As three Democratic women who have been pro-choice our entire adult lives, we are proud to declare our enthusiastic support for Bill Ritter’s gubernatorial campaign.
Some have speculated about finding an alternate candidate because of Ritter’s personal opposition to abortion. That speculation should end today. We’re convinced Ritter can win in November 2006. Colorado Democrats would be well-served to take a page from the playbook that has catapulted other moderate Democrats into statewide offices across the country.
Let’s be clear about where Ritter stands on the issue of abortion. Based on his faith and after years of reflection, he is personally opposed to abortion. However, Ritter isn’t interested in undermining Roe vs. Wade. It isn’t part of his agenda. Nor is he interested in criminalizing women or their doctors over this issue. He will enforce the law just as he did when, as Denver’s district attorney, he prosecuted those who violated the “bubble law” and damaged medical clinics and doctors’ offices.
We share important common ground with Ritter, including his goals to reduce the number of abortions, unintended pregnancies and unwanted children. We are in complete agreement over the need for: government funding for family planning; ensuring that all women have access to emergency contraception; providing responsible and age-appropriate sex education; and enhancing the state’s adoption programs.
One of Ritter’s greatest strengths is his willingness to listen and understand all viewpoints. He respects that a great many people hold differing and equally strong opinions on the issue of abortion. It should give all of us great comfort to know that each perspective will always have a seat at his table.
But rather than focus on the differences that divide us, it’s time to zero in on what unites us. Ritter’s vision is one we share: to create an environment that gives every Coloradan a chance to realize all of the promise that the state has to offer. His priorities include improving health care, education and the economy; protecting our natural resources; fixing our transportation infrastructure; and supporting job creation and keeping good jobs in Colorado.
Ritter offers the best chance for a Democrat to recapture the governor’s office. Polls and fundraising results show a broad base of support for Ritter. He’s moderate. And even more important to those of us who know him personally, he’s an extraordinarily principled person. He’s ethical, has high standards and treats people with respect. He has just the right mix of integrity, spirit, courage, compassion and intelligence to become the next governor.
These last seven years in Colorado have been divisive. With the exception of the Referendums C and D campaign, partisan politics has ruled the day in Colorado. We see in Ritter a leader who can unite, inspire and move us forward on a wide range of issues.
As pro-choice women who have worked on women’s and children’s issues for many years, we know and trust that Ritter will continue to champion the issues of greatest concern to all Coloradans. These issues include the economy, public safety, affordable child care and health care, as well as a high-quality education system.
We encourage all women to join us in our strong and unequivocal support for Bill Ritter.
Elaine Gantz Berman recently concluded two terms on the Denver Public Schools board of education. Her first job out of college was with Planned Parenthood. Robin Finegan is a crisis management consultant who works with victims of crime and disaster. She served as the executive director of the Rape Assistance and Awareness Program. Chris Watney is a former spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice and has served on the board of the Rape Assistance and Awareness Program.
