Feminist Majority Endorsements

Shelley Berkley

Shelley Berkley (D) is a U.S. Representative from Nevada running for the open Senate seat vacated by disgraced former Senator John Ensign.

Congresswoman Berkley has been a strong and constant advocate for women’s rights issues in the U.S. House since 1998. For example, when Rush Limbaugh called Sandra Fluke, a Georgetown University Law student, a “slut” and a “prostitute” for speaking out against the Catholic hierarchy on contraception coverage, Berkley started a petition demanding he be take off the air.

Background

Elected to the Nevada Assembly, 1982-84 Regent, University Community College System of NV, 1990-98 Chair, Nevada Hotel & Motel Association, 1994 Elected to U.S. House, 1998-present

Position on Key Issues

Congresswoman Berkley has been a solid vote and advocate for women's rights, reproductive rights, and economic equality issues. During the budget and debt ceiling debates, she was a clear voice concerning the impact of these economic policies on women.

Prospects

The latest polls show Congresswoman Berkley trailing Sen. Heller by 5 points.

Opponent

She is running against Senator Dean Heller (R) who was appointed to his Senate seat by Gov. Sandoval after Sen. John Ensign resigned. Heller is anti-choice and anti-marriage equality. He voted against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and against the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Website

http://www.shelleyberkley.com/

Other Endorsements

EMILY's List, Women's Campaign Forum, National Women's Political Caucus