Blue America Chat: Patsy Keever NC-10

"Women all across North Carolina," Patsy told us, "are disgusted with the Republican treatment of women. My campaign launched a petition drive protesting the GOP's assault on women and collected over 850 petitions in a few days. I’m not just talking about Democratic women. Whether it’s the radical right-wing conservatives in Raleigh or in Washington, the women I’ve spoken to are ready to take action to confront this extremism. I faced this issue at the state level as well. GOP members in the State House proposed legislation curtailing women's choice. Well I fought against this bill and worked to uphold Governor Perdue's veto. I am angry, and needless to say, women across the state are angry too."

And Patrick McHenry has been no champion on women's issues-- not on any of them. He votes against women on social issues and on economic issues. Patrick McHenry, as everyone who has followed his career knows, has a serious problem with women. And after Patsy wins her primary against a conservative Democrat on May 8, she'll be up against McHenry-- and in a district newly redrawn to be somewhat friendlier to Democrats and Independents and less friendly to right-wing extremists. Obama's performance is 6% better under the new lines and, by party registration, there are now actually more Democrats in the district (39.3%) than Republicans (35.6%). But Patsy didn't jump into this race because of Limbaugh or the GOP War Against Women. Her issues have more to do with education-- she taught in the public schools for more than 25 years-- and with an economic equality agenda.

As a mother, grandmother, public school teacher, community leader and elected official, I have spent more than 30 years working to make our community a great place for families and children to live. I have fought to create opportunities for meaningful employment, ensure that our children get a quality education, protect the quality of our air and water and achieve equality for all of our citizens. When I am elected to Congress, I will continue to do so.

Now I want to take these principles to Washington D.C., where a good dose of common sense and cooperation are direly needed. While understanding the need to tighten our belts, I will protect Social Security and Medicare, defend the natural beauty of our region and stand against extremism that hurts families. Every time I take a vote, I will ask myself, “Will this make our community a better place... for us, for our children and for our grandchildren?”