Ryan Bucchianeri (D-Pa., 12th Congressional District)

Ryan Bucchianeri

Democrat Ryan Bucchianeri is running for the open seat in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District. NOW/PAC was impressed with his perfect support of NOW's issues and passion for helping women become equal around the world, making our decision to endorse Bucchianeri an easy one.

Bucchianeri sees choice as being one of the leading issues in his campaign. On his website he says, "I strongly support a woman's right to choose and believe that government should not interfere with this personal decision." So it's not surprising that Bucchianeri did not support the Stupak-Pitts Amendment, which was designed to greatly limit women's ability to access abortion coverage, and was passed in the House's version of health care reform.

Bucchianeri will fight for health care coverage that includes women's reproductive health services, is affordable, universal, portable, and covers pre-existing conditions. He believes it can best be achieved with a robust public option.

Bucchianeri understands the costs of discrimination for the LGBT community and believes that "it is time for America to truly honor its mantra that 'all are created equal' and support full marriage equality for all U.S. citizens."

Bucchianeri has years of experience working with policy and holding leadership positions. He spent most of his career overseas in the U.S. Navy, but his areas of study include international security, political economy and human rights, including a thesis on the genocide in Darfur.

"I am honored to have the support of NOW and will be a strong advocate for equality as a member of Congress," said Bucchianeri. "Of my entire military career, I am most proud to have been part of the first task force in the Middle East to help liberate women and girls from the brutal Taliban regime in Afghanistan. I look forward to taking my life experiences from home and throughout the developing world and applying them to raise awareness and fight for equality," Bucchianeri concluded.

These experiences fuel his passion to be a strong advocate for ending oppression and improving the status of women. NOW leaders and members look forward to working with him.

For more information please visit his campaign site: www.ryan2010.com

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