Dede has championed equal rights, is qualified for House

The Watertown Daily Times was absolutely correct in its editorial "Speak up," on Oct. 26. Women do indeed need to champion a candidate, male or female, who has advocated for equal rights, opportunities and protection for women and girls. Dede Scozzafava is the only candidate in this race who has consistently over the years by legislative initiatives made progress in these areas not only for women but for men as well. She is a champion for equality.

Ms. Scozzafava is uniquely qualified by her legislative experience to engage in the Washington, D.C., political arena. That is no place for a neophyte. In Congress a member needs a broad range of expertise and experience gained by working within the legislative process. A candidate cannot and should not be a one- or two-issue candidate. Candidates should live within the congressional district they seek to represent, and have some legislative experience in order to serve the district well. Ms. Scozzafava is the only one.

The Jefferson County branch of the American Association of University Women, which has a long history of holding nonpartisan candidates forums with Jefferson Community College, the North Side League and the Italian-American Club tried long and hard to hold a forum this year so that the district voters could hear the candidates' views in person. Dede Scozzafava was the only candidate willing to participate. Never in the past have we had any candidates refuse. The other two candidates did not respond to repeated requests for dates convenient for them. Consequently the only forum will be held outside the district on television, with no input from the public.

Now is the time for the voters of the 23rd Congressional District to speak out for experience and equality by voting on Tuesday. This is your unique and constitutional right. Do it.

Margaret Coe

Watertown