For Immediate Release

5/20/08

Dr. Elizabeth Allemann withdraws from State Senate Race

Citing professional, family, and personal reasons, Elizabeth Allemann, MD, has announced that she has withdrawn from the race for the democratic nomination for State Senate in the 19th district.

A local family physician for over 20 years, Dr. Allemann has been an advocate for health care freedom and for the health of women and children.  She has been most publicly vocal about the need to change Missouri’s archaic laws restricting the practice of midwifery, but she’s been a fierce advocate as well for the removal of barriers to breastfeeding, for the rights of families to make health care decisions for their babies and children, for the dissemination of honest information regarding infant circumcision, infant sleep, routine vaccination, and the use of antibiotics for minor childhood illnesses.  Dr. Allemann has been interested in the factors that lead to health and illness, which leads her to define preventative health care as “clean water, clean air, nourishing food, joyful activity, meaningful work, safe communities, and peaceful families.”

“I was excited about the opportunity to bring the voice of the people to the legislature, to bring my advocacy experience with health care to the political realm.  We had begun an exciting grass roots campaign and it is with gratefulness and sadness that I realized I just couldn’t do it all”

Dr. Allemann isn’t done with politics, though.  “There are some very exciting and compelling races going on in Mid Missouri and I’m sure I’ll be a part of a few of them”

She’ll continue serving as the medical director of Columbia Community Birth Center and working in her own private practice.  “As time allows, I’m sure I’ll be knocking on doors, stuffing envelopes, attending events.  I have a lot to learn about the political process.”

Attached:  Dr. Allemann’s withdrawal speech.

Hello, Welcome

My name is Elizabeth Allemann and today, I am withdrawing from the race for Missouri Senate in the 19th district.

I am filled with sadness to be leaving the race.  I am leaving because I just can’t do it all.  My practice, the birth center, my family, and myself all need more of me than will accommodate a Senate race at this time. The events of the last 48 hours have brought my priorities into stark clarity.  I had the privilege of being at the side of a woman for 24 hours as she brought forth her first born with such courage, cheerfulness, and patience that it took my breath away.  It is so obvious to me that this is my most important work:  helping women to birth powerfully, peacefully, and in the manner they choose.  I still think that serving in the Senate would be a great honor. But this is not my race, this is not my year.

I am filled with gratefulness as I leave the race.  

 The support I have received from family, friends, and new acquaintances has been breathtaking.  I owe you all more than I can ever repay.  Specifically, I would like to thank Ginny Chadwick for arranging this event today--if you need an event coordinated, Ginny is the one to call.  thank you Ginny.  I am also very grateful to Arianna Parsons for serving as my personal assistant and community coordinator.  I know the next person who is privileged to be her employer will be as impressed as I have been.  Tammy Jones has served as a campaign manager as her busy schedule allowed--her patience in explaining to me how political campaigns actually work has been nothing short of saintly. Kent Froeschle who served as treasurer.  This is a big job, full of paper work and little glory.    And for all the people who gave me advice, introduced me to their friends, made phone calls for me, I can’t thank you enough.  Every financial contribution I have received has touched my heart.  

Another reason I feel grateful is I have loved politics more than I expected.  Meeting new people, discussing ideas, making connections, beginning to understand the process has been exciting and invigorating.  I have been graciously and enthusiastically received. 

 I have long held a passion for the reform of the maternity care system in this state and this country and I was looking forward to serving this mission in a new role.  In addition I was looking forward to working on other issues that matter to me:  preventative health care-- By that, I mean first clean water, clean air, healthy foods, joyful activity, meaningful work, peaceful communities.   Strong Public Health.  Restoring Medicaid, Expanding mental health care, Health care freedom, 

It is a strange thing to do--announce a withdrawal at a kick-off party.  It was tempting to wait until tomorrow, but I am aware that the deadline to withdraw is Tuesday to keep my name from appearing on the ballot.   There is much to celebrate--not a Senate race,but we are here together,  we have great food, great wine, great music, great company and a lovely day.  

Thank you all for coming.  Thank you for your support.  Enjoy the food and the drinks and the music and the day.