Planned Parenthood

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.

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England has announced its endorsements of legislative candidates for this election cycle.

PPNNE is a registered political action committee with the state. As of July 23, the most recent data available, the fund had $4,421 in its coffer, and had spent $1,737 this year. A new report should be out this week.

Most of those endorsed are Democrats, with a few Republicans thrown in the mix. They are as follows: