Lucas,
The news out of Washington makes clear the reasons we so desperately need to elect more women.
Fortunately, Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and challengers Gwen Graham of Florida and Ann Callis of Illinois have stepped up to the plate.
If they were a part of a congressional majority of 51% women, we would have already passed legislation to combat the epidemic of military sexual assaults, stopped the rate hike on student loans and defeated anti-choice legislation in the House.
Kyrsten is already facing attacks because she's supported keeping students' interest rates low. The attacks on Gwen and Ann are coming. National Republicans and their Super PACs already consider all three women top targets, which means they'll need our support.
We need to do everything we can to help them. Will you contribute immediately – and help me raise $20,000 for Kyrsten, Gwen and Ann by the June 30 FEC deadline?
I'm a big admirer of Kyrsten Sinema. The first openly bisexual member of Congress, she's a leading advocate for LGBT rights. She's also a strong voice for making college more affordable and a great addition to the congressional softball team.
A certain target of Speaker Boehner and the Koch brothers' Super PACs, Kyrsten is counting on us.
We also have to help accomplished challengers like Gwen and Ann. Their opponents, Reps. Steve Southerland and Rodney Davis, both voted this week for the unconstitutional restriction on women's reproductive health rights. And on Thursday, Rep. Southerland was behind an amendment that would have potentially kicked thousands, including children, off of food stamps.
From her experience with schools in the Florida Panhandle, Gwen knows what it takes to balance budgets without sacrificing the future. She'll stand up to efforts, like Southerland's amendment, that hurt children.
The spokesperson for Ann's opponent in Illinois, Rep. Davis, called it a "true 50-50 district." Ann is a nationally recognized reformer whose work has helped homeowners, veterans and those living with disabilities.
We need to help Kyrsten, Gwen and Ann win their races. These districts deserve great leaders. Can you give $5 or more now, before the June 30 FEC deadline, to help these strong women build the best campaigns possible? We need to win back the House.
Thank you so much,
Kirsten Gillibrand