Political Buzz - Washington NARAL Not OK with Obama endorsement

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Wednesday, May 14th, 2008

Washington NARAL Not OK with Obama endorsement

Posted by Peter Callaghan @ 05:24:46 pm

Karen Cooper is the longtime executive director of the Washington state affiliate of NARAL, the National Abortion Rights Action League.

She sent a message out Wednesday to supporters, taking issue with the decision of the group's national Pro-Choice America PAC to endorse Barack Obama. It's not that the state group dislikes Obama, it is just that it thinks an endorsement now is an insult to Hillary Clinton. Both candidates have 100 percent voting records on abortion rights.

As you may have heard, today NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC announced its endorsement of U.S. Senator Barack Obama for president. I wanted to let all of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington's supporters know the story behind the endorsement.

None of us here, myself included, knew about it until a phone call this morning from D.C., and at that point it was a done deal. To be clear, we at NARAL Pro-Choice Washington remain neutral in the race between Senators Clinton and Obama. We strongly disagree with NARAL Pro-Choice America's decision to endorse at this time.

Both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama are 100% pro-choice and have been vocal advocates for the right to choose. Both are co-sponsors of the Federal Freedom of Choice Act, which would put the protections of the Roe v. Wade into federal law. To endorse Obama at this point in the race is an unconscionable slap in the face to Senator Hillary Clinton.

Furthermore, I want to make sure you know there is no transfer of funds between our affiliate and NARAL Pro-Choice America. We are separate entities. As I write this to you, our Board of Directors is planning a meeting to discuss our affiliate's next steps. We will keep you updated on what we decide.

Please read our press release on the endorsement. Thank you, Karen S. Cooper Executive Director

Categories: Campaign news, President

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