Illinois NOW head goes overboard in Clinton endorsement

[BeyondGeography]

Illinois NOW for Clinton, with a swipe at Obama
by Jill Zuckman

The biting attacks between the Democratic candidates for president are now extending to the very constituencies likely to have worked with and supported all of them at one time or another. Today, Illinois NOW endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton for president."She is, after all, our native sister," said Bonnie Grabenhofer, president of Illinois NOW in a statement on the group's website. "We know from her record and in her heart she will be there for us."

But Illinois NOW was not content to leave it at that. Grabenhofer also took a serious swipe at Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), denigrating his record on women's rights in the state Senate. "When we needed someone to take a stand, Senator Obama took a pass," said Grabenhofer, criticizing him for voting 'present' on many key votes. "He wasn't there for us then and we don't expect him to be now."

That, say other advocates of women's rights, is unfair and unfortunate. "There's never been a problem with Sen. Obama. It's really a shame," said Lorna Brett, a Clinton supporter and former president of Chicago NOW.

Brett and other women's rights and abortion rights advocates say they often asked lawmakers to vote present as part of a larger legislative strategy. "In this case, I think both candidates are committed to choice and I hate to see the pro-choice community cannibalize itself on this issue,'' said Brett. "If either candidate wins, the pro-choice community is in good hands."

Steve Trombley, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood/Chicago Action, said there's a reason his organization has endorsed Obama throughout his political career. "Senator Obama has been a consistent supporter of reproductive rights while in the legislature and we worked closely with him in developing and implementing legislative strategies to protect the rights of women in Illinois."...

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2007/12/illinois_now_for_clinton_with.html

[rinsd]

1. Has anyone figured out yet how many Democrats followed the present vote strategy?

Also why would Obama need the political cover of a present vote since he was in a relatively safe seat?

[Connie_Corleone]

2. Can't they endorse a candidate without getting all nasty about it?

When you have a Clinton supporter and other pro-choice advocates contradicting Grabenhofer, it just makes her look like an idiot.

[K Gardner]

5. Evidently not. Just look at this board. HRC supporters are a different breed entirely. n/t

[Renew Deal]

3. Someone called in a favor.

This was obviously called in today. It's meant to reinforce some idea that Obama doesn't show up. Actually, he was doing the right thing for women and people that support NOW.

[BeyondGeography]

4. Agreed...Grabenhofer took one for the team

Hope it was worth it to her.

[ronnykmarshall]

6. yeah that's it.

More piles of shit being shoveled.

[Nailzberg]

7. NOW had no problem with Lisa Madigan voting present in the assembly!

If Obama's votes are such a big issue for IL NOW, why did they endorse Madigan for AG? She voted present on many of those same bills when she and Obama served in the state senate?