Women Leaders Gather to Announce "Women for Tulsi"

Honolulu - Women from across the state came together today to announce their endorsement of congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard under the banner, "Women for Tulsi."

Tulsi Gabbard is a Honolulu City Council Member, Captain in the Hawai'i National Guard, and candidate for Hawai'i's second Congressional district.

"Women for Tulsi" is a grassroots effort to reach out to women voters across the second congressional district.
Notable women joining Tulsi today in support of women's rights and her congressional candidacy included: Dr. Amy Agbayani, Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Dr. Nancie Caraway, Ph.D., and others.

Prominent university administrator and civil rights activist, Dr. Amy Agbayani stated, "There is a war on women being waged across the country, and I trust Tulsi Gabbard to go to Congress to fight for us. She will support national policies that will benefit all of us, and future generations. I ask you to support Tulsi because she will be a strong advocate for women, education, working families, and civil rights."

Tulsi Gabbard, if elected, will make history as the first female combat veteran to serve in Congress. "I am humbled and honored to have the support of women from across the state," Gabbard said. "I have served on two Middle East deployments, and have experienced firsthand the negative effects of oppressive governments.

America was built on a strong foundation of freedom. Countless thousands have sacrificed their limbs and even their lives fighting for freedom. It makes me angry to see self-serving politicians tear apart our country from within, dishonoring the sacrifices made by so many, dishonoring our country, as they work to erode the advances we have made toward equality and freedom, for women, and for all people. As a member of Congress, I will fight for freedom and equality for all people – regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or religion."

Small business owner and Native Hawaiian community advocate Becky Soon offered her support of Gabbard's campaign. "The 2nd Congressional District has a tradition of being represented by strong women leaders, such as Patsy Mink.
Patsy Mink always stood up for what was right, even in the face of adversity. Her legacy will never be forgotten," Soon said. "I am supporting Tulsi because she will honor Patsy Mink's legacy, and will honor her memory by continuing the fight for equality for all people."

Council member Ann Kobayashi also added, "There is a clear choice in this election. It is a choice between Mufi Hannemann, who lacks the conviction and experience to fight for women's issues and equality for all people, and Tulsi Gabbard, who has put her own life on the line in the name of freedom, and who will work tirelessly to make sure that no person is ever treated as a second-class citizen."

Dr. Nancie Caraway, also stated, "Much is at stake with this election. After hearing her personal story of political transformation, I am convinced that Tulsi Gabbard will be an advocate for the human rights (regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, religion, or economic class) of all Hawaii's diverse citizens. She is young, intelligent, committed to dialogue—and most of all—inclusive in her leadership style. This is the kind of ETHICAL leadership so lacking in other ego-driven politicos."

Tulsi Gabbard is proud to have received the support of Emily's List, the nation's largest women's organization dedicated to electing pro-choice Democrats to office, and Women Under Forty-PAC, a non-partisan organization which supports women under 40 years old running for state and federal office.