House Candidates Home | Congressional Map | Diana DeGette
Rep. Diana DeGette Democrat of Colorado, District 1
For U.S House of Representatives in 2012Statistics
Party: Democrat
Born: 7/29/57
Education: Colorado College, B.A. 1979, New York University, J.D. 1982
Occupation: Attorney
Family: Married, Lino Lipinsky, 2 daughters
Religion: Presbyterian
Political Career: Colorado House of Representatives (1992-1996), U.S. House of Representatives (1996-Present), Chief Deputy Whip, U.S. House (2008-Present)
Committees: Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Subcommittee on Environment and Economy, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (Ranking Member)
Why Your Support
Congresswoman DeGette has earned a reputation for being an outspoken advocate for progressive ideas in her many years in Congress. From the topic of reproductive choice, to gay rights, to stem cell research and health care, to the environment, Congresswoman DeGette is a predictable vote for liberal policy objectives and a strong advocate for the issues that matter most to JAC.
On Israel, Rep. DeGette believes that the Untied States should assist in the peace process to help bring about an agreement that allows both parties to live in harmony. The Congresswoman has supported pro-Israel legislation consistently, seeking to expand joint ventures between the United States and Israel as well as continue to appropriate foreign assistance to the Jewish state.
From her earliest political days as a member of the Colorado House, Rep. DeGette has been a relentless advocate for a woman’s right to choose. While serving there, she authored a law that guarantees Colorado women unobstructed access to abortion clinics and other medical care facilities. While many attempts were made to derail the law, the Supreme Court eventually found DeGette's "Bubble Bill" constitutional in Hill v. Colorado, in 2000, marking a significant personal victory for DeGette and women’s rights across the country. In the U.S. House of Representatives she serves as co-chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus. She demonstrated her resolve on the issue in the recent health care debate as she was harshly critical of the Stupak-Pitts amendment that sought to restrict taxpayer funds from being involved in any abortion-related endeavor. Beyond her commitment to women’s reproductive health, DeGette has been a fearless advocate for countless other initiatives from state-run children’s health insurance programs, to stem cell research, to LGBT equality.
Background
Congresswoman DeGette is running to represent the 1st district of Colorado for a 9th term in 2012, having won her last term by a margin of 67%. The district includes the majority of the city of Denver and its outlying suburbs. The district, like most urban areas, is ethnically diverse, and is typically a stronghold for the Democratic Party. The last time a Republican represented the first district of Colorado was 1970.
About The Candidate
A fourth-generation Coloradan, DeGette was born in Tachikawa, Japan while her father served in the armed forces. After her father’s service, the family returned to Colorado, where DeGette attended school before enrolling in Colorado College. Upon finishing her J.D. from New York University, Rep. DeGette returned home to Colorado to practice civil rights and employment litigation, which she practiced until running for a seat in the Colorado House of Representatives.
In the US Congress, Rep. DeGette is regarded as a strong advocate for countless progressive issues from choice to gay rights to stem cell research. Her advocacy does not stop when she leaves the floor of the House. Beyond championing stem cell research in Congress, Congresswoman DeGette has authored a book on the topic, seeking to explain how such research could positively impact countless lives. In August 2008, her Sex, Science and Stem Cells: Inside the Right Wing Assault on Reason was released. In the book DeGette advocates for the use of stem cells in research stating that there are, “110 million Americans suffering from diseases who stood to gain from potential applications” of stem-cell science.
