preview

Monica Wehby Essay

Decent Essays

On Mondays, Monica Wehby takes a break from campaigning to revisit her recent work routine: brain surgery. Wehby, a Portland pediatric neurosurgeon challenges Democratic incumbent Sen. Jeff Merkley for Oregon’s junior seat in the U.S. Senate. If she wins, Wehby will be Oregon’s second women in the Senate in nearly 50 years. But playing in a field dominated by men is familiar ground for Wehby. After graduating top of her class from Baylor College of Medicine in Texas she continued to be the first woman to enroll and graduate from UCLA’s neurosurgery program. Of the more than 30 doctors running for Congress this upcoming election, Wehby is among the few female physician-candidates. Obamacare, Wehby’s campaign issue of choice, has commanded her imagge she decided to run last fall. Her campaign slogan, “Keep your doctor, change your Senator” has kept the interest of Oregonians, according to recent polls, who have …show more content…

9, Wehby’s campaign took a pivot after releasing an ad disclosing her support of gay marriage. Oregon’s gay rights poster child Ben West endorsed Wehby in the ad declaring that “she’ll fight for every Oregon family, including mine.” West and his now husband were one of four couples who sued the state of Oregon for violating their rights to marry. The three other couples endorsed Merkley hours after the ad launched. Wehby is the first Republican candidate to include a gay family in a political ad in history. Wehby has joined the Republican movement toward combatting Democrats on their issues territory. While she was critized about her views during the primary, her liberal leaning support of social issues has maintained her success in the polls. Among her beliefs of gay marriage, Wehby has been outspoken about her support of over-the-counter birth control, abortion, and helping immigrants achieve legal

Get Access