Connecticut Federation of Democratic Women's "Get Out The Vote Rally" galvanizes Democrats, Democratic-leaning Unaffiliateds/Independents

CHESHIRE--Debra Dickey, president of the Connecticut Federation of Democratic Women, couldn’t have been happier with the organization’s first sponsored Rally to Get Out the Vote in front of Cheshire Town Hall on Saturday (Oct. 13).

The event, hosted by the Cheshire Democratic Women’s Club, was attended by members of the CFDW from as far away as Groton, members of the CDWC and Cheshire Democratic Town Committee, members of the public and nine of the 13 candidates who will be on the Cheshire ballot on Election Day on Nov. 6.

“I am so surprised by everyone who came to the event because of the weather (rain),” Dickey said. “I was concerned when I saw the rainy weather. But the turnout is perfect evidence that we are all very dedicated, standing out in the rain with each person expressing political views and especially our women’s views.”

The purpose of the rally was to get men and women from around the state to promote Democratic candidates, show solidarity and promote women’s issues, and to urge the public to exercise their right and get out and vote.

"I was very happy and impressed by the number of people attending the rally and by the enthusiasm of not only those in attendance but also by a good number of people driving by," said Pat McKenney, president of the Cheshire Democratic Women's Club. "We had great support from our candidates, as we did when we hosted a 'Meet the Candidates' night in September. Cheshire Democrats are working hard and look forward to great results in November."

CFDW 1st vice-president Judy Villa offered, ”More women in elected office means more civility, more collaboration, and better outcomes in the complex process of making government work for the people.”

Villa also is the chairperson for the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee.

“We came to the rally to support our Democratic candidates and we want to urge people to get out and vote,” Dickey said. “But we also want to promote women’s issues due to the current climate and what we see in Washington, D.C. We are not going to go back to the 1950s, a position where the White House wants to go and Republicans seem to promote.
“Another encouraging sign for me is to see so many men at our rally showing support for women.”

Democratic candidates taking part in the rally were 103rd State Rep. Liz Linehan, 89th State Rep. District candidate Anne Harrigan, 16th State Senate District candidate Vickie Orsini Nardello, 13th State Senate District candidate Mary Abrams, Connecticut Secretary of State Denise Merrill, Lt. Governor candidate Susan Bysiewicz, Attorney General candidate William Tong, Treasurer candidate Shawn Wooden and State Comptroller Kevin Lembo.

“Women are concerned, we’re all concerned where women’s issues are headed,” Dickey said. “But this rally is overwhelming proof how Democrats are supporting women.”