In a press release earlier today, Democratic candidate Tom Shields has called on his opponent, Republican incumbent John O’Bannon to repudiate Republican gubernatorial candidate and to explain his own record regarding women’s issues.
Calling O’Bannon’s views “extreme,” Shields points out:
- O’Bannon voted to allow pharmacists to confiscate prescriptions for contraception (HB 2373, 2009). The bill, which would have prohibited pharmacists from doing so, was tabled in committee.
- O’Bannon voted to prohibit public colleges from distributing emergency contraception pills (HB 1414, 2004). The bill passed the House but not the Senate.
- O’Bannon voted to deny rape victims access to emergency contraception in the emergency room (HB 563, 2002). Another one that passed the House but not the Senate.
- O’Bannon voted against improving “the quality of child day care programs” in the Commonwealth (HJ 259, 2001). The vote is here.
- O’Bannon neglected to vote on a resolution supporting “equal pay for equal work” (HJ 800, 2001). This is the same bill that McDonnell voted against.
“The type of extremism espoused by Bob McDonnell is exactly what is wrong with the House of Delegates,” said Shields. “Unfortunately, during his 9 years in office, John O’Bannon has fought to further Bob McDonnell’s radical agenda, voting to reduce access to contraception, voting against improving day care centers, and even failing to support equal pay for women. John O’Bannon needs to not only repudiate Bob McDonnell, he needs to explain his own extreme record on these issues. The 73rd District deserves a Delegate who will bring a new generation of independent leadership that puts aside this extremism and supports all constituents.”
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 