NARAL Makes Endorsements

Citing an “assault on reproductive rights” by national politicians, NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut’s political action arm has endorsed a slate of Democrats running for statewide and legislative office.

The group endorsed almost of the Democrats seeking constitutional office: gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont and his running mate, Susan Bysiewicz; Secretary of the State Denise Merrill; Comptroller Kevin Lembo; and William Tong, who is running for attorney general.

The group did not endorse Shawn Wooden, the Democratic nominee for state treasurer, because the treasurer’s portfolio is largely limited to fiscal matters, said Sarah Croucher, NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut’s executive director. She noted that NARAL’s political action committee also did not endorse in the state treasurer’s race in 2014.

The group also endorsed dozens of Democrats running for the House and Senate. Although some prominent Republicans support abortion rights and are opposed to setting new limits on the procedure, they did not win NARAL’s backing this year.

“This year, the importance of pro-choice politicians at the state level truly matters more than ever before,” said Dolly Haddad, president of NARAL’s Connecticut political action committee. “We are so proud to have endorsed so many strongly pro-choice politicians who will fight for all of our rights here in Connecticut. Our goal is to work toward the strongest protections in the nation for reproductive freedom, where every individual in our state, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, immigration or economic status, can access the reproductive healthcare they need.”

Croucher said the group also considered a candidate’s stance on economic issues, such as the minimum wage and paid family and medical leave.