Press Release

For immediate release contact:

January 18, 2001 Ann Stone/Stacy Kratt (703) 960-9882 or (703) 447-1404

Washington, D.C. - Today leaders of Republicans for Choice, the largest group of pro-choice Republicans in the country, stepped forward to defend Gale Norton, President-elect Bush’s choice for Secretary of the Interior.

" We have great respect for those in the environmental movement for their dedication to their cause, especially Martha Marks who heads Republicans for Environmental Protection (REP America)," said Stacy Kratt, executive director of Republicans For Choice (RFC). "But we don’t recognize the Gale Norton they are describing. This is not the person we know and support."

" That is why we felt a need to speak up and defend Gale. She has been vilified beyond recognition by some of Martha’s colleagues in the environmental movement. They portray her as a right-wing extremist and clone of James Watt," said Ann Stone, National Chairman of Republicans For Choice. "We have worked with Gale. The Gale Norton we know will work with both sides of the environmental movement to provide balance and become a bridge for working together."

" Throughout civilization there has always been a unique connection between women and the environment. They don’t call it ‘Mother Earth’ and ‘Mother Nature’ for nothing. We are proud that the first woman to serve as Secretary of the Interior will be Gale Norton, a pro-choice Republican woman," added Stone.

As the press has already reported respected Republican groups like the WISH List, which supports pro-choice Republican female candidates, backed Norton when she ran for the Senate as did RFC.

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Republicans For Choice 2760 Eisenhower Ave. #260 Alexandria VA 22314

www.republicansforchoice.com 703-960-9882 phone 703-960-9885 fax

"This Republicans For Choice is a political action committee and is not a part of or affiliated with Planned Parenthood."