N.C. Candidate Wins Big In Primary With Help From NOW

In North Carolina, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall moved closer to becoming the state's next U.S. Senator. The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee proudly endorsed Marshall and helped organize strong grassroots support that ultimately helped her win the Democratic primary.

The June 22 runoff between Marshall and Cal Cunningham determined who would face the Republican incumbent, Senator Richard Burr, in the November election. "With this victory, Marshall has proven herself a winning candidate," said NOW President and NOW/PAC Chair Terry O'Neill. "NOW calls upon the national Democratic Party leaders, including President Obama, Tim Kaine and the DNC, and Senator Robert Menendez and the DSCC to rally behind Marshall in order to assure her victory in the fall."

Marshall is the first woman elected to executive office in the state, having served as the Secretary of State since 1997. She is a strong supporter of Roe v. Wade and promises to work to repeal the Hyde Amendment, which denies the use of federal funds for most abortions. She is in favor of equal federal benefits for same-sex couples and pledges to help repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.

Marshall's opponent in the general election, Sen. Burr, has voted "no" on key NOW issues. He has opposed fair pay for women, voted against banning health insurance companies from using domestic violence as a pre-existing condition and made efforts to keep women from being treated fairly when they are raped in the workplace.

"Elaine Marshall is a champion of women's rights with a long history of support from the North Carolina NOW PAC," asserted O'Neill. "She is the candidate who can win in November, and she is exactly the kind of leader we need more of in the U.S. Senate. With only 17 women in the Senate, Marshall would be a welcome addition and another step toward equal representation."

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