Support Women!
Linda Stender (D-N.J., 7th District)
With Women's Rights Under Attack, Send a Pro-Choice Woman to Washington
October 30, 2006
Over twenty years ago, Linda Stender thrust herself into politics when she fought with city developers to save a historic building in Fanwood, New Jersey, her hometown of twenty-eight years. A political novice at that time, Stender's effort succeeded and she decided to make a career in politics. She started as the chairperson for a Fanwood downtown redevelopment committee and sat on a number of city boards. In 1992, Stender was elected to a three year term as the Mayor of Fanwood. Her next political stop was the New Jersey State Assembly.
While serving in the New Jersey General Assembly, Stender introduced over fifty bills, including a bill prohibiting pharmacists from refusing to dispense medications based on personal philosophical, moral, and/or religious beliefs. Among many others, she introduced a bill to phase out harmful trace mercury in vaccinations and one permitting university students to borrow required books from public universities rather than force students to purchase them. She also sponsored legislation encouraging stem cell research through the construction of new research facilities in New Jersey.
As a mother of three, Stender is strong advocate for children and families. She strongly believes in investing in education, but opposes President Bush's inadequately funded "No Child Left Behind" act. She supports an increase in the federal minimum wage so working parents can work fewer hours or fewer jobs and spend more time with their children. Recognizing the financial burden of private child care, Stender also supports expanding access to affordable, quality child care, both to ease financial burden and improve children's early development.
Stender also has a strong record of protecting the environment, having served as the New Jersey General Assembly's Vice-Chair on the Assembly Environment Committee. She worked diligently to reduce pesticides and toxic chemicals in schools and co-sponsored a bill to reduce diesel emissions by trucks and buses.
Stender's opponent, Mike Ferguson has received over $150,000 from pharmaceutical companies for his 2006 candidacy. He is an opponent of women's reproductive rights and voted against a bill to fund embryonic stem cell research. Although representing a moderate district, Ferguson consistently votes with the right wing.
There are no women currently serving in the New Jersey delegation in Congress. With women's rights under attack, it is crucial that New Jersey elect a strong, experienced woman advocate like Linda Stender.
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