With the November elections on the horizon, Planned Parenthood is funneling $40 million into key battleground states to bolster President Biden and leading Democrats. This aggressive strategy aims to harness voter outrage over Republican-led abortion restrictions, potentially tipping the scales in critical races across the nation.
Planned Parenthood’s $40 Million Election Investment
Planned Parenthood plans to invest $40 million before November’s elections, aiming to support President Joe Biden and key congressional Democrats. This strategy banks on voter frustration over Republican efforts to tighten abortion access, potentially swaying crucial races nationwide.
Targeting Key States for Election Influence
The organization will focus on eight states, including Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where Biden seeks to maintain his 2020 wins. Additionally, they aim to flip North Carolina and influence races in Montana, New Hampshire, and New York to shape Senate and House control.
Multi-Channel Voter Engagement Efforts
Their approach involves a mix of volunteer and paid canvassing, phone banking, and advertising across digital, TV, and mail platforms. This comprehensive outreach aims to effectively engage voters on critical issues.
Abortion as the Central Election Message
Jenny Lawson, the executive director of Planned Parenthood Votes, emphasized that abortion will be the pivotal message this election. This focus is seen as the key to mobilizing voters and securing victories.
Historical Context of Planned Parenthood’s Spending
This $40 million plan is significant, though not a record for the group, which spent $45 million in 2020 and $50 million in the 2022 midterms. Their spending reflects ongoing efforts to influence key political outcomes.
Impact of the Supreme Court’s Ruling on Roe v. Wade
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Planned Parenthood has increased its financial support for abortion-related contests. This decision, two years ago, has intensified their advocacy efforts.
The Ongoing Political Battle Over Abortion
Jenny Lawson noted the escalating challenges posed by anti-abortion politicians. The situation has worsened in the years following the Supreme Court’s decision.
Shifts in Abortion Politics Post-Ruling
Abortion remains a critical political issue, though the landscape has shifted since the Supreme Court ruling. Many Republican-led states have enacted stricter abortion laws, including complete bans at all pregnancy stages.
Voters Back Abortion Rights in Key States
In a significant development, voters in seven states, including California, Michigan, and Vermont, have supported abortion rights on recent ballot measures. Surprisingly, even traditionally conservative states like Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, and Ohio joined in siding with abortion-rights advocates.
Upcoming Abortion Referendums in Battleground States
This November, several states, including battlegrounds like Arizona and Nevada, will have abortion referendums on their ballots. Florida, a former presidential bellwether, will also vote on an abortion initiative, with hopes of increased turnout to narrow the Republican margin.
Pro-Life Group’s $92 Million Campaign
SBA Pro-Life America has announced a $92 million campaign to target voters in eight key battleground states. These states include Arizona, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Montana, and Georgia.
Local Advocacy Campaigns by Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood’s local advocacy groups are gearing up for campaigns in states such as California, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio. These efforts aim to bolster support ahead of the November elections.
Focus on Down-Ballot Races
Planned Parenthood is also targeting down-ballot races, such as aiding Democrats in achieving a supermajority in the Nevada statehouse. They are opposing two Arizona state supreme court justices who supported enforcing an 1864 law criminalizing nearly all abortions, which has since been repealed by the state legislature.
Supporting Abortion Access Infrastructure
Lindsey Harmon, executive director for Nevada Advocates for Planned Parenthood Affiliates PAC, emphasized the need for comprehensive support. She highlighted the importance of not only voting for ballot initiatives but also maintaining the infrastructure that ensures abortion access.
