Voters’ staunch support for reproductive freedom in the face of deadly GOP forced-birth laws is boosting Democrats’ victory chances in two special elections. Upcoming special elections in Utah (Nov. 21) and Florida (Jan. 16) provide the next opportunities to help restore bodily autonomy, and enshrine it in state constitutions.
You can help, by contacting your relatives who live in those states and urging them to vote for Tom Keen in Florida, or Kathleen Riebe in Utah. If you have time, consider volunteering for these two off- off-year elections by writing personalized postcards, or making phone calls via the candidates’ online apps.
Utah’s 2nd Congressional district is an open seat right now. Utah state Senate Minority Whip Riebe has worked as a teacher in the Beehive State for 20 years.
She has highlighted healthcare access as a central theme in her campaign. “I’m a staunch advocate for affordable healthcare, and is committed to expanding access and affordable care for Utahns as a Congresswoman.”
Utah’s 2nd Districts includes large agricultural areas as well as towns and suburbs. “Rural America, including Utah, is losing high quality healthcare as providers retreat to populated areas.
“I support expanding Medicare and Medicaid and fighting to keep the cost of prescription drugs down through caps,” Riebe said.
“Congressional Republicans are attempting to roll back the prescription caps for those on Medicare instituted by the Inflation Reduction Act - these are crucial programs for seniors and Americans with chronic health conditions that need expansion, not elimination,” she added.
Riebe’s support for common-sense economic policies has earned her the endorsement of several AFL-CIO-affiliated union locals. “Through the campaign, I’ll be teaching Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 PM. I can’t afford to give up my job for politics, and I know the stresses of making sure a household budget gets food on the table, cars repaired, and children to college.”
“While the economy is improving, it’s not working for many people. The cost of living has to come down, and companies that take advantage of Utahns must be held accountable,” Riebe said. “While rising interest rates are keeping inflation down recently, they have extraneous consequences, from sky-high mortgages to car loans. Let’s strive for a balance.”
Meanwhile, in Florida, Tom Keen’s campaign for the state House of Representatives also relies on support from teachers and unions. “Tom believes that Legislators do not belong in the doctor’s office and will work to expand access to abortion in Florida since the legislature’s rollbacks.”
Tom Keen is a decorated 21-year military veteran, a former Naval Flight Officer, and successful businessman in the high-tech aerospace training and simulation industry. He is a committed progressive who is running to serve Orange and Osceola counties as Florida’s next State Representative from District 35.
Democrats, independents, and Republicans of goodwill showed this week that 50 years of self-serving lies by lavishly-funded bigots can be swept away by energized voters.