The Company George Allen Keeps
"As they say, you are the company you keep, and George Allen's selection of Kay Coles James to vouch for his candidacy speaks volumes to Virginia women about his disregard for their right to make their own health care choices," said Herring. "Throughout her career, Secretary James like has opposed the family planning program that provides contraception and cancer screenings to millions of patients each year and has even advocated, like George Allen, to cut funds from trusted providers like Planned Parenthood. This would leave millions of women without the health care they need and deserve while adding further gridlock to an already polarized environment."
As the Director of Public Affairs for the National Right to Life Committee - James called for the outlawing of abortion and supported measures like the 'personhood' bill George Allen has committed to bring to the U.S. Senate. In addition, James advocated for the elimination of the Title X family planning program that serves millions of patients each year and for cutting funds to health care providers like Planned Parenthood.
"From his silence on this year's mandatory ultrasound law and measures to support equal pay, it's always been clear that George Allen doesn't have the best interests of women at heart,"Delegate McClellan. "This latest selection of a divisive surrogate is just further reminder that women can't afford another six years of George Allen's agenda to re-fight long-settled social battles at the expense of our economy."
As senator, Allen opposed basic protections like the Family and Medical Leave Act that made sure no parent has to choose between a sick kid and their job, and bipartisan proposals to guarantee contraception equity in insurance plans. In his campaign for U.S. Senate, Allen endorsed the Blunt Amendment and has committed to bring personhood legislation to the federal level that could jeopardize the legality of some types of birth control.
BACKGROUND:
KAY JAMES SUPPORTS PERSONHOOD, JUST LIKE GEORGE ALLEN
Kay James Called Abortion A Civil And Human Rights Issue Involving "Mass Discrimination Against A Class Of Fellow Humans Based On Age And Place Of Residence." The Associated Press wrote, "Kay James, spokeswoman for the National Right to Life Committee, called abortion a civil and human rights issue involving 'mass discrimination against a class of fellow humans based on age and place of residence.' She said NOW should be pushing for a Human Life Amendment 'to restore equal rights for unborn women.'" [Associated Press, 9/5/85]
Allen Said He Supported The Personhood Legislation Passed By Virginia's House Of Delegates And Would Push For Similar Legislation In The U.S. Senate.In an interview on WLNI's Brian and Mari Show, Allen was asked: "The Virginia House of Delegates has passed the so-called fetal personhood bill that defines life as beginning at conception. You said that you support this measure. Would you push for the same kind of measure in the U.S. Senate?" Allen responded: "Well, I think that human life does begin at conception and I think that we ought to have policies that try to protect innocent unborn life - one of the more - yes and I would at the federal level as well for national policy." [WLNI, The Brian and Mari Show, 2/15/12]
- Real Clear Politics: "Allen Said He Would Support A Federal Version Of The [Personhood] Measure As Well." Real Clear Politics reported, "Allen supports the [personhood] measure. 'My commitment to protecting innocent human life is firm,' he said in a statement. 'I believe that life begins at conception and support legislation declaring the personhood of every individual life.' In a radio interview this week, Allen said he would support a federal version of the measure as well." [Real Clear Politics,2/18/12]
KAY JAMES SUPPORTS CUTTING OFF FUNDS FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD, JUST LIKE GEORGE ALLEN
Kay James Said Title X "Is The Largest Single Funding Source For A Nationwide Network Of Organizations Which Aggressively Promote Abortion." The Associated Press wrote, "Two congressional Republicans launched a drive Wednesday to cut off federal family planning funds for Planned Parenthood and other organizations that provide abortion referral and counseling. Rep. Jack Kemp of New York said he will offer an amendment mandating such a funding cutoff to the continuing resolution for fiscal 1986 when it comes before the Appropriations Committee, of which he is a member. It is expected that the resolution will contain about $142.5 million for Title X of the Public Health Service Act. Kay James, director of public affairs for the National Right to Life Committee, also present at the news briefing, said that Title X 'is the largest single funding source for a nationwide network of organizations which aggressively promote abortion' as a method of family planning. She said some recipients of Title X funds promote abortion through counseling which presents abortion as a simple and often preferred option and through referral to abortion clinics. 'In many cases, the abortion facilities are under the same roof, and are operated by the same corporation, as the Title X-funded clinic,' James said. She said Planned Parenthood-operated facilities performed 87,000 abortions in 1984." [Associated Press, 10/30/85]
George Allen's Own Website Says He Would Defund Planned Parenthood. From the 'Virginia Values' section of Allen's website: "George Allen's record on life issues is strong. As our Senator, his record earned him a 100% rating from the National Right to Life Committee. George Allen will continue this record after his election to the Senate in 2012. Specifically, he pledges to. vote to prohibit any federal funding from going to organizations that operate Abortion clinics (not bona fide hospitals) such as Planned Parenthood." [GeorgeAllen.com, Virginia Values Section, Accessed 7/11/12]
Dems Used The Endorsement To Point Out Allen And ACU's Anti-Choice Agendas. The Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog wrote, "Democrats pounced on Allen for the ACU endorsement, focusing on the conservative group's support for cutting government funding for Planned Parenthood. 'We deserve better than a Senator who aligns himself with right-wing groups that want to turn back the clock on women's health,' said Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Brian Moran." [Washington Post, Virginia Politics Blog, 5/9/12]
KAY JAMES WANTS TO OUTLAW ABORTION, JUST LIKE GEORGE ALLEN
Kay James, Director Of The Antiabortion Committee, Said "There Are Some Things About Which There Ought To Be No Choice In A Civilized Society. One Of Those Things Is The Killing Of Unborn Children."The Washington Post wrote, 'Margaret Crow and her two young daughters made themselves comfortable yesterday on a small patch of grass on Western Plaza in downtown D.C., where more than 150 people, mostly women, gathered to hear the intimate stories of people who said their lives were, or could have been, made better because abortions are legal. At the same time, across the street in a crowded J.W. Marriott Hotel meeting room, officials and supporters of the National Right to Life Committee assailed the abortion rights activists' letter campaign. Kay James, director of the antiabortion committee, said after a 90-minute press conference, 'There are some things about which there ought to be no choice in a civilized society. One of those things is the killing of unborn children.'" [Washington Post, 5/22/85]
Kay James "Said She Believes Abortion Will Eventually Be Outlawed, 'Not Only Because It's Morally Offensive, But Because Its Legalization Was The Result Of Bad Constitutional Law.'" The San Diego Union-Tribune wrote, "Kay James, a spokeswoman for the National Right-to-Life Committee, said she believes abortion will eventually be outlawed, 'not only because it's morally offensive, but because its legalization was the result of bad constitutional law.' Liberal abortion laws have cheapened the value of life by condoning 'the wanton killing of human beings,' and they have encouraged promiscuity among teen-agers who no longer need worry about accidental pregnancies, she said. 'They feel that they can always get an abortion.' The 250,000-member organization opposes all abortions, except when the mother is 'imminently in danger.' This includes cases in which doctors are certain a baby will be born severely handicapped. 'A physically or mentally retarded child still has the right to live and walk among us,' said James. If people could see an abortion -- as shown in such films as 'The Silent Scream' -- they would demand an end to such operations, she said. The Right-to-Life Committee supports the push in conservative circles to obtain a constitutional amendment banning abortion." [San Diego Union-Tribune, 8/9/87]
Allen Said He Supported The Personhood Legislation Passed By Virginia's House Of Delegates And Would Push For Similar Legislation In The U.S. Senate.In an interview on WLNI's Brian and Mari Show, Allen was asked: "The Virginia House of Delegates has passed the so-called fetal personhood bill that defines life as beginning at conception. You said that you support this measure. Would you push for the same kind of measure in the U.S. Senate?" Allen responded: "Well, I think that human life does begin at conception and I think that we ought to have policies that try to protect innocent unborn life - one of the more - yes and I would at the federal level as well for national policy." [WLNI, The Brian and Mari Show, 2/15/12]
- Real Clear Politics: "Allen Said He Would Support A Federal Version Of The [Personhood] Measure As Well." Real Clear Politics reported, "Allen supports the [personhood] measure. 'My commitment to protecting innocent human life is firm,' he said in a statement. 'I believe that life begins at conception and support legislation declaring the personhood of every individual life.' In a radio interview this week, Allen said he would support a federal version of the measure as well." [Real Clear Politics,2/18/12]
KAY JAMES SUPPORTS ABSTINENCE-ONLY EDUCATION, JUST LIKE GEORGE ALLEN
Kay Coles James: "I Happen To Believe That Abstinence-Based Sex Education Does Work." The Washington Post reported, "'I happen to believe that abstinence-based sex education does work,' James said. 'The evidence is continuing to come in that these programs can be and in fact are successful. We certainly know that in health policy, it's in the best interest of youngsters.' [The Washington Post, 7/27/95]
Kay Coles James "Pulled $ 100,000 From A Federal Anti-Drug Initiative" In Order To "Launch A Statewide Campaign To Counsel Girls To Abstain From Sex," In Order To Get Around The General Assembly. The Washington Post reported, "Kay Coles James, Virginia's top health official, wanted to launch a statewide campaign to counsel girls to abstain from sex. Even when the General Assembly told her no last winter, James was undeterred. The secretary of health and human resources simply pulled $ 100,000 from a federal anti-drug initiative and went ahead with her plans. Diverting the money to pay for 'Best Friends' was only one step that aides to Gov. George Allen (R) have taken recently to reshape Virginia's health, education and family planning programs to promote abstinence over contraception as the way to reduce teenage pregnancies. Through federal grants, state projects and directives to local health officials, the administration is de-emphasizing typical strategies it deems overly permissive in favor of a more conservative approach." [The Washington Post, 7/27/95]
"Gov. George Allen (R) Has Proposed That Local School Districts Be Given The Choice Of Whether To Continue Their Family Life Education Programs." The Washington Post wrote, "If it weren't for the sex education classes at West Springfield High School, senior Teresa Palladino said, many students might believe what they hear on the street: that you can't get pregnant if you hit yourself in the stomach the next day, or if you have sex in certain positions or at certain times of the month. But some parents and policy-makers say they believe that the course does not emphasize abstinence enough, and a few of the teenagers interviewed said the classes have little influence on students' behavior. Gov. George Allen (R) has proposed that local school districts be given the choice of whether to continue their Family Life Education programs. The Board of Education tentatively approved Allen's recommendation this week and will cast a final vote in September. In many districts, the Family Life Education classes provide detailed information about contraception and pregnancy, starting as early as the eighth grade." [Washington Post, 7/14/97]
"Diverting The Money To Pay For 'Best Friends' Was Only One Step That Aides To Gov. George Allen (R) Have Taken Recently To Reshape Virginia's Health, Education And Family Planning Programs To Promote Abstinence Over Contraception." The Washington Post wrote, "Kay Coles James, Virginia's top health official, wanted to launch a statewide campaign to counsel girls to abstain from sex. Even when the General Assembly told her no last winter, James was undeterred. The secretary of health and human resources simply pulled $ 100,000 from a federal anti-drug initiative and went ahead with her plans. Diverting the money to pay for "Best Friends" was only one step that aides to Gov. George Allen (R) have taken recently to reshape Virginia's health, education and family planning programs to promote abstinence over contraception as the way to reduce teenage pregnancies. Through federal grants, state projects and directives to local health officials, the administration is de-emphasizing typical strategies it deems overly permissive in favor of a more conservative approach." [Washington Post, 7/27/95]
"The Best Friends Club Began Eight Years Ago, When Susan Allen, The Wife Of Then Gov. George Allen, Looked To Plant Best Friends Chapters All Over Virginia." The Daily Press wrote, "Spurred by the number of middle and high schoolers seeking school nurses' advice on pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and peer pressure, Daria Weber, Newport News Public Schools supervisor of health services, decided in 1995 to sponsor a Best Friends club, which was given an initial $25,000 governor's grant. Thirty girls were randomly selected the first year. Since then, the local club has grown to almost 100 girls, operating with a budget of about $25,000 a year solicited from grants, businesses and legislators. This year, the Riverside Health System Foundation was Best Friends' major sponsor and the club received no state funding. About 25 percent of its funds over eight years have come from taxpayer sources. Best Friends meet every week and study a curriculum that includes abstinence, love and dating, nutrition, physical fitness, sexually transmitted diseases, friendship, alcohol and drugs and self-respect. Members engage in aerobics, crafts and community service. The use of contraceptives is not taught, Weber said." [Daily Press, 5/16/03]
SOME OTHER FACTS ABOUT KAY COLES JAMES
"Allen Appointed Kay Coles James, A Self-Described 'Evangelical Pro-Life Republican,' To Be Secretary Of Health And Human Resources." The Washington Post wrote, "Allen appointed Kay Coles James, a self-described 'evangelical pro-life Republican,' to be secretary of health and human resources, and Becky Norton Dunlop, a protege' of conservative U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), to be secretary of natural resources." [Washington Post, 1/15/94]
Kay Coles James: US Was "Experiencing Cultural AIDS." The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported, "As 1994 graduation speaker at Hampton University, her alma mater, James said the United States was 'experiencing cultural AIDS,' using the incurable disease of the immune system as a metaphor for widespread social ills. 'We as a country have been the victims of an immune system that has broken down. It's gone,' she told the graduates." [The Richmond Times-Dispatch, 2/6/02]
