Justice for women

We read your Oct. 25 editorial endorsing Jane Melvin Orie for Supreme Court. You state that she and Jack Panella are equally qualified. Then you endorse Judge Melvin because she "would strike a small but important blow for gender balance." A good thought, but it doesn't do women any good to put women on the bench who would vote against their rights.

Despite Ms. Orie's gender, Judge Jack Panella is the better qualified and better candidate for women and families. Based on our interview, we believe he is in full support of NOW's positions including reproductive rights, economic equality for women, civil rights for all, constitutional equality for women, affirmative action and the elimination of violence against women. He will be a justice who serves all women and Pennsylvanians with fairness and integrity. Ms. Orie's record doesn't show this support for women's rights and concerns.

That is why we chose the man over the woman. Gender is important but shouldn't be the only reason for an endorsement. Vote for Jack Panella; he is the candidate for equality.

JOANNE TOSTI-VASEY

Chair, Pennsylvania NOW PAC

Bellefonte, Pa.