NARAL backs Kerry in Senate race

NARAL Pro-Choice America, the women's advocacy group dedicated to fighting for abortion rights, endorsed U.S. Sen. Sen. John Kerry (D-Boston)John Kerry's (D-Boston) reelection campaign Tuesday, bolstering the senator's abortion rights credentials.

"Sen. Kerry is a visible and effective advocate for a woman's right to choose," said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL. "His leadership is critical in such a closely divided Senate where choice-related votes are often won or lost by one vote."

Kerry has staunchly supported abortion rights throughout his political career. His voting record has consistently received a 100 percent from NARAL.

"I am honored to have the endorsement of NARAL, one of the nation's leading advocates for women's rights," Kerry said. "Throughout my 24 years in the U.S. Senate...I have always been proud to have the support of NARAL. I'm proud of the fights we've fought together, and I am looking forward to a time when the rights of women are no longer under assault in this country."

Kerry is currently in a primary race against Gloucester attorney Ed O'Reilly and a general election race against Republican Jeff Beatty.

In particular, Keenan commended Kerry for fighting the confirmation of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court. "We faced long odds at the time...but Sen. Kerry reinforced the threat Alito posed to our constitutional right to privacy. Even with President Obama in the White House, we will need Sen. Kerry to help shepherd good nominees through the Senate."

Kerry added that he looks forward to the next Congress because he believes the Democratic majority in both chambers will expand in November.

"Come November," Kerry added, "we'll have a bigger, stronger Democratic majority in Congress and a Democratic president, and together we can all continue to work and fight for progress that's long overdue."