Newsletter Volume 3 • Number 17
Their Republican opponents? Not so much.
An endorsement from Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut is a signal flare marking who is truly a trusted candidate. Given our Democratic slate’s proven dedication to protecting access to reproductive healthcare and abortion, it’s no surprise that Rachel Khanna, Steve Meskers, Hector Arzeno and Nick Simmons all earned one.
“I am proud to stand with Planned Parenthood in the fight for reproductive freedom,” said Khanna. “As a mom to four daughters and a former patient escort at Planned Parenthood in Stamford, guaranteeing safe and accessible women’s healthcare is personal for me. And as a legislator and a member of the Reproductive Rights Caucus, I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting a woman’s right to choose.”
Republicans unmasked as fake “pro-choice” candidates
Local Republican candidates know the GOP’s assault on women’s reproductive freedom is unpopular. That’s why they’re going around saying they are “pro-choice,” while still voting against it.
- Sen. Ryan Fazio voted NO on the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, a law that improves abortion access in our state, strengthens legal protections for healthcare providers, and shields patient privacy. Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut describes it as “the most significant abortion rights legislation in a generation,” with provisions backed by the experts—the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
- Republican Tina Courpas, Rachel Khanna’s challenger, wrote that she opposed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act. You can’t be “pro-choice,” while opposing the biggest reproductive rights bill in a generation!
Our state legislators are a firewall against more restrictions
Without Roe, we depend on our state legislatures to protect women’s access to reproductive care. And what’s happening elsewhere is a clear warning that we could lose our rights here too—twenty-two other states have now banned or severely restricted abortion.
The consequences?
- Two women from Georgia reportedly died due to barriers to emergency gynecological care.
- Women in Idaho experiencing severe pregnancy complications have been airlifted to other states for medical intervention.
- Pregnant women in Texas had treatments delayed until they developed sepsis.
- Women in Florida need to travel more than 500 miles to obtain an abortion.
- And couples in Alabama have been denied access to IVF treatments to help start a family.
Roe your vote
Make no mistake, abortion rights are on the ballot here in November. Make sure you get out to vote for real pro-choice state legislators—candidates endorsed by Planned Parenthood—our Democratic candidates.
On gun violence prevention, Greenwich Democrats earn ‘A’s, while Fazio rates an ‘F’
In recent weeks, school shooting threats in 14 CT districts closed schools, delayed openings, prompted lockdowns and increased police presence, reminding us of the psychological, academic and financial toll of gun violence.
So gun safety couldn’t be more important. Last week, CT Against Gun Violence (CAGV) endorsed Democrats Rachel Khanna, Steve Meskers, Hector Arzeno and Nick Simmons, describing them as “champions of gun violence prevention.” Each earned an “A” grade.
Notably, Simmons’ opponent, Ryan Fazio, garnered an “F” for his abysmal voting record. Fazio was also endorsed by the CT Citizens Defense League, which is trying to overturn our assault weapons ban. Fazio, “who claims CT gun laws will never be weakened, is endorsed by the very organization trying to weaken them,” noted CAGV’s Jonathan Perloe.
By contrast, Khanna, Meskers, Arzeno and Simmons were awarded Gun Sense Candidate distinctions from Moms Demand Action — the largest national gun violence prevention organization.
It’s pretty clear who the real gun safety advocates are. Vote for them like your lives depend on it.
Why are you voting for Democrats this November?
Greenwich neighbors weigh in
“I’m voting for Hector. He’s worked hard and achieved so much for our town, he shows up all the time, and he knows how to work across the aisle. People respect those values.”
— Deborah Kayton Michals, Greenwich
Democratic Action Calendar
Volunteer.
Sign up to volunteer with the Greenwich Democrats this election season. Or just drop by our headquarters open daily 12-6 pm, and get to work.
September 27. Call.
Virtual phone bank for Nick Simmons, 4:00 p.m., login here.
September 27, 28 & 29. Canvass.
Join the Nick Simmons campaign canvass this Friday, Saturday or Sunday. RSVP here for details.
September 29. Do Something.
Day of Action with State Treasurer Eric Russell. New start time: 1:30 pm, 23 Benedict Place (rear entrance). More info here.
October 1 & 3. Call.
Virtual phone bank for Rachel Khanna, 5-7:00 p.m. Sign up here.
October 8. Listen.
State House (district 149) and State Senate candidate debates, Round Hill Association. Refreshments 6:30 p.m., debate 7:00 p.m. Round Hill Community House. Submit questions here by 10/1.
October 15. Learn.
State Senate and State House candidate debates, Greenwich League of Women Voters, 7:00 pm. Register.
| Volume 3, Number 17 • September 26, 2024 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |