AK-Gov: Planned Parenthood Votes endorses Mark Begich for Alaska governor

Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii have officially endorsed Democratic candidate Mark Begich in Alaska's gubernatorial race, according to a Thursday report by The Midnight Sun.

What are the details?

The outlet reported that the organization made its official endorsement announcement Thursday, two days after Begich touted the endorsement on Facebook.

Jessica Cler, the Alaska public affairs manager for Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii, said, "Begich is a champion for reproductive health and rights, and Planned Parenthood Votes is proud to support his run for Governor of Alaska."

"As we lead the charge against attacks on health care access and reproductive rights, we know Begich will stand strong in his leadership on important issues for women and families," Cler added.

On Tuesday, Begich wrote, "As the only pro-choice candidate running for Governor, I am honored to receive the endorsement of Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest & Hawaii."

"Governors will become the last line of defense to protect women from the extremist attacks we continue to see from Washington, D.C.," Begich added. "As Governor, I will fight every day – as I always have – to uphold a woman’s fundamental right to make her own health care decisions."

It hardly seems surprising that the organization would endorse Begich, who has been a vocal supporter of allowing women the freedom of "choice."

In May, Begich tweeted, "Once again, old white men are telling women what they can or can't do with their bodies. The government not allowing doctors to tell women their health choices when pregnant is outrageous. Where are our state leaders?"

Once again, old white men are telling women what they can or can't do with their bodies. The government not allowing doctors to tell women their health choices when pregnant is outrageous. Where are our state leaders? https://t.co/guu2UdYH56

— Mark Begich (@MarkBegich) May 23, 2018

Cler retweeted Begich's sentiment.

What about the governor's race?

A new poll from Patinkin Research has Alaskan incumbent Gov. Bill Walker (I), who is seeking a second term, improving his standing in the hotly contested race.

Others in the race include Begich, former Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, and former Republican state Sen. Mike Dunleavy.

A previous poll, presented by the Alaska Correctional Officers Association and conducted by Alaska Survey Research, had Walker at a position of “distant third” in the race for governor. The latest poll shows him coming in second behind Dunleavy, but ahead of Begich.

The poll did not test a hypothetical three-way matchup among Walker, Begich, and Treadwell.

The general election in November will be a three-way race between Walker, Begich (D), and an as-yet determined Republican. The GOP primary is slated on Aug. 21.

You can read more about the other gubernatorial candidates here.

Where do the other candidates fall on the pro-life, pro-choice spectrum?

Treadwell is pro-life. Dunleavy is pro-life. Walker is also pro-life.