ENDORSEMENTS AND TESTIMONIALS
Chuck Pennacchio, Executive Director, Health Care for All Pennsylvania: "Joanne Tosti-Vasey is a dynamo on the question of healthcare. She understands, crystal-clear, that the only proven means of achieving quality, comprehensive, affordable healthcare for all is through our publicly-funded, privately-provided, 'Family and Business Healthcare Security Act' (House Bill 1660). Joanne has the clarity of thought to know what works, and the courage of conviction to fight for what's right. I heartily endorse her candidacy for the State House of Representatives."
Peter Morris, State College Borough Council Member: "Joanne Tosti-Vasey is running for Pennsylvania General Assembly, 171st District. This is exciting news for residents of her district and for all Pennsylvanians.
I have known Joanne for several years and have worked with her, especially in her pro-choice activities. I have always found her to be progressive, intelligent, articulate, and hard-working. She has a vital core of strongly-held beliefs but is very good at listening to others.
"She is probably best known for her pro-choice activism and is currently President of Pennsylvania NOW.
"I urge all Democrats in the 171st District to support Joanne Tosti-Vasey in the April 22 primary and in the November election. I hope that people living outside her district will, as I have, contribute to her campaign.
"
Pennsylvania National Organization for Women - PA NOW PAC: "The Pennsylvania NOW PAC is pleased to announce our endorsement of Democrat Joanne Tosti-Vasey, President of Pennsylvania NOW, for the Pennsylvania State General Assembly’s 171st House District. Because the decisions of the Pennsylvania State Assembly are so critical to women's rights and equality in Pennsylvania and with so many of our rights at risk, the Pennsylvania NOW Political Action Committee voted to endorse Democratic candidate Joanne Tosti-Vasey for the Pennsylvania General Assembly." Read the full endorsement here.
Barbara Hafer, Pennsylvania State Treasurer (1997-2005) and Auditor General (1989-1997): "I have known, observed, and worked with Joanne Tosti-Vasey for over fifteen years. She is an excellent and experienced organizer, advocate, and speaker. Her drive for equality and compassion for our families and for women, children, people with disabilities, and people of color has resulted in positive change for people throughout Pennsylvania. She will make an excellent representative for the people of the 171st House District in Centre and Mifflin counties. I therefore wholeheartedly endorse her campaign to represent the 171st House District in the Pennsylvania General Assembly."
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees - AFL-CIO - Council 83 PAC: "This letter is confirmation that you have received the endorsement of Council 83, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME, AFL-CIO), in the upcoming Primary Election on April 22, 2008." Read the full endorsement here.
Pennsylvania Women's Campaign Fund: "It is a pleasure to inform you that the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Women's Campaign Fund (PWCF) has voted to endorse your candidacy for the State House …" Read the full endorsement here.
Women's Campaign Forum: "Women’s Campaign Forum works tirelessly to improve women’s representation by empowering pro-choice women from all walks of life to become voters, activists, volunteers, and most importantly, candidates." Read the full endorsement here.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll "In a year when Democratic registrations in Pennsylvania soared over the four-million mark, success at the ballot box still depended on having the right candidate for the right office. That's you!" Read the letter here.
Letter from Progressive Majority "Congratulations on your determination to run for State Representative of the 171st Legislative District. Progressive Majority is pleased to announce that you have been endorsed by the Pennsylvania Advisory Council as well as our National Board." Read the full letter here.
Jack Wagner, Auditor General, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On June 20, 2008, at a public event in Altoona, Mr. Wagner endorsed Joanne Tosti-Vasey.
Letter from the SEIU, June 25, 2008, "It is with great pleasure that I write to inform you that the SEIU
PA State Council, representing nearly 70,000 PA workers, has voted to endorse your candidacy in the General Election for State Representative.
"Your support and understanding of issues important to PA's working families have earned our respect and support. We look forward to working with
your campaign to ensure a victory in the General Election on November 4th.
"Best wishes for your campaign.
"Eileen Connelly, ED
"SEIU PA State Council"
Letter from Eleanor Smeal, Feminist Majority Political Action Committee, "The Feminist Majority PAC and I are pleased to announce our endorsement of your candidacy for the Pennsylvania State General Assembly's 171st House District. Because the decisions of the Pennsylvania State General Assembly are so critical to women's rights and equality in Pennsylvania and you are extremely qualified for this position, we are endorsing you. . . . " Read the full letter here.
Letter from Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, "The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Executive Council endorsed your candidacy for Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 1008 General Election." Read the letter here. Read the related press release (in pertinent part) here.
Letter from EMILY's List, "Enclosed is a check in the amount of $500 for your campaign . . . " Read the letter here.
EC Press Conference.
Candidate with supporter Barbara Thwaites, March 2008.
Candidate with Kim Hamilton in Webster's Bookstore Café, February 2008.
Candidate with Ed Perry, National Wildlife Federation, Global Warming Campaign, March 24, 2008.
PA NOW Presidents, Past and Current: Mses. Clavez, Sieger, Miller, Nancarrow, Smeal, Whitley, and Tosti-Vasey, October 13, 2007.
Candidates Nancy Schott (HD 109, Bloomsburg), Joanne Tosti-Vasey (HD 171, Centre County), Phyllis Bennett (HD 106, Dauphin county), and Judy Hirsch (SD 15, Dauphin County), May 6, 2008.
Joanne Tosti-Vasey and Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, June 6, 2008.
In the Bellefonte Cruise, June 12, 2008.
Driver of this Miata is Linda Jacka-Frantz.
History behind the Bellefonte Cruise: Several years ago, Bellefonte passed an ordinance disallowing cars to circle blocks in town. On the last evening before the ordinance
went into effect, many drivers decided to circle one last time, for fun and protest. They called it the "Last Cruise." They had so much fun that a group of volunteers has been sponsoring the "Last Cruise" annually ever since.
Now, over 10,000
people attend the cruise, show, and sock hop. Funds raised go toward community programs. This year, Bellefonte Cruise, Inc. will "provide student scholarship funds, giving students at Bellefonte High School the opportunity to extend their
education and pursue careers that could contribute to our growing community."
Information at http://www.bellefontecruise.org.
Joanne Tosti-Vasey in the Miata at the Bellefonte Cruise, with son Kenneth in the VW behind.
June 12, 2008.