Mary Bono

“A successful businesswoman and well-known political leader, Congresswoman Mary Bono was hailed as the embodiment of powerful American womanhood by the Washington Times during her tenure in the United States House of Representatives.”

“My regret is that I would have brought to the organization, the angst and anger of my own story: a young aspiring gymnast who witnessed first-hand the assaulting behavior of a coach; watched peers who acquiesced in it move ahead while those who didn't were left behind, and myself stayed silent. ... I would have brought a fire in the belly to ensure that no one as taken with gymnastics as I was at that age, should have to choose between abuse and ambition, or between properly speaking out and promoting personal success.”

“My withdrawal comes in the wake of personal attacks that, left undefended, would have made my leading USAG a liability for the organization.”

“As Chair and CEO of Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse, I am happy to lend my voice to the important work underway.”