[News-releases] NOW Hosts Presidential Candidates Forum on Women'sRights

NOW Press Office
202-628-8669 Rebecca Farmer, x 116
202-785-8576 (fax)

NOW Hosts Presidential Candidates Forum on Women's Rights

July 10, 2003

"At this critical time in politics, voters need and want to know where the 
candidates stand on the issues women care about," said National 
Organization for Women (NOW) President Kim Gandy. "Because women's votes 
will make or break this election, our concerns and our rights need to be 
addressed." On Friday, July 11 the nation's largest group of feminist 
activists is hosting the first forum of 2004 presidential candidates to 
address the full spectrum of women's rights. The forum is part of the 2003 
National NOW Conference, and will precede the Saturday kickoff of NOW's 
Drive for Equality, a 5-year campaign to register, educate and mobilize 
women to vote on issues that affect their lives and their families.

Participating in the NOW forum are Governor Howard Dean, Ambassador Carol 
Moseley-Braun, U.S. Representative Dennis Kucinich and Reverend Al 
Sharpton. Gandy will moderate the event with political comedian and 
activist Elayne Boosler. Unable to attend the forum due to scheduling 
conflicts, John Kerry will send a videotaped message and John Edwards will 
send a representative. Gandy, audience members and journalists--including 
legendary questioner of Presidents, Helen Thomas--will ask the candidates 
hard-hitting questions on a broad range of women's rights issues.

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What: Presidential Candidates Forum on Women's Rights

Who: Confirmed candidates include Gov. Howard Dean, Ambassador Carol 
Moseley Braun, Rep. Dennis Kucinich and Rev. Al Sharpton

When: Friday, July 11
5:15 PM to 7:00 PM

Where: DoubleTree Crystal City - Crystal Ballroom
300 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, Virginia

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"NOW's Presidential Candidates Forum will bring women's rights activists 
from across the country--the backbone of many a campaign--face to face with 
the candidates challenging Bush in 2004," Gandy said. "Going on the record 
as a strong supporter of these critical issues is a sure-fire way to 
mobilize women to get to the polls next year."