Republican politicians have taken to justifying their climate change denialism by claiming “I am not a scientist.” Last summer for example, Hillary Clinton’s campaign memorably mocked the “GOP’s Mad (not a) Scientists.” But now, a Democratic candidate for Congress can counter, “I AM a scientist.”
And that’s exactly what Shaugnessy Naughton is doing. The first ad of her bid to represent Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District in the House of Representatives begins by touting her scientific credentials.
The ad starts off showing Naughton at work in a laboratory, “For years I was a laboratory chemist developing drugs to fight deadly diseases. As a scientist, I know there’s more that Washington can do to help families.”
In her ad, Naughton appeals to both women and seniors. She promises to defend Planned Parenthood, “so more women get cancer screenings and treatment.” She also vows to “always protect Medicare and Social Security.”
The ad also includes an environmental argument. She says she’ll fight “to pass a ban on fracking in the Delaware River Basin to preserve our clean water.” To date, the area has been protected from fracking by a moratorium issued by the Delaware River Basin Commission; environmentalists have advocated for a permanent ban.
Posted on