After touting the endorsement of a well-known hate group, Ron DeSantis announced the support of Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, who is heading the House special committee investigating Planned Parenthood. DeSantis not only voted to establish the committee, but also has a long history of attacking the women’s health organization, voting to defund it five times.
Along with the Family Research Council and Congresswoman Blackburn, DeSantis supporters include rightwing organizations like the Club for Growth, Tea Party Express, FreedomWorks, and Senate Conservative Fund. Meanwhile, Congressman David Jolly who is also running in the GOP primary but has far less endorsements has been trying to gain ground by emphasizing his agreement with Donald Trump.
“The Florida Republican Senate primary has quickly become an all-out race to the right, with Ron DeSantis getting more members in his fringe, rightwing fan club and David Jolly touting his similarities to Trump,” said Lauren Passalacqua, DSCC National Press Secretary. “They’re pulling this crowded Republican primary to the farthest extreme of their party, making sure that whoever who emerges as the party’s nominee won’t have a chance with Florida’s general election voters.”
BACKGROUND
DESANTIS VOTED TO DEFUND PLANNED PARENTHOOD AT LEAST FIVE TIMES
September 2015: DeSantis Voted Five Times To Bar Use Of Funds For Planned Parenthood:
- DeSantis Voted For Concurrent Resolution To Bar Use Of Funds For Planned Parenthood. [CQ, 9/30/15; H.Con.Res. 79, Vote 527, 9/30/15]
- DeSantis Voted To Advance Concurrent Resolution That Would Bar Use Of Funds For Planned Parenthood. [CQ,9/30/15; H.Res. 448, Vote 525, 9/30/15]