Concerned Women in Northern Virginia Ask Fimian to Disclose Conservative ViewsWomen Send Letter to Congressional Candidate Asking Stance on Issues
Women from Fairfax and Prince William counties who are concerned about Congressional candidate Keith Fimian's (VA-11) views on key issues sent a letter to Fimian today asking him to reveal where he really stands.
The women held a conference call to react to Fimian's comments yesterday that social issues were irrelevant to the district, and to the news that Fimian's campaign is being financially supported by members of an organization founded by anti-choice activist Tom Monaghan. (Fimian's Conservative Ties May Clash with Shifting 11th District Washington Examiner, 7/23/08)
"I am signing on to this letter because I don't agree with Mr. Fimian," said Jane Blechman, a wife and mother from Fairfax Station who sent the letter. "Social issues are relevant and we deserve to know where he stands."
Below is a full copy of the letter sent to Keith Fimian:
July 24, 2008Keith Fimian
10540 Warwick Avenue
Fairfax, VA 22030Dear Mr. Fimian -
In a recent article in the Washington Examiner, you refused to state your position on issues important to women in the 11th District. You even argued that social issues were "irrelevant to the district."
We respectfully disagree. The issues that you've dismissed as "irrelevant" actually affect the lives of thousands of women and men in Northern Virginia.
We're especially concerned about your evasiveness on this question because of your close ties - and $100,000 in contributions - from the organization started by anti-choice extremist Tom Monaghan. We want to know if you stand with Mr. Monaghan or with the women of Northern Virginia.
Given that you are requesting to represent our area in Congress, we respectfully request that you answer the following basic questions:
* You stated in the article that you were pro-life. Do you oppose abortion even in the cases of rape, incest, or health and life of the mother? Would you work to overturn Roe vs. Wade?
* Tom Monaghan, the founder of Legatus and one of your supporters, has also founded a planned religious community in Florida tried to bar even married women from obtaining contraception at local stores. Would you support pro-life pharmacies, like the one planning to open near us in Chantilly this summer, which refuse to sell and distribute contraceptives?
* Do you oppose federal funding for stem-cell research, which could produce lifesaving cures for millions of people?
* Why do you feel that issues like access to contraception and funding for stem cell research are not relevant to our district?
As women who live in Northern Virginia and are concerned about these important issues that affect our lives, we would appreciate your answers to these questions in a timely manner.
Sincerely,
Penny Gross, Mason District Supervisor, Fairfax County
P.O. Box 4665
Falls Church, VA 22044Jane Blechman, Fairfax Station
Zoe Vitter, Woodbridge