Planned Parenthood backs Schneider over Dold in Illinois 10

Freshman Rep. Brad Schneider D-Ill. is picking up an important endorsement on Wednesday, winning the backing of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, the political offshoots of Planned Parenthood. Not all endorsements are equal and this one is noteworthy because the Planned Parenthood Action Fund did not endorse in 2012, when Schneider was challenging then Rep. Bob Dold R-Ill.

Now Dold and Schneider are in a rematch battle for the north suburban 10th congressional district seat, turf where the many issues associated with female reproductive health and choice are of interest to the voters. While both Schneider and Dold support abortion rights, they each have a one-term voting record–and Schneider scored 100 percent on the Planned Parenthood 2014 scorecard of votes on their most important legislation.

“Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to endorse Congressman Brad Schneider, a true leader for women,” Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund said in a statement. “Congressman Schneider has remained unwavering in his support for women’s access to quality health care, and we need more leaders like him who will stand up for women’s health and speak out against extreme efforts to reduce women’s rights.”

Schneider said in a statement, “I am very honored to receive Planned Parenthood’s early endorsement. I am proud of my 100 percent pro-choice record and remain committed to supporting women’s health and access to critical health care services in Congress.”