SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) The former Georgetown University law student who gained national attention for being denied a chance to testify in Congress for health plan contraception coverage and then was subjected to degrading comments by radio host Rush Limbaugh is hoping to make public policy of her own.
Sandra Fluke is running as a first-time candidate for a seat in California's state Senate to represent some of the most affluent communities of Los Angeles County, a district that stretches from the Hollywood Hills to the Palos Verdes peninsula.
In a district where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1, Fluke is campaigning on an agenda that includes subsidized early education, greater environmental protection, expanded public transit and public matching funds for political campaigns, not to mention her advocacy of women's rights.
Fluke said she saw an opportunity "to grab that microphone and make use of it" after she was thrust into the spotlight two years ago.
She drew attention in February 2012 after congressional Republicans denied her a chance to testify about wanting her college health plan to cover birth control. After she spoke to a panel of Democratic lawmakers, Limbaugh compared her to a prostitute. He later apologized.
Fluke is a social justice attorney who represents victims of human trafficking and domestic violence and also does nonprofit advocacy. She lives with her husband, writer and producer Adam Mutterperl, in West Hollywood.
She's been endorsed by EMILY's List, Planned Parenthood and California NOW.
MORE: Sandra Fluke Seeks Wider Influence In California
Good luck, Sandra! Your credentials are most impressive. Thank you for being an intelligent voice of reason. I would vote for you if I could. Best wishes!
