NOW backs Soto for Congress

The National Organization for Women PAC endorsed U.S. Rep. Darren Soto in his Democratic primary race against Alan Grayson.

NOW Political Director Linda Berg cited Soto’s “dedication to feminist issues” in making the endorsement.

“It is a special honor to have earned the endorsement of this great organization and the support of so many NOW members,” Soto said in a statement, saying he has “successfully fought to give victims of sexual assault in Florida more time to report their attackers and get justice, and to stop Florida from implementing a 24-hour waiting period for abortion.”

He also cited his work in Congress to pass two provisions to help victims of military sexual assault, including one to help with treatment for PTSD.

The campaign statement ends, saying, “Darren Soto is the only candidate in this race who respects and advocates for women, and is endorsed by NOW and Planned Parenthood.”

The statement about respecting women references last week’s Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida debate, when Soto referred to Grayson’s past comments calling Lolita Grayson, the mother of his children, a “gold-digger” and said he was the only candidate “who respects women and gives them the dignity they deserve.”

Grayson, in response, referred to Soto’s past votes as a Florida state representative for bills to define a fetus as an “unborn child” and mandate transvaginal ultrasounds, which he has also brought attention to via flyers.

Soto said at the debate those were “votes that were 10 years ago that I regret.”

The District 9 Democratic primary is Aug. 28.