Support Democracy in the District of Columbia,

Written by: Keshini Ladduwahetty on Feb 23, 2009 8:26 AM EST

Tomorrow (Tuesday), the Senate will debate and hold a procedural vote (cloture) for the DC House Voting Rights Act (S.160), which will give the District of Columbia's Congresswoman in the House full voting rights equal to every other US Representative.  This procedural vote will determine whether the bill will pass or fail.  It was at this step of the process back in 2007 that the measure failed by just 3 votes in the Senate. 

We need you, DFA members, to do your part TODAY to make sure this bill gets through.

The DC House Voting Rights Act is a tremendous step forward.  For the first time in American history, we will achieve complete equality in the House of Representatives.  It will be the first significant symbolic step forward in political rights for the people of the District in over 35 years and will encourage and spur us onward for the long struggle for full citizenship rights in the years ahead.  It will also establish a firm foundation for seeking Senate representation in future.

How can you help?  Join the National Call-in Day for DC Voting Rights!  Call (toll-free)  Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT),  Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), and Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) -- three key Senators who are wavering in their support.   Please tell these Senators where you're from (if you live outside DC, that's great!) and why it's important to you that they support basic democratic rights for the people of the District.  If you have ANY ties to North Carolina or Utah, please make that clear -- that stuff matters!

Call Senator Robert Bennett (UT) at 1-888-999-6775 today!

Call Senator Kay Hagan (NC) at 1-888-999-6775 today!

Call Senator Arlen Specter at 1-888-999-6775 today!

Note: this toll-free 888 number will only be active from 9AM to 5PM TODAY!

So many of our friends from outside DC, especially DFA, have worked alongside us.  DFA has promoted our campaigns, signed our letters, and in 2007, Jim Dean accompanied myself, Linda Brooks and Rachel Rifkind of Tidewater DFA to lobby Senator Webb for his support. Thank you so much, DFA, for your unstinting support!

So, DFA friends, please call these Senators today!

Best Regards,

Kesh Ladduwahetty

Chair, DC for Democracy

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