This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Sept. 16, 2009 - NARAL, a group known for its advocacy of reproductive rights, has announced it is endorsing Democrat Stacey Newman for state representative in the 73rd District seat that had been held by fellow Democrat Steve Brown.
Brown, of course, resigned his post last month when he pleaded guilty to a felony in connection with now-former state Sen. Jeff Smith's unsuccessful 2004 bid for Congress.
Newman was nominated by Democratic committeepeople in the district on Sept. 3. She now faces Republican Dan O'Sullivan in the Nov. 3 special election.
Since O'Sullivan's key campaign stances include his opposition to abortion, NARAL's support for Newman could elevate the issue in the contest.
Said Missouri NARAL executive director Pamela Sumners in a statement released this week:
“The tireless work of the pro-choice leadership in the state legislature is often all that stands between Missouri women and draconian restrictions on reproductive healthcare. With the right to choose under constant attack, we need stalwart supporters of reproductive rights in the General Assembly. We need leaders like Stacey Newman in the House of Representatives. We plan on working hard for her election, and are looking forward to working with her for the next eight years.”
