FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
May 10, 2010 |
NARAL Pro-Choice America Statement on Saltonstall's Withdrawal from Michigan House Race
Washington, D.C. – Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, issued the following statement regarding Connie Saltonstall's decision to withdraw from the race to succeed retiring anti-choice Rep. Bart Stupak in Michigan's 1st Congressional District.
"We are disappointed to see Connie exit this race. She was a strong candidate who garnered significant support in a short amount of time, and we believe she would have been an effective voice for families in the 1st District.
"What's equally disappointing is the perception that state-party insiders are playing a role in clearing the primary field for an anti-choice candidate. It is a sad day for Michiganders who value freedom and privacy when the Democratic Party reportedly backs a candidate like Gary McDowell, who voted to ban a safe abortion method, without exceptions—even in the cases of rape, incest, or to protect the woman's health.
"We expect some political observers to repeat the false claim that only a Democratic candidate like McDowell, with a record of hostility toward a woman's right to choose, could win this race. That premise is false. Just ask President Obama, Gov. Jennifer Granholm, and Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin—all of whom have defeated anti-choice opponents in this district.
"The Democratic Party in Michigan is giving pro-choice voters, who are essential to its successes in midterm elections, the impression that their support is being taken for granted. This includes the 11,905 pro-choice supporters NARAL Pro-Choice America has identified in this congressional district."
Contact:
Samantha Gordon, 202.973.3032
