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DNC: In The States - Democrats Are On Offense Across the Country
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following news release:
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IN THE STATES: Democrats Are On Offense Across the Country
The DNC launched a new ad and organizing campaign that targets vulnerable Republicans in Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Michigan and holds them accountable for refusing to extend the ACA tax credits. Through this campaign, the DNC is making sure voters know that Republicans are to blame for this health care crisis.
* Nationwide: Roll Call: DNC launches ad campaign on health insurance costs as shutdown fight drags on
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... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following news release:
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IN THE STATES: Democrats Are On Offense Across the Country
The DNC launched a new ad and organizing campaign that targets vulnerable Republicans in Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Michigan and holds them accountable for refusing to extend the ACA tax credits. Through this campaign, the DNC is making sure voters know that Republicans are to blame for this health care crisis.
* Nationwide: Roll Call: DNC launches ad campaign on health insurance costs as shutdown fight drags on
*Nationwide: Deadline: Democrats Try To Turn Up Pressure On GOP In Shutdown Fight With Ad Buy
* Nationwide: Politico: Playbook PM: Layoffs loom as Vought turns the screw in shutdown standoff
* In Virginia: Virginia Scope: DNC launches attacks on Kiggans and Wittman
* In Pennsylvania: Keystone Newsroom: Democrats launch ad campaign targeting Pa. Republicans over rising health care costs
* In Pennsylvania: PoliticsPA: DNC Launches Ad Campaign On Health Insurance Costs As Shutdown Fight Drags On.
* In Texas: Rio Grande Guardian: New DNC ads blame De La Cruz for rising health care premiums
* In Michigan: Oakland Press: Dems target James over ACA tax-credits dispute in shutdown standoff
Ahead of critical elections in New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and California, the DNC is investing millions as part of our strategy to compete everywhere. Democrats across these states are deploying the winning message that has led to Democratic overperformance all year: Democrats are fighting for working families, Republicans are fighting for billionaires.
* In New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and California: NOTUS: Ken Martin Says the DNC Is 'Bullish' About Elections Next Month
Democratic candidates Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill won their respective gubernatorial debates this week by presenting a strong vision for how they will lower costs for families and make their states more affordable. Their opponents, in stark contrast, defended Donald Trump over and over and proved once again that they are too extreme for New Jersey and Virginia.
* In New Jersey: The Hill: 5 takeaways from the final New Jersey governor's debate
* In New Jersey: NBC News: 'Shame on you': Mikie Sherrill, Jack Ciattarelli spar in final debate of New Jersey governor's race
* In New Jersey: ABC News: Sherrill, Ciattarelli both took jabs during final New Jersey governor debate
* In New Jersey: New Jersey 101.5: Angry and ill-prepared, Jack stumbles in final NJ debate
* In Virginia: NBC Washington: Earle-Sears, Spanberger present sharp contrasts in Virginia gubernatorial debate
* In Virginia: Virginia Mercury: Spanberger, Earle-Sears clash over violence, abortion, and taxes in lone Va. governor's debate
* In Virginia: LGBTQNation: GOP governor candidate shouts that firing people for being gay is "not discrimination"
* In Virginia: The Advocate: GOP candidate claims firing people for being gay 'is not discrimination' in Virginia governor's debate
With less than one month until Election Day, the DNC is all hands on deck to protect the Democratic majority on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention races are among the most important 2025 elections and could have major implications for the 2028 Presidential election. In Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court has and will continue to issue consequential rulings -- on abortion funding and access, voting rights, and gerrymandering.
* In Pennsylvania: NBC: These Pennsylvania court races are usually sleepy. This year, they're drawing millions in spending.
* In Pennsylvania: WHYY: Doctors warn Pa. Supreme Court vote could impact abortion access
* In Pennsylvania: ABC News: How a Pennsylvania Supreme Court election could influence the 2028 presidential race
Democrats are continuing to overperform - and this week was no exception. In Tennessee, State Rep. Aftyn Behn won the Democratic primary election for Tennessee's Seventh Congressional District where Democratic turnout surpassed 2024 levels by over 37% in this Trump +20 district. In Alaska, Democratic candidate for Fairbanks mayor Mindy O'Neall won and flipped a seat that a Democrat had not won for nearly a decade.
* In Tennessee: Tennessean: Behn, Van Epps to face off in special election for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District
* In Tennessee: Washington Post: Trump-backed candidate prevails in Tennessee GOP primary for House seat
* In Tennessee: Tennessean: Aftyn Behn wins Democratic primary in 7th District, will face Van Epps in December
* In Alaska: Newsweek: Republican Ousted By Democrat in Shock Election Defeat
* In Alaska: Alaska's News Source: Mayor Pruhs concedes reelection race to challenger Mindy O'Neall
* In Alaska: Washington Examiner: Alaska Republican mayor ousted after state Democratic Party throws weight behind race
Trump's tariffs have created a crisis for farmers across the country. Tariffs have put them on the brink of bankruptcy and the agricultural sector is officially now in recession. To make matters worse, Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent chose to bail out Argentina's economy to the tune of $20 billion despite the fact that Argentina is undercutting American farmers by selling soybeans to China at reduced prices.
* In Iowa: USA Today: Big harvest no comfort to Iowa farmers, who worry about another Farm Crisis
* In Missouri: Fox Business: American soybean farmers face financial crisis as China trade dispute threatens livelihoods
* In Ohio: Cleveland: Ohio soybean farmers left high and dry as Trump's tariff tornado obliterates China market - cleveland.com
* In Mississippi: WRAL News: Mississippi Soybean Farmers Face "Blood Bath" Amidst China's Enduring Pivot to Brazilian Soybeans
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/in-the-states-democrats-are-on-offense-across-the-country/
Whitesides Takes Action to Protect Health Care and Lower Costs for Californians
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Whitesides Takes Action to Protect Health Care and Lower Costs for Californians
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As Republicans in Washington shut down the government instead of addressing the health care crisis they created, Congressman George Whitesides is taking decisive action to protect health care for California's working families.
In the wake of Republicans' Big, Ugly Law which will rip health care away from 38,000 people in California's 27th district alone - Republicans are now raising the cost of health
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Whitesides Takes Action to Protect Health Care and Lower Costs for Californians
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As Republicans in Washington shut down the government instead of addressing the health care crisis they created, Congressman George Whitesides is taking decisive action to protect health care for California's working families.
In the wake of Republicans' Big, Ugly Law which will rip health care away from 38,000 people in California's 27th district alone - Republicans are now raising the cost of healthcare premiums for 40,000 hardworking people in the district by over 75%.
By joining the Protecting Healthcare and Lowering Costs Act, Whitesides is fighting for greater protections to Medicaid and a permanent extension of ACA tax credits. This comes as he has advocated time and time again to protect Medicaid services, patients, and providers.
"I'm fighting in Congress for lower health care costs and greater access to services, while the majority passed a budget that threatens health care for millions across the country, including tens of thousands of hardworking people I represent." -- Rep. Whitesides
DCCC Spokesperson Anna Elsasser :
"George Whitesides has a proven track record of putting Californians and working class families first. While Republicans in Congress continue to risk vital resources for everyday Americans, Whitesides is focused on securing relief for families at home."
Read more in the Antelope Valley Press: Whitesides' House bill aims to protect health care
* Rep. George Whitesides announced...he is joining the Protecting Healthcare and Lowering Costs Act, legislation that would restore protections for Medicaid and permanently extend the Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credit program.
* In July, the Republican majority in Congress passed a budget bill that threatened health care coverage for 15 million Americans, including more than 200,000 of Whitesides' constituents who rely on Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California).
* "I'm fighting in Congress for lower health care costs and greater access to services, while the majority passed a budget that threatens health care for millions across the country, including hundreds of thousands of hard-working people I represent. That's why I voted against the budget bill in July, and why I'm joining this effort to guarantee affordable health care programs aren't ripped away from those who need it most..." - Rep. Whitesides
* "I encourage all my colleagues, regardless of party, to join me in trying to reverse the harmful health care cuts and restore access to critical services." - Rep. Whitesides
* Whitesides challenged the budget reconciliation package in July, when he proposed an amendment to protect Medicaid recipients and local health centers. He also took to the House floor to propose an amendment that would block the bill's cuts to Medicaid. Both initiatives were rejected by the majority.
***
Original text here: https://dccc.org/whitesides-takes-action-to-protect-health-care-and-lower-costs-for-californians/
When Asked About Her Support for an Abortion Ban, Sears Says We Need to "Figure [It] Out" Confirming She Would Change Virginia Law
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 10 -- The Virginia Democratic Party posted the following news release:
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When Asked About Her Support for an Abortion Ban, Sears Says We Need to "Figure [It] Out" Confirming She Would Change Virginia Law
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Abortion is currently legal in Virginia - Sears' answer confirms she would change this if elected
VIRGINIA - During last night's debate, when asked about her support for an abortion ban, Winsome Earle-Sears said "my position is that the Commonwealth needs to come together and figure out where it wants to be." Abortion is currently legal in Virginia and
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 10 -- The Virginia Democratic Party posted the following news release:
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When Asked About Her Support for an Abortion Ban, Sears Says We Need to "Figure [It] Out" Confirming She Would Change Virginia Law
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Abortion is currently legal in Virginia - Sears' answer confirms she would change this if elected
VIRGINIA - During last night's debate, when asked about her support for an abortion ban, Winsome Earle-Sears said "my position is that the Commonwealth needs to come together and figure out where it wants to be." Abortion is currently legal in Virginia andher answer suggests she would change that if elected. Sears' answer comes as a constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom will be required to pass the General Assembly next year.
Sears has an extensive record supporting an abortion ban and vowing to do " everything in [her] power " to end abortion in Virginia.
WATCH HERE :
Transcript
* Deanna Albritton: Abortion is legal in Virginia through the second trimester with limited third trimester exceptions. There's also a push to codify abortion access in our state constitution. Miss Earle Sears, you have supported both a 15 week and 6 week abortion limit. As governor, what would you advocate for?
* Winsome Earle-Sears: So my position is that the Commonwealth needs to come together and figure out where it wants to be.
***
Original text here: https://vademocrats.org/news/when-asked-about-her-support-for-an-abortion-ban-sears-says-we-need-to-figure-it-out-confirming-she-would-change-virginia-law/
WINSOME, LOST THE DEBATE: Sears Flailed, Fibbed, and Flopped on the Debate Stage
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 10 -- The Virginia Democratic Party posted the following news release:
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WINSOME, LOST THE DEBATE: Sears Flailed, Fibbed, and Flopped on the Debate Stage
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VIRGINIA - At last night's debate, Winsome Earle-Sears flailed, fibbed, and flopped as she proved to Virginians once again that she will always put her loyalty to Trump and her extreme and dangerous agenda ahead of the Commonwealth. In a key moment, Sears said that her opposition to marriage equality and support for Virginians being fired just for being gay are " not discrimination. "
SETTLING THIS WEEK'S SCORE
Winsome's
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 10 -- The Virginia Democratic Party posted the following news release:
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WINSOME, LOST THE DEBATE: Sears Flailed, Fibbed, and Flopped on the Debate Stage
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VIRGINIA - At last night's debate, Winsome Earle-Sears flailed, fibbed, and flopped as she proved to Virginians once again that she will always put her loyalty to Trump and her extreme and dangerous agenda ahead of the Commonwealth. In a key moment, Sears said that her opposition to marriage equality and support for Virginians being fired just for being gay are " not discrimination. "
SETTLING THIS WEEK'S SCORE
Winsome'sWins:
* No Medicaid Mention: While Sears has backed Trump's unpopular sweeping cuts that will take healthcare away from 350,000 Virginians and has repeatedly lied about Virginians losing healthcare, the moderators did not get to any questions on Medicaid.
Winsome's Losses:
* Defining Discrimination: In a key moment, when Abigail Spanberger raised Sears' " moral opposition " to same-sex marriage and support of letting Virginians get fired for being gay, Sears said " that's not discrimination." (FACT CHECK: it is.)
* I Am Speaking: During and following the debate, Sears came under fire for constantly interrupting and talking over Abigail Spanberger, and even outright ignoring the moderator's multiple requests to stop talking so voters could listen.
* Begging for Trump's Endorsement: When asked if Sears would take an endorsement from Trump who has fired thousands of federal workers and cut healthcare for 350,000 Virginians, Sears said yes - although after her performance last night, an endorsement seems far off.
* Shutdown Receipts: When asked if she would ask Trump to reopen the government in the wake of the on-going shutdown, Sears refused to give a straight answer, but good thing we have the receipts. In an interview on NBC News Now last week, Sears repeatedly refused to call on Donald Trump to stop firing Virginians as he threatens even more mass firings if the Republican-led federal government shuts down.
* "More Disturbing": Ahead of last night's gubernatorial debate, the Spanberger for Governor campaign released a new ad featuring unearthed audio highlighting Sears' extreme record and rhetoric when it comes to reproductive rights in Virginia. While talking about supporters of reproductive rights, Sears said " murder is murder. And one day it's going to be your turn."
* Lying About Abortion to Cover her Extreme Position: When asked about abortion and the constitutional amendment that Virginians will vote on next year enshrining reproductive rights in the Virginia constitution, Sears conveniently left out that she supports an abortion ban without exceptions for rape or incest and is " morally opposed " to the constitutional amendment... She left a note on the document so Virginia voters would know exactly where she stands.
As Sears lies about her record, doubles down on her allegiance to Donald Trump, and comes unglued in front of the cameras, the debate was more proof that Virginians can't trust Sears and with her, it's Virginians who stand to lose the most.
***
Original text here: https://vademocrats.org/news/winsome-lost-the-debate-sears-flailed-fibbed-and-flopped-on-the-debate-stage/
Sears Stands by Trump as He Fires Virginia Workers with DOGE 2.0
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
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Sears Stands by Trump as He Fires Virginia Workers with DOGE 2.0
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New Polling Shows 57% of Virginians Oppose Trump Firing More Federal Workers Because There is a Shutdown
Today, the Trump administration continued gutting Virginia's workforce after Winsome Sears refused to tell Donald Trump not to fire more Virginians when asked directly multiple times.
Sears has downplayed the impacts of Trump and DOGE's cuts to Virginia's workforce, mocked those who lost their jobs, and claimed that job losses
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
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Sears Stands by Trump as He Fires Virginia Workers with DOGE 2.0
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New Polling Shows 57% of Virginians Oppose Trump Firing More Federal Workers Because There is a Shutdown
Today, the Trump administration continued gutting Virginia's workforce after Winsome Sears refused to tell Donald Trump not to fire more Virginians when asked directly multiple times.
Sears has downplayed the impacts of Trump and DOGE's cuts to Virginia's workforce, mocked those who lost their jobs, and claimed that job losseswere not "real issues." This year, Virginia's unemployment rate rose for seven straight months. In contrast, Abigail Spanberger condemned Trump and Sears' attacks on Virginian's economy, calling it "an egregious attack on Virginia jobs."
This comes as new polling shows that Virginians blame Trump for the government shutdown and 57% of Virginia voters oppose his plan to fire more workers because there is a shutdown.
"As Donald Trump begins firing more Virginia workers with DOGE 2.0, Winsome Sears has tied herself directly to this disastrous agenda that is killing even more Virginia jobs," said DGA Communications Director Sam Newton. "Trump has already gutted thousands of jobs in Virginia this year, and Sears defended his attacks on Virginia's workforce, refused to tell him to spare workers from more layoffs, and couldn't name a single issue she disagrees with him on. Virginians want a governor who will fight for them, and Sears has already proven that she will be a rubber stamp for Trump's attacks on their jobs and economy."
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Original text here: https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/sears-stands-by-trump-as-he-fires-virginia-workers-with-doge-2-0/
Sears Refuses to Call on Trump to Stop Firing Virginians as He Begins More Mass Layoffs Amid Government Shutdown
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 10 -- The Virginia Democratic Party posted the following news release:
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Sears Refuses to Call on Trump to Stop Firing Virginians as He Begins More Mass Layoffs Amid Government Shutdown
When asked directly during last night's debate, Sears refused to call on Trump to reopen the government
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VIRGINIA - As Donald Trump makes good on his threat to enact more mass layoffs of federal employees amid a government shutdown, Winsome Earle-Sears still refuses to call on Trump to stop firing Virginians. In an interview on NBC News Now, Sears repeatedly refused to call on
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 10 -- The Virginia Democratic Party posted the following news release:
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Sears Refuses to Call on Trump to Stop Firing Virginians as He Begins More Mass Layoffs Amid Government Shutdown
When asked directly during last night's debate, Sears refused to call on Trump to reopen the government
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VIRGINIA - As Donald Trump makes good on his threat to enact more mass layoffs of federal employees amid a government shutdown, Winsome Earle-Sears still refuses to call on Trump to stop firing Virginians. In an interview on NBC News Now, Sears repeatedly refused to call onDonald Trump to stop firing Virginians as he threatens even more mass firings if the Republican-led federal government shuts down.
During last night's gubernatorial debate, Sears again refused to ask Trump to reopen the government.
"As even more Virginians face mass layoffs because of the Republican government shutdown, Winsome Earle-Sears is standing with Trump again even though the consequences will be devastating for the Commonwealth. Once again, Sears is showing Virginians that she will always put her loyalty to Trump ahead of Virginia," said DPVA Spokesperson Maggie Amjad.
Read More About Sears Backing Trump's Dangerous Agenda:
Winsome Earle-Sears has defended Trump's attacks on Virginia's workforce and economy.
* In an interview on NBC News Now, Sears repeatedly refused to call on Donald Trump to stop firing Virginians as he threatens even more mass firings if the Republican-led federal government shuts down. Then when asked directly, Sears didn't disagree with Trump on anything
* She told the Associated Press that she backed Trump's efforts and has doubled down in her support.
* Sears has also said " I'm supporting what the President is doing."
* As Donald Trump attacked Virginia's workforce and economy, Sears declared she would help Trump " get the job done " if she were governor.
Winsome Earle-Sears has dismissed and laughed off attacks on Virginia jobs over and over again.
* Sears doubled down on her support of the DOGE cuts by campaigning with Vivek Ramaswamy, chief architect of DOGE responsible for firing thousands of Virginians, and bragging about the endorsement.
* In a CNN interview, when asked if she supports Donald Trump's attacks on Virginia's jobs, Winsome Earle-Sears refused to answer and dismissed the jobs cuts saying she wants " to talk about real issues " instead.
* Winsome Earle-Sears was caught on tape dismissing and laughing off the attacks on Virginia jobs saying "the media is making it out to be a huge, huge thing... and I don't understand why."
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Original text here: https://vademocrats.org/news/sears-refuses-to-call-on-trump-to-stop-firing-virginians-as-he-begins-more-mass-layoffs-amid-government-shutdown/
"That's Not Discrimination": Sears' Opposition to Gay Marriage, Support for Firing People for Being Gay Becomes Story of Debate
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
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"That's Not Discrimination": Sears' Opposition to Gay Marriage, Support for Firing People for Being Gay Becomes Story of Debate
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During the Virginia gubernatorial debate last night, Winsome Sears shockingly doubled down on her opposition to gay marriage and reiterated her support for firing Virginians for being gay, saying that it's "not discrimination."
Virginians are speaking out against Sears and seeing a wave of coverage about her extreme, out-of-touch, and completely disqualifying comments on
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
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"That's Not Discrimination": Sears' Opposition to Gay Marriage, Support for Firing People for Being Gay Becomes Story of Debate
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During the Virginia gubernatorial debate last night, Winsome Sears shockingly doubled down on her opposition to gay marriage and reiterated her support for firing Virginians for being gay, saying that it's "not discrimination."
Virginians are speaking out against Sears and seeing a wave of coverage about her extreme, out-of-touch, and completely disqualifying comments ongay marriage -- which she is " morally opposed to " -- and employment discrimination.
Here's what they're saying about Sears' support for firing Virginians for being gay:
* WVTF's @BradKutner : "Lots of talk on here of Sears' on same-sex marriage, but 'firing someone for being gay... that's not discrimination' really stood out to me."
* The Bulwark's @SarahLongwell25 : "Eh, I'm pretty sure it's discrimination."
* Former Republican Rep. @BarbaraComstock : "In 2025, 10 yrs after the Supreme Court has decided ( in 2015) that gay couples have the right to marry, and @GlennYoungkin signed a bill also supporting this right, @WinsomeSears demonstrates her bigotry once again in tonight's debate (where she also wouldn't stop babbling and talking over everyone when it wasn't her time)"
* The Independent's @EricMGarcia : "Sears also said that being fired for being gay 'is not discrimination'"
* 13News Now's @AlexLittlehales : "Thoughts from VA House Speaker @SpeakerDonScott on Gubernatorial debate in Virginia. On Earle-Sears: 'It was unhinged, unprofessional, uncalled for...' On Spanberger: 'Someone who is poised, professional...'"
And here's what Virginians are reading about Sears' extreme opposition to marriage equality:
* Washington Post : "In one exchange, Earle-Sears disagreed with Spanberger that firing someone for being gay constituted discrimination."
* NBC : "In yet another explosive moment on same-sex marriage, which Earle-Sears has said she is 'morally opposed to,' Spanberger said Earle-Sears 'has previously said that she does not think that gay couples should be allowed to marry.' Earle-Sears interrupted, saying, 'That's not discrimination, that's not discrimination.'"
* Cardinal News : "Earle-Sears has opposed same-sex marriage. When Spanberger brought this up, under a discussion about discrimination, Earle-Sears interrupted to say: 'That's not discrimination.' Ditto the ability to fire someone for being gay. For voters who feel strongly about this, one way or another, this may have been a clarifying moment."
* CNN : "The Democrat also sought to go on offense when she accused Earle-Sears of a history of discrimination, including opposing same-sex marriage, and for saying on a 2004 survey, when she was a congressional candidate, that she opposed workplace protections that include sexual orientation. 'That's not discrimination,' Earle-Sears responded. 'No.' Her comment was noteworthy in part because the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, John Reid, is the first openly gay man to appear on a Virginia GOP ticket."
* Associated Press : "Spanberger then sought to put Earle-Sears on the defensive, noting that the Republican opposes abortion rights and wants to outlaw gay marriage -- something Earle-Sears didn't object to... 'That's not discrimination,' Earle-Sears interrupted."
* National Journal : "When Spanberger redirected the GOP nominee's previous statements that same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry, Earle-Sears interrupted to say 'that's not discrimination.'"
* Politico : "The debate frequently bogged down with cross-talk and by Earle-Sears' interruptions of her opponent. Their differences centered around whose party deserves blame for the government shutdown, immigration enforcement, abortion rights and gay marriage -- which the lieutenant governor opposes."
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Original text here: https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/thats-not-discrimination-sears-opposition-to-gay-marriage-support-for-firing-people-for-being-gay-becomes-story-of-debate/
