Lois Herr (D-PA) is running for Congress in an effort to unseat incumbent Representative Joe Pitts (R-PA), co-sponsor of the Stupak-Pitts amendment to the healthcare bill. This morning NOW held a rally in support of Ms. Herr in downtown West Chester, PA. The crowd of supporters may not have been huge but they more than made up for themselves in vocal support. Over the fold are lots of pictures and a bit of commentary.
Starting time was scheduled for 10:15. We arrived a bit early and staked out seats across the street from the Court House where the festivities were to occur.
West Chester Court House
The opposition staked out a position across the street. Later the same protestor moved to be closer to the rally on the lawn. The opposition remained in good numbers throughout the time of the rally.
As preparations began the only person in sight was a lone campaign worker.
Things did change pretty quickly as other supporters began to hit the scene.
And by the time the speakers began the crowd was in full force.
Signs in support of women's rights were abundant.
Healthcare was a big issue with this crowd, too.
Since the rally was all about Lois Herr and her campaign for Congress there were plenty of political statements to be made.
And the anti-Pitts sentiment was very visible.
Even a canine got into the picture.
One lady took real exception to the loudest, closest protester and gave him an angry look and pointed her finger to let him know she was displeased.
Speakers inclued both national and local persons in support of Ms. Herr.
When Ms. Herr took the stand she spoke of Representative Pitts as
The man of NO.
Pitts voted against extending unemployment benefits and against student loan reforms.
Lois Herr, Democratic Candidate for nomination to the U.S. House in PA-16
Herr called herself and her supporters
sanely liberal
saying we care about each other. She said we are
the people of yes
Ms. Herr reminded us all of Roe v. Wade in hope we never return our nation to those dark days of back alley abortions.
Every speaker talked about women's rights and what an important issue we face in our nation today. One man reminded me we have a long way to go yet.
All in all a very successful day for Ms. Herr and supporters of both healthcare reform and women's rights.
Peace.