Colorado Dems Mark War on Women

Welcome to my blog. For several weeks, we've seen Republicans constantly attacking women. With each incident, it's becoming clear that sexist comments and anti-woman policies aren't limited to the party's fringe or isolated individuals. With so many attacks happening from so many people in the GOP, we can't pretend that this is anything but a full-scale attack on the basic rights and protections that American women deserve.

Just consider what we've seen in the past few weeks:

• After Rush Limbaugh called a law student a "slut" after she testified about the importance of access to birth control for women, not a single Republican presidential candidate was willing to stand up to such a vile comment. The leader of the free world has to stand up to much tougher characters than Limbaugh, and Mitt Romney and his challengers failed this leadership test miserably.

• The so-called "Personhood" movement is working across the country-including here in Colorado-to push a radical anti-choice agenda. They would outlaw abortions even in cases of rape, incest, and the health of the mother. Unsurprisingly, Mitt Romney has supported their efforts.

• Just this week, Republican senators are attempting to block the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act, which supports investigations and prosecutions of violent attacks on American women. This policy, which has a long record of fighting against domestic violence and sexual assault, is suddenly another object of Republican gamesmanship and gridlock.

• At the beginning of the week, Mitt Romney was searching for votes in Mississippi and Alabama (he only managed 3rd-place finishes in both states) and pledged to "get rid of" Planned Parenthood. This organization has provided vital health services to women for nearly a century, and one in five American women rely on their low-cost access to health screenings and care. But the health needs of tens of millions of women mean little to Mitt Romney when a handful of votes are available.

These aren't isolated incidents. Top Republicans from across the country are consistently allowing these attacks on American women. If you're as offended as I am by this kind of debate and dialogue, than please stand with me and with Colorado Democrats as we make clear that the rights of American women are untouchable.

Sincerely,

Rick Palacio
Chairman, Colorado Democratic Party