GOP Senator In Vulnerable Seat Vows: ‘I Will Defend Planned Parenthood’
Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) says his vote on Title X funding was aimed to give states more flexibility in how to spend federal money.
The Hill:
Vulnerable GOP Senator: 'No Problems' With Planned Parenthood Funding
Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) said Monday during a combative town hall that he supports federal funding for Planned Parenthood. "I have no problems with federal funding for Planned Parenthood," Heller said when asked about his support for the health organization. The GOP senator was booed when he initially appeared to hedge his answer on whether or not he supports federal funding for Planned Parenthood. (Carney, 4/17)
Politico Pro:
Heller Voices Support For Planned Parenthood Funding
Heller is a key swing vote on Planned Parenthood funding because the Senate vote margin is razor thin on the issue. His comments suggest he may be open to keeping federal funding. “The question is whether federal funding should cover some of the activities that occur in Planned Parenthood,” Heller said to boos from the crowd. “I don’t know if we’re going to agree on everything here, but a lot of my constituents called my office and said they don’t want federal funding at Planned Parenthood to be used for…” he said, appearing to trail off. (Haberkorn, 4/17)
Meanwhile, in Ohio —
Cincinnati Enquirer:
Planned Parenthood And Nazis: Lawmaker Makes The Comparison
State Rep. Candice Keller, R-Middletown, posted an image comparing the Planned Parenthood logo to a swastika on her public page. Keller, who serves as executive director of the Community Pregnancy Center in Middletown, is unabashedly anti-abortion and opposes Planned Parenthood, which provides abortions along with other health care services. (Balmert, 4/17)
