through the general election in
November, when I look forward to celebrating a momentous achievement for the
women of Connecticut and, truly, every woman in the U.S.
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