Add this to the long list of reasons why Senator Brian Schatz (D. HI) is the best choice in the Hawaii U.S. Senate primary:
http://www.hawaii247.com/...
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz joined Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) to introduce legislation that would prevent states from passing laws that restrict or bar women from accessing reproductive care.
The groundbreaking Women’s Health Protection Act would prevent states from imposing burdensome and unconstitutional restriction anti-choice laws.
“Every woman, regardless of where she lives, should have the right to make her own decisions about her body,” Schatz said. “This bill would ensure that choices remain in a woman’s hands, preventing states from pursuing onerous restrictions meant to shame women and take away their access to reproductive care.” - Hawaii 24/7, 11/15/13
Here's some more details the Women’s Health Protection Act:
http://www.msnbc.com/...
Blumenthal told Laura Bassett, “In states like Texas and Wisconsin, legislatures are passing bills with the false pretext of protecting health when their only objective is to obstruct and curtail access to safe and legal abortions and reproductive services. These laws are largely unconstitutional, and some measure of certainty and clarity is required to preempt these regulations and laws so women are not deterred in their very personal decisions based on their own values on how they want to use their constitutional rights. The Women’s Health Protection Act will provide a clear and certain response to these regulations and laws that impose unnecessary tests, procedures and restrictions – including requirements for physical layout in clinics – on reproductive services.”
If signed into law – and with the current House, it’s best to keep expectations low – the Democratic measure wouldn’t automatically invalidate the state restrictions, though as Roll Call reported, the Women’s Health Protection Act “would set markers for federal courts.”
In terms of the politics, Blumenthal suggested to Roll Call that he’d like to get members on the record on the issue. “As the election approaches, I think the voters are going to want to know where legislators stand on these issues,” he said. “The Women’s Health Protection Act, guaranteeing reproductive rights, hopefully will attract increasing support.” - MSNBC, 11/13/13
And you can add this to list of reasons Schatz is awesome:
http://www.hawaii247.com/...
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz has created a comprehensive resource center for the people of Hawaii looking for information about Typhoon Yolanda and how to help the survivors.
The website will be continually updated with the U.S. federal government’s response efforts and includes information about how people can find loved ones in the Philippines.
“The stories of loss and devastation coming out of the Philippines are shocking and heartbreaking, and the full extent of the ravage is not yet even known,” Schatz said. “Millions of people were hit by Typhoon Yolanda, or Typhoon Haiyan, and while there is no official death toll, estimates are upwards of 10,000. My prayers and I know the prayers of all of us in Hawaii are with the people of the Philippines. They are a strong people and I know they will come back from this epic tragedy, but they need our help. I’m working to make sure the United States keeps supporting the Philippines now in this emergency and in their recovery efforts in the time to come. I am working to help ensure all U.S. Federal agencies are mobilized to support the Philippines in this time of need. I want the people of Hawaii to have all the information possible about what’s going on in the Philippines as it becomes available.”
The continually updated Resource Center can be found at:
http://www.schatz.senate.gov/... - Hawaii 24/7, 11/14/13
By the way, Schatz's wife made the news not too long ago:
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/...
On Monday, Linda Schatz delivered personal testimony and testimony on behalf of her husband, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, to members of the Hawai‘i Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor in support of marriage equality. She also presented two petitions circulated by Schatz advocating marriage equality, which contained nearly 5,000 signatures.
“Brian and I support legislation that recognizes marriage for same-sex couples and applies provisions of law equally to all couples committing to a life partnership through marriage,” said Linda Schatz. “I am honored to be the family spokesperson today because the action you are considering is a bright moment for our State and an affirmative unfolding of history. We must remove long-standing barriers and as we offer the same rights and responsibilities to all couples wishing to make a full and complete life together.”
Linda Schatz delivered the following testimony on behalf of Senator Brian Schatz:
“Now is the time for Hawaii to grant full equality under the law to our LGBT friends, family, and neighbors. I am writing to urge you into passing same-sex marriage during this special legislative session.
“For too long, same-sex couples have been denied the same rights, benefits, and protections that everyone deserves. I urge you to pass this important legislation, so that same-sex couples can be treated equally under the law.” - Hawaii Reporter, 10/28/13
Schatz's primary challenger, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D. HI-01), is starting to feel the pressure and wants to challenge Schatz to a series of debates:
http://hawaii.news.blogs.civilbeat.com/...
Entering a new phase in Hawaii’s U.S. Senate race, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is challenging Sen. Brian Schatz to 12 candidate forums before the August 2014 special election.
"The people deserve the opportunity to hear us, side by side, in order to make an informed decision about who they want representing Hawaii in the U.S. Senate," Hanabusa said in a press release. "The recent impasse over the budget and the debt ceiling remind us of the partisan divide that is extinguishing the people’s faith in government."
A campaign spokesperson for Schatz release this statement in response: “Senator Schatz is focused on his work in the Senate to build the middle class and a clean energy future for the people of Hawaii. When the time comes he looks forward to participating in forums and debates across the state, and we look forward to working out details that promote a vigorous exchange of ideas while prioritizing his responsibilities to the people of Hawaii as their U.S. Senator.” - Honolulu Civil Beat, 11/14/13
Some fear that a nasty primary could benefit the GOP in this race:
http://www.politico.com/...
Democrats must grapple with their own primaries in Montana and Hawaii, where former GOP Rep. Charles Djou is likely to announce after the holidays. He will be the underdog but could capitalize if a Democratic feud between incumbent Sen. Brian Schatz, appointed by the governor after Sen. Dan Inouye’s death, and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, favored by the late senator’s widow — leaves the victor hobbled. - Politico, 11/17/13
I don't know about that but what I do know is Schatz is clearly the progressive champ in this race and he deserves to be elected to a full term in the U.S. Senate. If you would like to donate or get involved with Schatz's campaign, you can do so here:
http://brianschatz.com/