West Virginia women gathered in Charleston today to launch the Women with Shelley coalition in support of Shelley Moore Capito for U.S. Senate.
"West Virginia women are strong, hard-working and not afraid of a fight," said U.S. Senate candidate Shelley Moore Capito. "If you look at my record, you'll see that fight is exactly what I've done for West Virginia women and it's exactly what I'll continue to do as West Virginia's first female Senator."
The Capito campaign brought women from all corners of the state together for a discussion about the issues they care about most in this election -- jobs, the economy and healthcare.
"West Virginia women are concerned about the availability of good jobs for themselves and their families. They are worried about the War on Coal wreaking havoc on our economy. And they are fearful that ObamaCare will mean higher prices and dropped doctors. The harmful policies of President Obama and his allies are hitting women in this state the hardest," said Capito. "I'm running for Senate not only to stop people like Harry Reid from blocking progress on these issues, I'm running so that we can advance the important work on behalf of women that I've fought for in the House. Whether it's providing more flexibility for working families, giving stay at home moms access to credit and the resources they need to thrive, or ensuring our military women and veterans are taken care -- this election is about making sure West Virginia women have a strong voice standing up for them in the Senate."
This event is the first of many Women with Shelley events to be held around the state.
What West Virginia women are saying:
Amanda Marks-Cunningham, Founder and President of the West Virginia Chapter of Young Professional Women in Energy, Bridgeport, WV
"The energy industry has provided wonderful career opportunities for young professionals like myself. Shelley is working to keep this opportunity alive for the women entering the workforce now and in the future. She is dedicated to protecting the energy industry and the interests of the men and women working in it."
Peggy Bahnsen, Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Cumberland, WV
"As a West Virginia woman and Army Veteran of 22 years, I support Shelley Moore Capito. I know Shelley and know that she has my best interests at heart. She has supported important legislation for Vets including the Hire More Heroes Act and the Veterans Economic Opportunity Act. Both of these expand job opportunities for our heroes. Shelley has been leading the way in demanding accountability from the VA. She is fearless in standing against anyone who opposes what is good for West Virginia. We need Shelley in the Senate fighting for us."
Lynne Fruth, Business Owner, Fruth Pharmacy, Hurricane, WV
"West Virginia women deserve a leader like Shelley Moore Capito in the Senate. As a woman and a business owner I support Shelley because she has been very supportive of creating an environment where small businesses can thrive and provide more job opportunities for West Virginians. The economy and the lack of jobs really are two of the biggest issues facing women in this state and Shelley understands that. She has a proven record of leadership and we can trust her to fight for us in the Senate."
Shelley's proven record of working for West Virginia women:
Shelley has a proven record of standing up for jobs, healthcare and the well-being of all women, and she will build on these efforts in the Senate. Highlights include:
Holding job fairs across her district to connect job-seekers with employment opportunities.
Persuading the Obama administration to reverse course on regulations that would limit access to credit for stay at home mothers.
Fighting Obama's War on Coal -- the biggest jobs-killer in this state -- by supporting legislation like the Stop the War on Coal Act, the Energy Tax Prevention Act, the Ensure Reliable, Affordable American Energy Act, and the Protection and Accountability Regulatory Act of 2014, which fights Obama's recent anti-coal regulations.
Voting to start over on ObamaCare and create healthcare reform that allows West Virginia women and families the option to keep the plans and the doctors they prefer at a rate they can afford.
Backing legislation like the Hire More Heroes Act and the Veterans Economic Opportunity Act which helps West Virginia veterans get hired.
Co-sponsoring the bi-partisan Military Opportunities for Mothers (MOM) Act, which would extend maternity leave for women serving in the military.
Supporting the Working Families Flexibility Act, which would allow workers and employers to agree on more flexible schedules to balance work and family life.
Cutting red tape for West Virginia's small business owners, many of whom are women, by supporting legislation like America's Small Business Relief Act and the REINS Act, which scales back overreaching regulations.
Supporting efforts to raise awareness and research for women's health issues.
Advocating for increased federal support for rural domestic violence and child abuse prevention.
Championing the Violence Against Women Act and taking action to help end human trafficking.
Chairing the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues.