Washington NARAL bucks national group, stays neutral

Today the National Abortion & Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL)'s Pro Choice America PAC endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his pro-choice record and the tenor of his candidacy.

"We are confident that Barack Obama is the candidate of the future. Americans are tired of the divisive politics of the last eight years, and will unite behind Obama in the fall. We look forward to working with a pro-choice Obama White House in January," said Nancy Keenan, the group's president who also praised Hillary Clinton's record. "Americans have been fortunate to have two fully pro-choice candidates in the race for the Democratic nomination. But only one can go forward to the general election.  It is truly historic for us to have these two outstanding candidates in the race."

However, the local affiliate here in Washington decided to stay neutral. Like the national chapter they also cited the strong support of both Democratic candidates, but instead used that logic to withhold an endorsement.

"American women would be well-served by either Clinton or Obama in the Oval Office," said Karen Cooper, the state's executive director in a press release.

Cooper also alluded to the fact that Clinton's work with Washington's senior Senator, Patty Murray, may have led to their decision to withhold an endorsement from Obama.

"Sen. Clinton has worked with our own Sen. Patty Murray to help make birth control more accessible for the women who need it," Cooper said. "She, like Sen. Obama, is a co-sponsor of the Federal Freedom of Choice Act, which would put the findings of Roe v. Wade into federal law.  Time and again, both Sens. Clinton and Obama have stood up for the right to privacy and the right to choose."