Planned Parenthood today announced an unprecedented campaign to turn out pro-choice voters and elect pro-choice candidates in the 2008 elections, calling the effort the "One Million Strong" campaign. The organization is committing $10 million to the campaign, which will promote voter turnout through door-to-door canvassing and fund political advertisements for candidates.
"To keep our doors open," PPFA president Cecile Richards says, "it's clear that we need to step into the electoral arena."
"Our patients rely on us to advocate for their health care," Richards adds, suggesting that having a voice in the upcoming election was a natural extension of Planned Parenthood's mission. She said the organization would emphasize "linking elections to direct services for patients."
Planned Parenthood's investment matches NARAL Pro-Choice America's $10 million commitment in the general election. In 2004, Planned Parenthood made the first presidential political endorsement in the organization's history, endorsing Sen. John Kerry for President. This election cycle marks the organization's most significant commitment of resources yet to electing pro-choice candidates.
The Wall Street Journal puts Planned Parenthood's campaign in context of the increasing involvement of advocacy groups from across the political spectrum in the 2008 presidential campaign.
