Photos courtesy of Chris Simpson
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal dropped by Democratic headquarters Saturday morning and discussed questions and concerns with local women… and a few men.
12-year-old Evelyn Mollow, daughter of Democratic Town Committee chair Lynda Mollow, asked Blumenthal what boys and girls can do to prevent sexual harassment; she noted that her 14-year-old brother was one of the good guys.
Blumenthal said that this was a teaching moment for the 14-year-old and said that parents must talk to children about ways to be more respectful. In the wake of the Kavanaugh hearings, he added that people have been reaching out to him with their stories, including one from an airline attendant on a recent flight. Blumenthal was obviously moved by the experience of sitting on the judiciary committee during the hearings.
He stressed the importance of fighting for democratic ideals and using our voices for change.
Blumenthal also discussed pay equity. Branford High School’s Model Congress is crafting a bill on pay equity and asked him about strategies to promote it. He said that Hartford can be a place to start and that it can be a model for other states.
Regarding pay equity, state representative candidate Robin Comey said, “When women succeed, families succeed.”
In terms of reproductive rights, Blumenthal said that “we’re protected in Connecticut” regardless of what happens with Roe v. Wade because the law has been codified, part of the legal code.
Regarding immigration, Blumenthal has been to the border, visiting the camps. He was also supportive of the Rehmans, a Pakistani family who sought sanctuary for seven months in an Old Lyme Church, visiting them twice. The family was recently allowed to return to their New Britain home.
Reflecting the national trend, Mollow said that many women have been volunteering during this election season, adding that they feel “compelled” to join the campaign.
