abortion

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.

Abortion became a subject for the talking heads when news broke that U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) might go with a pro-choice running mate.

In reality, however, Mainers are much more concerned with energy costs and the economy, sources say.

Palin is pro-life, and chose to have a disabled child, making it a hard point for the Democrats to drive home.