From the Desk of Terry Cosgrove Senior Advisor, Project 50
I know you are as alarmed as I am about the devastating loss of abortion rights and the grotesque impact it is having on so many women.
I have absolutely no doubt that the issue of abortion is going to save our democracy from the terrifying dystopian future Donald Trump and his MAGA supporters have in store for us. But it will take a lot of work.
During my 33 years as CEO of Personal PAC in Illinois, I learned that in order to return to sanity and break the right-wing fever, we must do just two things: hold EVERYONE accountable for harmful abortion laws and defeat anti-choice extremists at the ballot box.
After years of many people asking me why there isn't a Personal PAC in every state, I am beyond thrilled that Project 50, a new national organization, is working to do just that - starting with the very worst states where the hunger and energy for change is at a fever pitch. It makes perfect sense as these women are living under the most dangerous laws imaginable. Did you ever think abortion would be more accessible and safer in Mexico than in more than 1/2 of the U.S.? It is---but we can change that.
Project 50 is gearing up for the 2024 election and working to ensure that states desperate for a proven strategy to advance abortion rights have the tools to do just that.
I never had a magic wand in my Personal PAC desk to make the historic gains we've made in Illinois, but because of you, I had the commitment and drive to get the job done. And that is why Project 50 needs your help today.
Five "Sister Senators" in South Carolina led the April 2023 effort to defeat the state's 6-week abortion ban, all of whom are now targeted by the anti-choice zealots for defeat. Their efforts included a powerful filibuster which earned them the 2023 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
We must defend these five women, three of whom are Republicans along with a Democrat and an Independent. If we succeed, it will cause a political earthquake,---and it will be big national news. We need to drive a stake through the heart of the MAGA ideology, and there's no better place to do it than ruby-red South Carolina. It will take enormous resources to win these critical races. I never played small in Illinois, and now is not the time to do it either. Winners make policy, and losers make noise.
Project 50’s leadership is top-notch and includes Board member, the Hon. Kathleen Sebelius, former Governor of Kansas and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services under President Barack Obama. She is joined, along with others, by former IL State Senator and Project 50 Board chair, the Hon. Heather Steans. Also serving on the Board are Tina Tchen, long-time national leader on issues affecting women, Chicago attorney, and former Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama, and Melissa Widen, co-founder of First Women's Bank. Bryan Howard serves as the Executive Director and brings 30+ years of experience heading up abortion rights work in many capacities.
I have always been honest with you in asking for your critical help to boost our efforts in making Illinois an unashamed and proud beacon of hope in the Midwest. I believe without any doubt that 2024 will be the year the abortion issue saved our democracy from this looming authoritarian threat. It will not happen by magic but by strategic implementation of a model that we know works. That is why I am asking you to please support Project 50 today.
With your generous contribution now, we will break this right-wing fever and put many more states on the path to literally save women's lives.
Always in choice---and NEVER giving up!
Terry Cosgrove
Senior Advisor, Project 50
Paid for by Project 50 (project50.net) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.