SCOTUS nominations cause pro-choice group to switch allegiance, support Allen

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England today endorsed U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Portland) in his bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Bangor). The group had endorsed Collins in 2002.

Chris Quint, director of public affairs for the group, told PolitickerME.com that they switched allegiance because of Collins’ support of recently appointed Supreme Court justices.

These new justices -- Sam Alito and John Roberts – voted to uphold a ban on late-term abortions. This became a key issue for Planned Parenthood, who then looked twice at Collins for supporting the two justices in nomination hearings.

Prior to 2002, Quint said she had a 100 percent pro-choice voting record. “She changed in her action on Supreme Court justices who say it’s ok to ignore the constitution,” Quint said.

If there is a John McCain administration, Quint said, it is likely that more pro-life justices will come up for appointment. Allen, Quint said, is “a leader who acknowledges the significance of the judiciary at every level.”

The group has consistently endorsed Allen in his Congressional reelection bids. Quint said Allen will also support comprehensive sexual health education, protect a woman’s right to choose and invest in prevention programs such as family planning services and cervical cancer screenings.

PPNNE recently endorsed 1st Congressional District candidate Chellie Pingree (D-North Haven) in her race against Charlie Summers (R-Scarborough). Although Summers is pro-choice, Quint said Pingree is the better person to stand up for women’s health issues.

The group denied Pingree the endorsement in 2002 when she ran against Collins. Quint said it is group policy to support the incumbent if he or she has a 100 percent voting record by their standards, which Collins did have at the time.

Quint said Planned Parenthood will not make an endorsement in the 2nd Congressional District, where Rep. Mike Michaud (D-East Millinocket) is running for reelection against challenger John Frary (R-Farmington).

Frary, Quint said, did not return the group’s questionnaire, and Michaud’s “record on abortion access is not where we’d like it.”