Choice News, Friday May 14th 2010

Supreme Court Watch

Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Penn.), facing a tough primary next week, called Solicitor General Elena Kagan a "good candidate" for the Supreme Court after his meeting with her. As a Republican, Sen. Specter voted against Kagan's confirmation to her current post.

The New York Times looks at the ways that Republicans and Democrats are using the Supreme Court nomination as a campaign issue for the midterm elections.

The Seattle Times has more on the reports that Gov. Chris Gregoire is on the short list to replace Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan as Solicitor General. Should Gov. Gregoire leave the governor's office, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen would become governor. Depending on when the vacancy occurs, there are several election protocols to elect a new governor.

State Auditor Brian Sonntag says he will run for governor in the event that Gov. Gregoire becomes the Solicitor General.

2010 Elections

The Washington Post looks at the Susan B. Anthony List, an anti-choice counterpart to EMILY's List, and their goal of unseating Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) over the health care reform legislation. The group is working to elect anti-choice Republican Sue Lowden.

The Washington Beverage Association has filed paperwork for two versions of a ballot initiative to repeal the new taxes on soda, bottled water, candy, gum and certain kinds of processed foods. One of the versions would also repeal the tax on mass-market beer.

Other News of Note

RH Reality Checks features an article on the different generations within the reproductive rights and justice movement, and the importance of working together to achieve reproductive freedom for all women.

Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) introduced the Global Moms Act, which calls for the development of a comprehensive strategy, as part of the Global Health Initiative, to reduce mortality and improve the health of mothers and newborns in developing countries.

Time Magazine reports on the controversy over the American Academy of Pediatrics' change of position on female genital mutilation. The organization has decided to explore allowing American doctors to perform a ceremonial pinprick, or small nick, on young girls if it would keep their families from pursuing mutilation.