Dem calls GOP freshman’s support for Planned Parenthood ‘opportunism’

Rep. Robert Dold’s (R-Ill.) support for Planned Parenthood is a “stunt,” Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) charged Tuesday.

Schakowsky criticized Dold’s record on women’s issues as she campaigned for his Democratic challenger, Brad Schneider. Dold’s district is the most heavily Democratic of any district held by a Republican.

Dold introduced a bill last week to protect Planned Parenthood’s federal funding, which Republicans have repeatedly attempted to cut off. And he was one of just seven House Republicans to vote against an amendment last year that would have de-funded Planned Parenthood.

Schakowsky, though, argued that Dold’s bill is insincere.

“This is just for Bob Dold to try to parade as a moderate … this is opportunism,” she said.

Despite Dold’s latest bill, he has voted for other proposals to restrict access to abortion. He cast at least three votes in favor of bills and amendments to prohibit Washington, D.C., from using its own tax revenues to help women obtain abortions.

One of those bills, a short-term continuing resolution, also would have eliminated federal funding for family planning — including funds for Planned Parenthood.

Schakowsky accused Dold of trying to “cloud” his record. Moreover, she said, a Republican majority will not take up bills like Dold’s pro-Planned Parenthood measure.

“I think it’s really important to understand that Bob Dold understands that if he is reelected, there is absolutely no chance — none, zero — that this legislation would go anywhere,” she said.

---