Written by Dr. Nina Ahmad,
President, Pennsylvania NOW
We the undersigned, who are former and current endorsees of Emily’s List, are very grateful for their support and firmly believe that this largest national resource for women in politics deeply understands the intersectional nature of oppression that stands in the way of progress for women. It is our understanding they endorse candidates who work to dismantle such oppression including discrimination based on limiting voting rights & access to the ballot box.
So, it is unconscionable that one of their previously endorsed 2018 candidates, Senator Sinema (AZ) is being recalcitrant in the face of irrefutable evidence that the filibuster is standing in the way of progress to enshrine voting rights protections-the bedrock of our democracy.
As clearly articulated by President Biden, it is time to change the Senate rules to accommodate major pieces of legislation regarding voting rights protection, without requiring 60 votes. Further, it is wise to heed the warning of our trailblazing Vice President, Kamala Harris who said, “future generations would one day ask us what we did to protect democracy, framing this moment as a crucial inflection point in American history”.
Now is the time for EMILY’s List to be a driving force of change in America as stated in the mission statement. We, Emily’s List Democratic endorsees of Pennsylvania join our Democratic sisters from Arizona in calling on Emily’s List to make a public demand of Senator Sinema to support filibuster reform to protect voting rights & our democracy.
As the nation celebrates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. may his words that “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” never be forgotten and we all stand strong in the face of injustice.
List of signatories (in formation)
Nina Ahmad, Ph.D., 2020 Democratic Nominee for Auditor General of PA
Janet Diaz, Lancaster City Councilmember
Cherelle Parker, Majority Leader, Philadelphia City Council (9th District)
Helen Gym, Philadelphia City Councilmember at Large
State Representative Jennifer O’Mara, PA-165
State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler, PA-184
State Representative Emily Kinkead, PA-20
State Representative Regina Young, PA 185
State Representative Kristine Howard, PA 167
State Representative Melissa Shusterman, PA-157
Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, Philadelphia City Council (7th District)
State Representative Jessica Benham, PA-36
Roni Green, former State Representative, PA-190
Helen Tai, former State Representative, PA-178
Katie Muth, State Senator, PA-44
Dianne Herrin, State Representative, PA-156
Lindsey Williams, State Senator, PA-38
Pamela A. DeLissio, State Representative, PA-194
Gina H. Curry, State Representative, PA-164
Marian B. Tasco, former Philadelphia City Councilmember (9th District)
CeCe Gerlach, Allentown City Councilmember
Rebecca Rhynhart, Philadelphia City Controller
Amanda Cappelletti, State Senator, PA-17
Leanne Krueger, State Representative, PA-161
Patty Kim, State Representative, PA-103
