As the first Pro-Choice candidate in the MI-5 primary in 34 years, I am often asked why I am fighting so hard to defend a woman's rights. The article today on Politico.com entitled, "Predicting an end to Roe v. Wade" is why I am running against a long-time, never-been-challenged Anti-Choice democrat. The reality of this landmark personal privacy issue being overturned infuriates me.
http://www.politico.com/...
I knew that I was going to run for Congress in 2004. At that time, my good friend, former HRC executive Cheryl Jacques, pounded it into my head that if President Bush won a second term, we would be in deep trouble across this country. While I was not a supporter of President Bush, I did not think SCOTUS would jump that far to the right. I didn't foresee two openings on the bench at the same time.
Cheryl, who is a brilliant legal and political mind, did everything she could to spread the word about the long-term dangers of a second Bush Presidency. I tried to help, but as we all know, the Swift boaters won.
We are just now realizing how damaging the confirmations of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito's will be for the future of Roe v. Wade. I must hand it to President Bush, his administration just keeps on giving, in a bad way.
While this may seem like a lot of "ifs", it really is not considering the importance of a woman's reproductive rights. If a Republican assumes the White House and Justice Kennedy retires, we will quickly see an end to the landmark ruling.
It is hard to fathom in the 21st century that our supreme judicial authority could or would undue almost four decades worth of privacy for women. Unfortunately, I feel we are much closer than most democrats, liberals or progressives like to admit. The GOP is going to fight tooth and nail to beat President Obama. They will spend whatever is necessary to win.
As the "underfunded underdog" in my race, I am fighting everyday to share my Pro-Choice message with women across my district.
While there is the distinct possibility of this becoming a reality, it is even more infuriating and frustrating that I am having to "beg" the national progressive and Pro-Choice groups for help. We must not turn on each, but build the foundation now to fight and PROTECT a woman's reproductive rights. I can not explain how saddening it is for these groups to say they greatly dislike my opponent -- many of these groups have rated him as failing on women's rights for decades -- but then tell me that if I gain any momentum they will endorse him over me.
I am not naive about the inner workings of national politics or the backroom deals. But for national groups to turn their backs on the opportunity to switch out a Congressional seat for a Pro-Choice candidate, in a race that is winnable because of the demographics of the district, is disheartening.
Last week, a decision maker at a key PAC and I got into a very heated discussion. I was told they were not endorsing or helping any more candidates until August. Instead, they were going to run a contest. All candidates that want their endorsement or support had to enter to "win" an endorsement and a dinner with a former Governor. While it seems like a fun idea, the reality is it is nothing more than a marketing ploy to increase their donor base. All contestants have to encourage their current supports to pledge support and give their contact information to the PAC. Then one contestant wins. Wow, what a great deal, we all beg for your help and support and you then pick the pockets of our current supporters.
Is this what the Progressive, Pro-Choice community has turned into? They spend millions of dollars on high-profile races that do not win and end up draining all of their funds. They can't go back to those donors, so candidates that can win and need small amounts of financial help get left out?
The reality is women are being left out. For every high-profile, costly race we try to win, we are passing over a dozen House races that cost less but will have a dramatic long-term impact on Roe v. Wade.
I encourage you to rethink your support of those Progressive, Pro-Choice PACs that send you almost daily requests for donations. Instead, donate directly to real Progressive, Pro-Choice candidates.
And to the PAC leadership that may read this diary, it is time for you to get your priorities straight. There are good candidates all across this country that could and can win, but not without your support. Don't just use influence and money to host celebrity filled parties, actually put these things to use. You will have no one to blame but yourselves if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
https://secure.actblue.com/...
Scott Withers
The First Pro-Choice Democratic Primary Candidate in 34 years, MI-5