July 20, 2006

Talk to women about embryos? What, is he crazy?

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The Seattle Times’ Alicia Mundy reports that Congressman Dave Reichert (R-Wa.) changed his vote on stem cells after having a “heart-to-heart” talk with women (“potential mothers”) on his staff.

The meeting with Reichert’s female staffers was emotional, according to Reichert and one participant. “There were teary eyes, including mine,” Reichert said, adding that, to his surprise, “It was unanimous, really, among the women.” They all favored expanding the research.

Now, cynics among you might note that Reichert, a one-termer in a swing district who has been targeted for defeat in what has been called “the only seriously competitive House race in the Northwest,” also wouldn’t mind getting reelected in November. But that would be so cynical.

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We just wrapped up a shorter-than-normal, urgent-as-ever fundraising drive and we came up about $45,000 short of our $300,000 goal.

That means we're going to have upwards of $350,000, maybe more, to raise in online donations between now and June 30, when our fiscal year ends and we have to get to break-even. And even though there's zero cushion to miss the mark, we won't be all that in your face about our fundraising again until June.

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