Planned Parenthood: It Was Unanimous

In a formal statement, Planned Parenthood is now confirming what we reported earlier.

The release is notable for its forceful language, which frames the Allen-Collins race as a crucial battleground in the fight to protect the rights and health of Maine women.

It opens by underscoring just how stark the choice was between the two candidates:

The national Planned Parenthood (PPAF) Action Fund board unanimously voted to endorse Congressman Tom Allen in his bid to unseat Senator Susan Collins.

The DC-based Planned Parenthood Action Fund--which focuses on federal elections--made their decision to endorse Allen following a unanimous vote by the Planned Parenthood of Northern New England Action Fund (PPNNE AF) board, the political and advocacy arm of the regional affiliate.

The language that follows, while focusing on Allen, can't be read as anything but a scathing rebuke to Collins:

We need a leader who will represent the interests of the thousands of Mainers served by Planned Parenthood...We need someone in the Senate who understands prevention and who will support quality, affordable health care...Planned Parenthood wholeheartedly agrees that Tom Allen is that leader."

And:

[Allen's] record proves he will support and protect a woman's right to make personal childbearing decisions...This election is absolutely pivotal for our organization and the people who count on us. We look forward to doing whatever we can to ensure the people of this state know who they can trust to protect their rights, protect our courts, and protect the health and safety of all Mainers."

The statement could obviously have been framed differently. It could have characterized the choice between the two candidates as difficult. Or tacked on a few kind, diplomatic words about Susan Collins and her 12 years in office.

That it does neither of these things speaks volumes about just how unfriendly Collins has been to family planning and health care access over the last six years.

Planned Parenthood's message is clear: Susan Collins isn't a leader; she doesn't support quality, affordable health care; and she can't be trusted to protect the rights of Mainers.

The question, now, is whether Mainers will hear that message. Or--more to the point--whether the Maine media will permit that message to be heard.