NARAL

Yes we CAN!: Close-up of the giveaways offered by pro-choice group NARAL during the 2008 Democratic National Convention. (click to enlarge)Anyone who has ever gone to a political convention knows that swag definitely isn't in short supply.

But even Pittsburgh Post-Gazette cartoonist Rob Rogers was amazed when he came across a unique giveaway just before a delegation breakfast; a can by the pro-choice group NARAL labeled, "Yes We CAN!"

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.

The campaign for Gov. Chris Gregoire held a press conference today with a number of what they called "progressive leaders" from across the state to denounce the BIAW-sponsored billboards that accuse the Seattle area of stealing the 2004 election. The billboards are meant to look just like normal Rossi signs, but are not paid for by the campaign.

The Rossi campaign hit back, too, hinting that the event showed that her re-election was more important to Gregoire than the job of governing. They also knocked the state Democratic Party for their own ads.

Today the National Abortion & Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL)'s Pro Choice America PAC endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his pro-choice record and the tenor of his candidacy.

However, the local affiliate here in Washington decided to stay neutral. Like the national chapter they also cited the strong support of both Democratic candidates, but instead used that logic to withhold an endorsement, perhaps because of Hillary Clinton's connection to Sen. Patty Murray.

Donna Edwards finished the quarter with a healthy $236,000 reserve, and not surprisingly, several of Al Wynn’s big money supporters have found their way into Edwards’ financial reports this quarter.