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Rep. Shelley Berkley Democrat of Nevada

For U.S Senate in 2012

Statistics

Party: Democrat
Born: 1/20/51
Education: JD University of San Diego
Occupation: Lawyer, State Assemblywoman, Nevada University System Board of Regents, US Congresswoman
Family: Dr. Lawrence Lehrner
Religion: Jewish
Political Career: Representative - Nevada State Assembly, 1982-1984; Representative - US House of Representatives, 1999-Present
Committees: Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Europe, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia; Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Health, Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support

Why Your Support

Shelley Berkley is one of the most visible and vocal pro-Israel advocates in the US Congress. She is also staunchly pro-choice and pro-separation of religion and state. Some of her other top priorities are affordable health care for all Americans, veteran’s rights, alternative energy, maintaining social security and strengthening American alliances abroad to work toward international stability and peace.

Personally and politically, Shelley Berkley stands with JAC. An active member of the organization since before she was elected to Congress, she attends JAC programs and often speaks on our issues. In what promises to be a competitive race against ideological opposities, she will be an excellent campaigner.

Upon the resignation of Senator John Ensign (R-NV), Governor Brian Sandoval appointed US Rep Dean Heller (R-NV-2) ) to fill Ensign's Senate seat until the 2012 election. What began as an open seat has become a race that features Berkley as a challenger to an incumbent, making the race more competitive. It will also be contentious on many issues including environment, reproductive choice, and gay rights. He voted to cut funding for Planned Parenthood and votes against reproductive choice in all circumstances. In 2007 he voted against the Employment Non-discrimination Act, which would have prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. He opposes marriage equality for gays. He voted against the health care bill and voted twice in favor of Paul Ryan’s budget plan. This race is rated a toss-up and Shelley Berkley will need our help to continue to be a strong voice for JAC's values.

Background

Nevada has a total population of about 2.7 million people, nearly 1.4 million of which are registered voters. The state is 86% white and has a median household income of $77,830.  The state breaks down to approximately 43% Democratic, 36% Republican with 21% of voters identifying as other or independent. Nevada, in the 2008 Presidential elections, voted for Barack Obama by a margin of 55.15%, and also voted to re-elect Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, in a hotly contested election. While the state generally leans Democratic, its governor and current junior senator are both Republicans, and the state is considered an important battleground in 2012.

About The Candidate

Shelley Berkley is as dynamic as the community she serves.  A Las Vegas resident for more than four decades, Berkley has a deep sense of commitment to her community and has never forgotten that when her family headed West from New York City in search of a better life, they found it in what was then a small oasis in the Nevada desert. A strong candidate and proven vote getter, she has the ability to bring in Republican voters because of her foreign policy credentials and pro-Israel bona fides. Dynamic and energetic, she serves her Las Vegas constituents with tireless spirit.

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