The following press release was received by the Gazette and is reprinted here without editing or comment. We will provide space for press releases from all legitimate candidates for local public office.

Pro-Choice Organizations Rally To Bramson
Call Challenger “True Leader For Choice”

Press Release

( October 15, 2002) The National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League of New York State and Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Action Fund, Inc. have endorsed Noam Bramson in the race for the 91st Assembly District. Bramson had previously received the endorsement of the Westchester Coalition for Legal Abortion.

“Noam Bramson’s views are entirely consistent with those of NARAL/NY on issues related to women’s reproductive health,” said Kelli Conlin, Executive Director. “We believe that Noam will be a strong voice in the New York State Assembly and a true leader for choice. We look forward to helping Noam get elected in November.”

"We are pleased to offer our endorsement to Noam Bramson.” said Reina Schiffrin, President of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Action Fund, Inc., who noted that Bramson was “100% pro-choice.”

Reproductive rights have been an important point of contention in the race for the Assembly in the 91st District. Bramson, a long-time aide to Congresswoman Nita Lowey, opposes government interference in a woman’s right to choose. Incumbent Assemblyman Ron Tocci, by contrast, is the only member of the Westchester delegation to advocate an outright ban on certain abortion procedures, without any exception for a mother’s health. Recently, Tocci called his colleagues in the State and Congressional delegation “extremists” for their strong pro-choice views.

Tocci also landed in hot water shortly before the Democratic primary when he included quotes from various pro-choice organizations in his campaign literature. The groups in question protested that the quotes were unauthorized and taken out of context.

“I am honored to receive NARAL/NY’s and Planned Parenthood’s endorsements and will work in the Assembly to protect a woman’s right to choose, encourage responsible family planning, and improve reproductive health care,” said Bramson.

“The nearly universal support for my candidacy among pro-choice leaders makes the distinctions in this campaign crystal clear,” added Bramson. “Only one candidate can be relied upon to trust women and oppose government restrictions.”

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