Betsy Dennigan (D-R.I., 2nd Congressional District)

Betsy Dennigan

Betsy Dennigan (D) is running for Congress from Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District against incumbent Jim Langevin (D), who opposes most of NOW's issues. Dennigan has been elected to the R.I. House of Representatives for 13 years and is currently on the Finance Committee. She also is a nurse and attorney who founded a literacy organziation and helped to establish an inner-city wellness center.

Dennigan is a strong supporter of all NOW's issues. She supports reproductive rights without restriction, with the consistently pro-choice voting record to back it up. Dennigan has opposed reproductive limitations, such as mandated waiting periods, spousal notification, the Hyde Amendment and parental consent for minors. She also helped write and was the prime sponsor of legislation promoting comprehensive sex education.

Dennigan will stand firmly against a health care reform bill that contains restrictive abortion language. She is a strong supporter of a new health care system with a public option, as her experience as a registered nurse in the ER has shown her the difficulties low-income families experience.

Dennigan is a strong supporter of LGBT rights, including marriage equality, which she believes is a civil rights issue. She has sponsored the Wrongful Death Act for partner protection for many years. If elected, she will also work to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Dennigan is a longtime supporter of pay equity, a fight she is eager to take to Congress. With women still being paid only 76 cents on the dollar compared to men, and comprising just 17 percent of the House Representatives, Dennigan will be a voice for women and a trusted ally on Capitol Hill.

For more information please visit her campaign site.

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