Friends,
The attack on the U.S. Capitol Wednesday was an unprecedented assault on our democracy enabled by Donald Trump. The participants were not protestors, they were insurrectionists and rioters. Five Americans lost their lives, including a Capitol Police officer. The horrifying images of that day will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I imagine I’m not alone in that.
Last week was a painful reminder that democracy is fragile, but it prevailed. And while it is shameful that some Republicans abdicated their oath of office by encouraging a mob and undermining democracy, a bipartisan majority — including the vast majority of Senate Republicans — voted to uphold President-elect Biden’s win and forcefully condemned the assault.
Donald Trump’s days are numbered. We stand with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Leader Chuck Schumer, who called on Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Trump for his incitement of insurrection and the danger he still poses. If Trump does not leave office, Congress will act.
In solidarity,
Kathy DiCristofaro, Chair
Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus
Mike DeWine Attacks Reproductive Freedom
In yet another example of Mike DeWine’s extremism, the governor recently signed into law an anti-abortion measure that creates new regulations on how fetal tissue is disposed of.
NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio Executive Director Kellie Copeland said in a written statement: “This bill isn’t about making sure pregnant people have options. It’s about limiting which options exist. It’s about shaming patients who choose to have an abortion, and the medical professionals who provide abortion care. It’s about putting abortion out of reach for Ohioans, and that puts lives at risk.”
Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Sykes had urged DeWine to veto the bill:
“Senate Bill 27 chips away at the privacy and religious freedom of every woman in this state. At a time where we needed the legislature to convene in order to protect the well-being of all Ohioans, this bill instead attacks Ohio’s women. The legislature failed to listen to women during the committee process, even though they were joined by members of the medical community and religious leaders. Do not let their voices remain unheard.”
Run for Office
We need women to build the bench in Ohio! From school board to mayor, there are so many positions to fill this year, and when women run, women win. If you’re considering running for office and have questions about how to get started, fill out this form and someone from the Ohio Democratic Party will be in touch.
- Tuesday, Jan. 12 — Communicating Our Democratic Message with Mahoning/Trumbull County Democratic Women’s Caucus
- Tuesday, Jan. 12 — Ohio Young Black Dems Roundtable on Marijuana, Police, and Race with Rep. Juanita Brent
- Tuesday, Jan. 12 — Licking County Democratic Club Meeting
- Wednesday, Jan. 13 — Central Ohio Coalition January Meeting
- Thursday, Jan. 14 — Delaware County Democratic Party Redistricting Forum with Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner
- Thursday, Jan. 14 — Lorain County Rising Monthly Meeting
- Saturday, Jan. 16 — Petition Signing in Support of Democratic Candidates with Hilliard Democrats
- Monday, Jan. 18 — Letter Writing to Local Nursing Home Residents with the Athens County Democratic Party
- Tuesday, Jan. 19 — Franklin County Democratic Women’s Club 2021 Kickoff and Executive Team Elections
- Wednesday, Jan. 20 — Inauguration Watch Party with Delaware County Democratic Party
- Thursday, Feb. 4 — Quin-T Democratic Club Meeting in Clermont County
