Pioneering Non-Religious PAC Backs First Six Candidates
Endorsements from Newly Formed Freethought Equality Fund PAC
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Freethought Equality Fund PAC announced today its first slate of endorsements: U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (CO), U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (NJ), U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (VA), U.S. House candidate Dr. Lee Rogers (CA), State Rep. Carolyn Tomei (OR), and State Rep. Juan Mendez (AZ).
The Freethought Equality Fund selects candidates for endorsement based on previous voting records or questionnaire responses that show a commitment to promote a more secular government and a will to protect the rights of all people, including the now 20 percent of Americans that don't identify with any particular religion. "It's long past due for our elected officials to stand up and advocate for humanistic values, and we will strongly support candidates that do," says Freethought Equality Fund Coordinator Bishop McNeill.
Rep. Jared Polis is seeking re-election to Colorado's 2nd District. The Freethought Equality Fund applauds Congressman Polis for his 100 percent score on the 2013 Congressional Scorecard. Rep. Polis has also been a leader in Congress in 2013 by co-sponsoring H. Res. 41, which sought to recognize Darwin Day as a national day of observance for celebrating science and reason held on or around Feb. 12, the birthday anniversary of evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin. Congressman Polis also sponsored an amendment which advocated for Humanist chaplains in the military. "As a member of the Jewish faith and a student of Jewish history, I know what it feels like to be a minority. I am proud to stand with humanist, atheist, and agnostic Americans to defend civil liberties for everyone and protect the separation of church and state," said Congressman Polis.
Rep. Rush Holt is seeking re-election to New Jersey's 12th District. Congressman Holt introduced the Darwin Day Resolution on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and has been a leader in Congress protecting scientific integrity. Rep. Holt also scored a perfect 100 percent on the 2013 Congressional Scorecard and was a co-sponsor of the amendment to allow humanist chaplains in the military.
Rep. Bobby Scott is seeking re-election to Virginia's 3rd District. The Freethought Equality Fund applauds Congressman Scott for his continued support on separation of church and state issues, highlighted by his 100 percent score on the 2013 Congressional Scorecard. "We believe that Rep. Scott, an Episcopalian, is a model for members of Congress that shows regardless of one's personal religious faith, they must represent all people including those who are nonreligious," said McNeill. "Rep. Scott has been a leader for equal rights, and we commend him for that with this endorsement."
Dr. Lee Rogers is a Democratic candidate seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives representing California's 25th District. The incumbent in that district is Congressman Buck McKeon who scored 14 percent on the 2013 Congressional Scorecard. "I believe that everyone deserves equal representation in Congress, regardless of the color of your skin, who you love, or if you believe in a particular religion," said Rogers. "While it is appropriate to have your decisions be guided by your own set of family values and morals, people serving in Congress should not use the tenants of any particular religious faith to make laws that affect all Americans."
Oregon State Rep. Carolyn Tomei is seeking re-election in House District 41. Rep. Tomei identifies as a Secular Humanist and has worked hard to promote secular government. She has taken an oath of office nine times over her political career and has never taken it on a Bible or said "so help me God." Rep. Tomei was an original member of the NARAL Political Action Committee and has spent years fostering equal rights for all of the constituents she represents. The Freethought Equality Fund applauds her for her years of service and for her continued commitment to advancing humanistic values.
Arizona State Rep. Juan Mendez made headlines earlier this year for coming out as a Secular Humanist during the daily invocation before the Arizona House of Representatives. "I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Freethought Equality Fund, who represent humanists across the country that understand the importance of protecting the separation of church and state," said Rep. Mendez. "This vital and indispensable principle will only remain if we take responsibility and get involved in the political process."
For more information on the Freethought Equality Fund PAC, visit freethoughtequalityfund.org. Please send endorsement inquiries to [email protected].
Contact: Bishop McNeill, [email protected], 202-238-9088
SOURCE The Freethought Equality Fund PAC
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