It was perhaps the unkindest cut of all: Sandra Fluke, described by Politico as a “women’s health activist,” lost her bid for a seat in the Senate of blue, blue California.
Politico’s Kendall Breitman dolefully notes:
Fluke, a Democrat who rose to prominence after conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh called her a “slut” for asking that religious institutions cover birth control and abortions, lost to Democrat Ben Allen in California’s 26th District.
In fairness to Limbaugh, Breitman mischaracterizes his reason for his branding Fluke as a slut. It had nothing to do with her policies but was based on her self-described contraceptive use, which at the time sounded excessive for anyone who did not make a living om his back.
If there is a bright side to Fluke’s loss, it is that her campaign raised over $1 million. If there is anything to tarnish that bright note, it is the fact that even California found Fluke beneath the task of governing.