Feminists are outraged at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's decision to fund pro-life Democratic candidates for the 2018 midterm elections.
Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D., N.M.), who chairs the Democratic Party's campaign arm in the House, said that the DCCC will not withhold funds from pro-life candidates who deviate from the party on abortion issues in an interview Monday with the Hill.
"There is not a litmus test for Democratic candidates," Luján said. "As we look at candidates across the country, you need to make sure you have candidates that fit the district, that can win in these districts across America."
Many feminists expressed their outrage and frustration with the DCCC on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/freedarko/status/892053882020306944
https://twitter.com/Shakestweetz/status/892056747673874434
In the words of a mid-2000s emo teen, BITE ME, Ben Ray Luján.
— Lily Herman (@lkherman) July 31, 2017
https://twitter.com/mattkbh/status/892068252154834944
"Dems willing to fund candidates who oppose abortion rights."
So smart. Much strategy. pic.twitter.com/imLRZNAVL5
— Natalia Antonova (@NataliaAntonova) July 31, 2017
1) Abortion access is not a niche issue
2) It's a BASIC women's health issue
3) Protecting abortion rights should be a non-negotiable stance https://t.co/jH1JMzcftB— UltraViolet (Text JOIN to 98688) (@UltraViolet) July 31, 2017
https://twitter.com/ReaganGomez/status/892062639064469504
https://twitter.com/jonnyumansky/status/892064424705568768
https://twitter.com/andizeisler/status/892063962103128064
REMINDER: It's fiscally irresponsible to oppose abortion rights. ECON POLICY MEANS SHIT IF IT DOESN'T SUPPORT CHOICE https://t.co/wLNyvmI9Zp
— Hanna Brooks Olsen (@mshannabrooks) July 31, 2017
@repbenraylujan seriously, where is this vast pool of voters who will swing D because of abortion rights? I want to see the data.
— Rachel Luxemburg (@rlux) July 31, 2017
Freelance journalist Lauren Duca sent out several tweets describing how the DCCC is attacking "human rights" with the organization's stance.
Democrats supporting anti-choice candidates is an attack on progressive values. Equality is impossible without reproductive rights. Period.
— Lauren Duca (@laurenduca) July 31, 2017
This is a rejection of progressive equity under the guise of "strategy." Winning with an anti-choice candidate is a loss for human rights.
— Lauren Duca (@laurenduca) July 31, 2017
Democrats have been in disarray when it comes to the issue of abortion since the 2016 election. Democratic leaders have made contradictory claims on whether they accept Americans into their ranks who are pro-life. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) has said the party needs to be an inclusive party, while Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez said that every Democrat needs to be pro-choice.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) tried to appease both sides.