Science group eyes Dem candidates in Washington, Tennessee
A group focused on recruiting and training scientists to run for office is eyeing two more key House and Senate races as it plans to ramp up involvement in the 2018 midterms.
314 Action, named after the first three digits of pi, is closely watching the race for Rep. Dave Reicherts (R-Wash.) open seat and the Tennessee Senate race, which has garnered some national attention. But the group has yet to make endorsements in either race.
Former Gov. Phil Bredesen (D), who has a bachelors degree in physics, is running for the open seat in Tennessee. Hes seen as a top recruit for Democrats in a state that hasnt elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly 30 years.
In the race to fill Reicherts seat, the group is closely watching pediatrician Kim Schrier (D), whos running in a crowded primary for a seat in a district that Hillary Clinton carried by 3 points in 2016.
Schrier is the leading fundraiser in the 8-person Democratic primary. She has the backing of EMILYs List, which aims to elect women who support abortion rights to office.
314 Action founder Shaughnessy Naughton told The Hill that theres a greater realization among scientists that its not just somebody elses problem to deal with those wacky, anti-science politicians.
http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/366200-science-group-eyes-dem-candidates-in-washington-tennessee