Clinton Replacement In Senate Must Uphold Her Legacy As 'Champion For Women,' Opinion Piece Says

Although President-elect Barack Obama's nomination of Sen. HilLary Clinton (D-N.Y.) for secretary of state is an "unprecedented opportunity to bring her unique leadership, advocacy and diplomacy skills to the world's stage," it is important to "make sure that our gain is not simultaneously our loss," Kelli Conlin, president of NARAL Pro-Choice New York, writes in a Albany Times Union opinion piece. Clinton as a senator has been a "singular champion for all the women of the United States," Conlin writes, adding, "Clinton led the way for progressive, pro-choice legislation in the Senate and, because she represents New York, our state's priorities helped push the rest of the nation forward."

Conlin continues, "So when we think about appointing her replacement, we must ask what it truly means to replace" a senator "who nearly single-handedly ended [FDA's] foot-dragging on approving emergency contraception for over-the-counter access" and worked with Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) "to oppose the [Bush] administration's plan to reduce federal reimbursement to health clinics (including family planning clinics, substance abuse counseling and mental health clinics)." Since July, Clinton and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) "have been leading the opposition" to the "misguided" proposed HHS conscience rule that would allow many health care workers to decline to participate in care because of their moral or religious beliefs, Conlin writes. She also notes that Clinton sponsored the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which would have "helped close the pay gap and end the inequities that have shortchanged women and families for far too long." In addition, Clinton cosponsored legislation to repeal the "Mexico City" policy -- also known as the "global gag rule" -- as well as bills to fund comprehensive sex education, to expand access to contraception and to codify Roe v. Wade, Conlin writes.

"Simply put, there is no other senator who has shown such commitment, dedication and leadership when it has come to standing up for women's health and rights," Conlin says. She adds that although "[s]ome may argue that, with the election of a pro-choice president and additional pro-choice senators and Congress members, we no longer need an advocate like Clinton," the truth is "that we need someone like her even more. Not just to defend against regressive legislation, but to push forward a proactive, pro-choice agenda." Conlin continues, "We need someone who not only represents New York's pro-choice values, but has the political acumen and ability to confront the entrenched power structures in the Senate. We need someone who has the same willingness to be an ally and advocate for New York and women across the country." She concludes, "We hope that as Gov. David Paterson (D) considers the appointment of Clinton's successor, he will choose someone who will commit to upholding this legacy" (Conlin, Albany Times Union, 12/2).


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