Marsha Blackburn headlined a fundraiser for Congressman Dave Brat (Cantor’s replacement) last Saturday in his district in Richmond, VA. If we had been there protesting, waving our signs and demanding a debate, the video of us in handcuffs would have made the 11:00 news. A local tv anchor told us that the only way they would cover our rally was if we were arrested or topless. That’s what it takes to get the media attention we need to shame Brat into debating our candidate, Eileen Bedell. He has declined at least 3 opportunities.
Ms Bedell, an attorney, small business woman, wife and mother of 2, spoke at the Congressional Candidates Forum, anyway, prepared with solutions to the problems her opponent ignores. “Compromise” is most definitely in her vocabulary, and it’s obvious that she has given a lot of thought to the issues that matter most to Virginia women and our families. She tells about the birth of her youngest child and reliance upon the specialized medical care provided by the ACA. We heard her defend the 2nd amendment right to own a firearm at the same time she’s demanding universal background checks to prevent it from getting into the wrong hands. She promotes raising the minimum wage to a living wage that can be sustained by the economy of our district. Eileen believes affordable loans should be available to all students, including those pursuing technical certification, and calls for the ability to refinance existing student loan debt. Workforce development and investment in our infrastructure and clean renewable energy are part of her plan to grow our economy and raise revenues, instead of raising taxes and cutting programs. And, Eileen wants to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, unlike Brat, who wants to dismantle the programs.
Eileen Bedell understands the need for more women legislators in Congress. Women have better insight into the concerns of other women and our families, and a better ability to collaborate to resolve problems. Eileen has clearly articulated the need for women to be protected by the Constitution, with a ratified Equal Rights Amendment. She has said time and time again that she wants her daughter to have the same opportunities in her lifetime that she knows her son will receive in his. This is why Eileen has received the endorsements of the VA National Organization for Women and Women-Matter.org. The time is now. The candidate is Eileen Bedell.
#ItsOurTime #MrNoMustGO #BedellforVIrginia #CongressSheCanWorkWith
