Statement of NOW/PAC Chair Terry O’Neill
Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–March 21, 2012. The National Organization for Women congratulates Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth for her victory in the Democratic primary for Illinois’s 8th Congressional District. Duckworth won by a large margin, and will go on to face incumbent Republican Congress member Joe Walsh in November. A war hero, Duckworth was severely wounded in 2004 when her helicopter was hit by a rocket, resulting in the loss of both her legs. Duckworth has sought to improve the standard of care for veterans, end veteran homelessness, and lead initiatives for female veterans. In addition, she is passionate in her support of reproductive rights and will be a real champion for women.
Also a winner in the March 20 primary was Cheri Bustos, who is running for Illinois’s 17th Congressional District. Bustos, the only woman vying for the seat, defeated two Democratic men. She will face tea-party Republican incumbent Bobby Schilling in the general election. Bustos has been a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act and the positive steps it has taken in providing women’s preventive health services.
NOW/PAC also applauds its other endorsed candidates who secured victories last night in the Illinois primary — Democrats David Gill (13th District) and Leslie Coolidge (6th District).
“NOW’s Political Action Committee proudly endorsed these candidates, and we look forward to supporting them as they build toward the Nov. 6 election,” said NOW/PAC Chair Terry O’Neill. “NOW activists in Illinois will also continue to stand behind them in their bid for Congress, where I’m confident they will be tough advocates for women’s rights.”
Source: nowpacs.org
