Scott Powers
Another major progressive politics organization, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, has given its endorsement to Democratic U.S. Rep. Darren Soto over his predecessor Democratic former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson who is trying to challenge him from the progressive wing in this year’s primary.
Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the political action arm of Planned Parenthood, noted that Soto has long held the organization’s highest rating. In a press release issued by Soto’s re-election campaign, the fund called Soto, “a strong supporter of women’s health,” adding that it is confident he “will continue to be a dedicated advocate for Planned Parenthood health centers and the people they serve.”
Soto and Grayson square off August 28 in the Democratic primary for CD 9, which covers south Orange County, Osceola County, and east Polk County. The winner gets Republican St. Cloud businessman Wayne Liebnitzky in the general election.
Soto’s campaign contends that he has fought for reproductive rights for years, noting that he supported the opening of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Kissimmee, is a member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, and, while in the Florida Senate, led the charge against a 24-hour waiting period law, helping get it declared unconstitutional. He also was outspoken in defending Planned Parenthood against Republican attacks.
Grayson was involved in many of those stances as well, and had received Planned Parenthood Action Fund endorsements in the past.
