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THIS A DIVERSE WOMEN'S POLITICAL ORGANIZATION
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The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey is dedicated to increasing women's participation in the political process, increasing the number of progressive women in elected and appointed office, protecting reproductive freedom, and creating a women's political power base to achieve equality for ALL women.
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Women's
Political Caucus of
New Jersey PAC
honors
Patricia Egan Jones
Former Assemblywoman, 5th
Legislative District
Spotlight Award
Patricia “Pat” Egan Jones began her political journey working in
her community to establish safety programs and a preschool program, which after
more than 40 years is still in existence. This work led to a 47-year
career, including serving as Chief of Staff for Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts
and Legislative & Administrative Director to the late New Jersey State
Senator Walter Rand.
In
1996, Pat was sworn in as a Barrington Council Member and served until elected
as a Camden County Commissioner. As Commissioner, Pat was instrumental in
locating the Battleship New Jersey in Camden. She believed that Camden, across
from the Philadelphia Navy Yard where the Battleship was built, was the perfect
location. After numerous meetings and a lengthy application process, the Navy
decided to give the Battleship to the Home Port Alliance to be located in
Camden. Opened to the public since October 14, 2001, the ship has been a viable
part of the Camden City's Waterfront for the past 20 years.
From
Commissioner, Pat was elected Camden County Surrogate, where she served 15
years. As Surrogate, she established an outstanding Adoption Program,
redefined and educated Guardians with workshops, and held financial programs
for young adults about how to get resources that were held in trusts.
She
then took an unexpired seat in the General Assembly and was elected to serve
two additional terms. Working in the General Assembly, Pat is proud to say
she was part of the effort to pass Equal Pay legislation, Sick Time legislation
and to establish a higher living wage for all New Jersey workers.
Pat
helped improve funding for the Arts and Cultural and Heritage
Programs. She served on the Transportation and Budget Committee and also
served on the Joint Committee on Public Schools and Higher Education Committee.
Along
the way, Pat managed many other activities and today continues to actively
serve on the Board of Volunteers of America Delaware, Larc School, The Walter
Reed Institute at Rutgers Camden, Coopers Ferry Partnership and the Board of
the Battleship New Jersey.
Currently,
Pat serves as Outreach Director for the Camden County Veterans’ Affairs Office,
a rewarding position that allows her to give thanks to all the people who have
made all of the above happen.
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Women's
Political Caucus of
New Jersey PAC
honors
Jeanette Hoffman
President
Marathon Public Affairs, LLC
Carol Murphy Award
Jeanette
Hoffman is an experienced public affairs consultant and statewide media
spokesperson specializing in strategic messaging, marketing, crisis
communications and public affairs campaigns. As president of a public affairs
firm that services a broad range of corporate and non-profit clients, she has
over two decades of experience in issues advocacy, politics, policy, and state
government.
Hoffman
is also a media commentator who can be seen on national and New Jersey
television and radio stations discussing politics and public policy. She is
regularly featured as a political strategist for media outlets such as Fox,
My9, Newsmax, NJTV, CBS News, News 12 New Jersey, Gannett Newspapers, Ebru TV,
National Public Radio, WNYC radio and New Jersey 101.5.
Jeanette
has been named to ROI’s Influencers List Women in Business 2021, NJBIZ’s
prestigious “Forty Under 40” list and Fox’s “Chasing News” Power List. Since
2012, State Senator Loretta Weinberg has consistently featured Jeanette on her
New Jersey Women of Power List. She’s also been named one of
Observer/PolitickerNJ’s top political operatives several times, and one of Save
Jersey’s “Right 40 Women to Watch.” She is a regular speaker at Center for
American Women and Politics “Ready to Run” campaign leadership training for
women, and has served as a Faculty in Residence for CAWP’s New Leadership
program.
Jeanette
has served as a senior vice president at one of the state’s top ten lobbying
firms and Vice President of the Commerce Industry Association of New Jersey,
representing more than 900 businesses. A former Executive Director of the
New Jersey Republican State Committee, Hoffman was the Party’s primary media
spokesperson throughout several campaign cycles. Jeanette began her
career in state government working for Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and
later worked for Assembly Speaker Jack Collins and Congressman Bob Franks.
A proud graduate of The College of New Jersey, Jeanette has served on
the College’s Alumni Executive Board. She is active with the Jersey Shore
Partnership and an avid marathon runner
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Women's
Political Caucus of
New Jersey PAC
honors
Kelly Stewart Maer
Director of State &
Federal Public Affairs
and Advocacy - Capital Health
Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award
As an
executive with over 30 years of industry experience, Kelly Stewart Maer has an
extensive network in federal, state, and local government, including working
for a U.S. Senator, NJ Senate President, and NJ House Speaker, and five NJ
State Governors.
Currently, as the Director of Public Affairs, State and Federal
for Capital Health System, Kelly oversees all Public and Government Affairs
functions for the growing hospital system as it expands in Bucks County, PA. In
this capacity, she works directly with senior management, the CEO and
Board of Trustees, on key initiatives. Kelly has received a series of awards
and recognitions for her efforts to date, as well as a position as a Board
Member of Drumthwacket Foundation and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s
Healthcare Policy Transition Team.
Kelly has been ranked among the 100 most powerful political
players in New Jersey on Insider NJ’s 2016-2020 Power Lists as well as
PolitickerNJ’s “Women of Power Lists” for 2015 to 2020
Kelly earned her MA in Corporate Communications from Rowan
University and her BA in Communications from the University of South Carolina.
She is a past and present Board Member of multiple organizations, and her
involvement in volunteer activities stems from a sincere desire to give back to
her community and the state of New Jersey.
Kelly grew up getting involved in politics as her
Grandfather was a prominent figure and her father was NJ State Assemblyman.
They fostered her love of campaigns and fueled her drive to work on the 1992
Clinton – Gore race – where she worked alongside Barbara’s son, Stephen
Sigmund. She also worked on the 2008 US Senate and Presidential
races, 2016 Hilary Clinton campaign and numerous state and federal races
throughout her career.
A lifelong New
Jerseyan she lives in Monmouth County with her husband, daughter and their
rescue pup. She cherishes the friends she’s made serving on the Board of the
WPCNJ for the past eight
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SAVE THE DATE
WPCNJ PAC
2021 Women of Achievement
Reception
Thursday, June 17
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Event
Award Recipients
Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award
Kelly Stewart Maer
Director of State & Federal Public Affairs and Advocacy
Capital Health
Carol Murphy Award
Jeanette Hoffman
President, Marathon Public Affairs
Spotlight Award
Patricia Egan Jones
Former Assemblywoman, 5 Legislative District
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SAVE THE DATE
WPCNJ Annual Meeting
Tuesday, May 11th
7:00pm
Virtual Event
Featuring Special Guest Speaker
Lisa P. Jackson
Vice
President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives
Apple
Inc.
Lisa P. Jackson is
Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, and
served as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 2009
to 2013.
At Apple, Lisa leads the company’s environmental initiatives,
global community education programs, product accessibility efforts, corporate
giving, and worldwide government affairs. She is also the head of Apple’s newly
announced Racial Equity and Justice Initiative.
Since Lisa’s arrival in 2013, Apple has transformed its
environmental footprint. Under her leadership, the company reached its goal of
powering its operations around the world with 100 percent renewable energy and
is now implementing its industry-leading supplier clean energy program —
responsible for adding over 5 gigawatts of new clean energy around the world —
to drive the transition to renewable energy with Apple’s manufacturing
partners. In addition, Lisa spearheads Apple’s circular economy programs,
grounded in the company’s ambition to one day make its products using only
recycled or renewable materials.
President Barack Obama appointed Lisa as Administrator of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency in 2009 — the first African-American to hold
the position. As Administrator, she focused on reducing greenhouse gases,
protecting air and water quality, preventing exposure to toxic contamination,
and achieving environmental justice by expanding environmental outreach to
underserved communities and communities of color.
Lisa has been recognized as a leader in business and
sustainability in a number of leading publications including Fast Company’s 100
Most Creative People in Business, Vogue’s Game Changers, InStyle’s Badass
Women, Newsweek’s Most Important People, TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential
People in the World (2010 & 2011) and Ebony’s Power 100 lists. She is the
recipient of numerous awards, including Princeton’s James Madison Medal, Tulane
University’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the Environmental Law Institute’s
Environmental Achievement Award, the Corporate EcoForum’s C.K. Prahalad Award
for Global Sustainability Business Leadership and The Captain Planet
Foundation’s Protector of the Earth Award.
She serves on the
boards of Tulane University, SF Film, The American Film
Institute, Conservation International and Emily’s List, and is an honorary
member of Delta
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The
Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) mourns the loss of Justice Ruth
Bader Ginsburg. She was the second woman to hold a seat on the US Supreme Court
and served almost 30 years, becoming the most prominent member of our nation’s
highest court.
Justice
Ginsburg devoted her life to defending constitutional democracy and fighting
tirelessly for gender equality. Her historic tenure profoundly improved the
lives of American women.
She
championed women’s rights against discrimination, push to secure voting
rights
and supported the right to access health care – including birth control.
To say
she’ll be missed is an understatement. She was a true trailblazer for all
women.
As a
women’s organization committed to, among other goals, protecting reproductive
freedom and creating a women's political power base to achieve equality for ALL
women, we rededicate our efforts to elect more pro-choice women to office and
ensure Justice Ginsburg’s legacy is not only honored, but endured.
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SAVE THE DATE
WPCNJ Chapters of MiddlesexCounty, UnionCounty and RutgersUniversity;
and ISAAW-Inspiring South Asian
American Women
present
You Have the Power ... Own It!
Saturday, May 9th | 10:00AM-1:00PM
Eagleton Institute of Politics, RutgersUniversity
191 Ryder Lane, New Brunswick
Did you know that most people give
up their power simply by not realizing they have it?
You, YES YOU, can be a powerful
advocate for the issues that matter to you. Join us to learn strategies
for effectively communicating with your elected representatives and decision
makers. Hear from people in the field how theory plays out in real life, and
connect with others who share your passion for effectuating meaningful
change.
The presentation and panel
discussion are free but registration is required.
There is a fee of $15 for those wishing
to attend the brunch.
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Are You Ready To Run?
The Education and
Training Fund of the Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey is sponsoring a
limited number of scholarships for our members who wish to attend the world
class Center for American Women and Politics 2020 Ready to Run®conference
being held March 20-21. The conference provides training for candidates
and campaign staff, as well as valuable information for those who want to know
more about getting more women elected to office. Whether you are ready to
run, thinking of running, or wondering how you can help get more women elected,
Ready to Run® is for YOU!
* Open to WPCNJ members in good standing as of scholarship
application date.
(Please note
"WPCNJ" in the "How did you hear?" part of the registration
form)
Scholarships are limited and will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first
come, first served basis.
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Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey
honors
Madeline
Ferraro, Esq.
Vice President of Government Relations & Public Affairs,
Atlantic Health System
Mary
Philbrook Award
Ms. Ferraro has
been Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs at Atlantic
Health System since 2002.
In this senior
leadership position, Ms. Ferraro helps devise and direct the system's strategic
policy decisions and enhance the system's position with state and federal
leaders. Ms. Ferraro is responsible for all legislative and regulatory matters
and she meets regularly with federal and state legislators, local elected
officials, the Governor and his staff, and the Commissioners and staff of
various state departments.
Ms. Ferraro was the
architect for Atlantic Health System's corporate strategic giving program and
heads the committee that directs and distributes over one million dollars
annually of Atlantic Health System funds to charities with aligned missions.
In 2017, Ms.
Ferraro was named to NJ Governor-Elect Phil Murphy's transition team, as a
member of the transition's healthcare committee. She also served as
Appointments Counsel to Governor Christine Todd Whitman and as a Deputy
Attorney General for the State of New Jersey.
Ms. Ferraro is very
active in her civic community. She sits on the boards of the New Jersey State
Chamber of Commerce, the National Public Affairs Council (the preeminent
association for public affairs professionals worldwide), Georgian Court University, Brookdale Community College, the New Jersey Hospital Association HealthPAC Board of
Directors, Policy Development Committee and Government Relations Committee, and
the Fair Share Hospitals Collaborative Government Affairs and Strategic Planning
Committee. Ms. Ferraro also acts as a mentor to young and seasoned
professionals in varied fields.
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Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey
honors
Senator Troy
Singleton
Legislative District 7
Good Guy Award
Senator Troy Singleton was first elected to the New Jersey State
Senate in November of 2017. He is a graduate of Rowan University with a Bachelor Degree in Business
Administration specializing in Finance.
In 2011, he was elected to his first term in the New Jersey
General Assembly, representing the 7th Legislative District. His primary focus
remains on job creation, economic development and the needs of New Jersey's working families. Senator Singleton
has received numerous awards for his public service and legislative acumen from
business, education civic, labor and non-profit organizations.
Along with this busy career, Senator is a husband and father of
three who has long included personal involvement in his community as an
essential component of his life. He is a past trustee of Rowan University, a board member with the Boys &
Girls Club of Camden County, New Jersey Council for the Humanities, member of
the VFW Post #3020 Men's Auxiliary, the Garden State Arts Foundation, and a
former Commissioner on the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. He currently serves
as a Commissioner on the Burlington County Bridge Commission, as Co-Chair of
New Leaders Council New Jersey, a board member of Habitat for Humanity of Burlington
County & Greater Trenton-Princeton, a member of Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity Inc and Prince Hall Mason Shekinah Lodge #32.
Senator Singleton is a member of the Northeast Regional Council of
Carpenters (Local #255) and serves as Director of Operations for the Council.
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Women's Political
Caucus of New Jersey
honors
Murray E. Bevan, Esq.
Founding Shareholder, Bevan, Mosca
& Giuditta, P.C.
Good Guy Award
Murray has a long history of
supporting and cultivating diversity in the legal profession. More than a
decade ago, Murray, along with his
partners Bill Mosca and Rich Giuditta, founded the law firm Bevan, Mosca &
Giuditta. Women have been an important part of the firm's success right
from the start.
Over the last ten years, Murray has actively
recruited, hired, empowered, promoted and retained female lawyers within his
firm. He has supported family leaves, medical leaves and flexible work
schedules for employees when requested and when necessary, ensuring
that that all his employees can balance work and family while serving
in leadership roles at BMG and beyond. One of the exceptional efforts that Murray has made within BMG
is to establish integrated and enhanced technological offerings that enable
employees to work seamlessly in or out of the office. This has allowed the firm
to increase workplace flexibility without compromising productivity.
Murray recognizes that
helping employees to navigate their personal and professional
responsibilities is a sound business practice,
providing alternatives that enable professionals to put forth their best work.
It has proven to be a win-win strategy for the firm and the women who work there:
a flexible work environment and infrastructure enables women at BMG to create
and grow a strong, sustainable legal practice that contributes positively to
the economic success of the law firm. Flexible work arrangement policies at BMG
benefit the firm and all its employees -- without sacrificing merit-based
compensation or professional growth opportunities for women at the firm. Murray has an authentic
conviction that women can achieve the same success as their male colleagues,
and he puts actions behind his personal convictions.
Murray has also devoted a
great deal of time and attention to help form and build the Hope Autism
Foundation. Hope Autism is a non-profit organization dedicated to identifying
and sponsoring community resources for adults with autism, and its goal is to
help adults with autism to live productive, meaningful lives so they can become
part of their local communities. Murray believes that
everyone should be able to live with dignity, and his work with Hope Autism is
just one more example of his sense of fairness. Murray also supports his
colleagues working pro-bono on women's anti-violence initiatives with a local
organization (Partners for Women and Justice).
In addition to his advocacy efforts for state
and national trade associations, he also serves as counsel providing these
groups with legal advice and assistance on non-profit law, matters of
governance, board members roles and responsibilities, annual convention and
trade show negotiations and contract review.
Murray has served in a
variety of positions both in and out of government prior to entering the
private practice of law. He was the Vice President of Government Relations and
Regulatory Affairs for the New Jersey Hospital Association and served a six
year term with the New Jersey BPU. During that time, he was Chief of Staff to
Board President, Christine Todd Whitman, a former Governor of New Jersey and only female to
date. Mr. Bevan also worked for the Counsel's Office of former Governor Tom
Kean.
Unquestionably, Murray is a "good
guy." He is thoroughly deserving of this distinguished Good Guy award.
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Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey
Endorses Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno for Governor
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shari Weiner, (201)
602-8830
Trenton, NJ - The
Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) is pleased to announce its
endorsement of Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno for Governor.
Shari Weiner, Chair of the Political Resources Committee stated, "The Lt.
Governor has been a long-time supporter of the Caucus and is aligned with the
core mission of the organization: to increase the number of women in elected and
appointed positions in government, protect reproductive freedom, and promote
equal rights for women."
"The WPCNJ PAC is proud to show our support of the Lt.
Governor by making the maximum contribution permitted as part of nearly $40,000
in contributions for our endorsed female candidates in the 2017 election."
Weiner added.
Lt. Governor Guadagno began her public service career as a federal prosecutor
with the Organized Crime & Racketeering Strike Force in Brooklyn, New York.
Following a move to Monmouth County, New
Jersey, she became an Assistant U.S.
Attorney in Newark.
Like many women in elected office, Lt. Governor Guadagno first decided to run
for public office to solve real problems facing her community and make it a
better place to live, work, and raise a family. In 2005, she was elected as a
Borough Commissioner in Monmouth Beach. Lt.
Governor Guadagno became the first woman elected Sheriff in Monmouth County history
in 2007, leading a 650-member, $65 million law enforcement agency. In
2010 she was sworn in as New Jersey's first
Lt. Governor and was re-elected in 2013. Simultaneously serving as
Secretary of State, Lt. Governor Guadagno serves as New
Jersey's chief election official, oversees
promotion of the state's $40 billion tourism industry, and administers programs
related to the arts, culture, and history.
Jeralyn Lawrence, Member of the WPCNJ Republican Task Force, added, "Lt.
Governor Guadagno is a highly qualified, well-respected candidate with a
distinguished career as an advocate for New Jersey women and their families.
With just a single female governor in the state's history, we are excited to
announce our support for her gubernatorial campaign."
The WPCNJ PAC will hold an event to celebrate its endorsed
female candidates on Thursday, October 5th from 8:30-10:30 am at the NJ Realtors' offices at 10
Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ, with
more details to follow.
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Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey
Endorses Forty-Six Female Legislative Candidates;
PAC Announces Nearly
$40k in Contributions
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shari
Weiner, (201) 602-8830
Trenton, NJ - The Women's Political Caucus of
New Jersey (WPCNJ) is proud to announce its endorsement of forty-six female
legislative candidates for the General Election in November. The WPCNJ PAC is
set to distribute nearly $40,000 in contributions to support a key group of its
endorsed candidates at an event in Trenton on October 5.
"These forty-six endorsements reflect a strong showing of female
candidates whose platforms are consistent with our mission of protecting
reproductive freedom and promoting equal rights, regardless of party
affiliation," said WPCNJ Political Resources Director Shari Weiner.
The WPCNJ PAC is
prepared to make significant contributions to candidates in the 2017 election
cycle. WPCNJ PAC Chair Jennifer Mancuso added, "We are thrilled to contribute
nearly $40,000 to support a diverse group of talented women who are ready,
willing, and able to represent all New Jersey citizens with their unique
perspectives."
The WPCNJ PAC
will hold an event to celebrate its endorsed candidates on Thursday, October 5th
from 8:30-10:30am at the NJ Realtors' offices at 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton,
NJ.
According to The
Center of American Women and Politics (CAWP), women hold a mere 36 of the 120
(30%) New Jersey legislative seats, down from last year's record of 37 women
legislators (30.8%). "Women make up more than 50% of voters, however, their
elected representation pales in comparison," said Weiner. "It is incumbent upon
organizations such as ours to endorse and support these women candidates and
break that glass ceiling."
2017 Legislative
Candidates Receiving Endorsement*signifies incumbent
Gabriela Mosquera (D)* District 4, Assembly
Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D)* District 5, Senate
Patricia Egan Jones (D)* District 5, Assembly
Pamela R. Lampitt (D)* District 6, Assembly
Carol Murphy (D) District 7, Assembly
Joanne Schwartz (D) District 8, Assembly
Maryann Merlino (D) District 8, Assembly
Jill Dobrowansky (D) District 9, Assembly
Emma Mammano (D) District 10, Senate
Joann Downey (D)* District 11, Assembly
Mariel Didato (D) District 13, Assembly
Linda Greenstein (D)* District 14, Senate
Shirley Turner (D)* District 15, Senate
Elizabeth Muoio (D)* District 15, Assembly
Laurie Poppe (D) District 16, Senate
Nancy Pinkin (D)* District 18, Assembly
Yvonne Lopez (D) District 19, Assembly
Annette Quijano (D)* District 20, Assembly
Jill Lazare (D) District 21, Senate
Lacey Rzeszowski (D) District 21, Assembly
Nancy Munoz (R)* District 21, Assembly
Christine Lui Chen (D) District 23 Senate
Laura Shaw (D) District 23, Assembly
Kate Matteson (D) District 24, Assembly
Gina Trish (D) District 24, Assembly
Lisa Bhimani (D) District 25, Senate
Mila M. Jasey (D)* District 27, Assembly
Cleopatra Tucker (D)* District 28, Assembly
M. Teresa Ruiz (D)* District 29, Senate
Eliana Pintor Marin (D)* District 29, Assembly
Shanique Speight (D) District 29, Assembly
Sandra Cunningham (D)* District 31, Senate
Angela McKnight (D)* District 31, Assembly
Angelica Jimenez (D)* District 32, Assembly
Annette Chaparro (D)* District 33, Assembly
Nia Gill (D)* District 34, Senate
Sheila Oliver (D)* District 34, Assembly
Nellie Pou (D)* District 35, Senate
Shavonda Sumter* (D) District 35, Assembly
Marlene Caride* (D) District 35, Assembly
Loretta Weinberg (D)* District 3, Senate
Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D)* District 37, Assembly
Linda Schwager (D) District 39, Senate
Jannie Chung (D) District 39, Assembly
Holly Schepisi (R)* District 39, Assembly
Christine Ordway (D) District 40, Assembly
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Press
Release
Prominent
Statewide Women's Groups Call on Unapologetic Space to Resign After Caught
Calling Opponent a "Bitch" Three Times in Thirty-Three Seconds
For Immediate Release
September 25, 2017
Today, prominent statewide women's
groups including the Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey, LUPE
PAC, PAM'S List, the Women's Caucus of the New Jersey State Democratic
Committee, and the New Jersey Federation of Democratic Women denounce remarks
made by Asm. Parker Space and demand his resignation. His recent derogatory
comments against his Democratic opponent Kate Matteson are unacceptable and
will not be tolerated.
Space, rather than apologize for
calling his opponent a "bitch" three times in thirty-three seconds,
has offered up a rather pathetic justification--that everyone uses the term.
This so-called defense wouldn't pass muster in a school setting, let alone from
a sitting assembly person. His comments and ridiculous excuses embolden misogyny
at a time when we need those in power to denounce it with the full weight of
their office. Space has shown absolutely no remorse for his actions, and so we
call on him to resign immediately.
For more information contact:
Women's Political Caucus of New
Jersey President Chrissy Buteas, (908) 202-8386 or email info@wpcnj.org
WPCNJ, founded in 1972, is a chapter
of the National Women's Political Caucus and is the authoritative voice for
women in New Jersey politics. WPCNJ is a multi-partisan organization dedicated
to increasing the number of women in elected and appointed positions in
government, protecting reproductive freedom, and promoting equal rights for
women.
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