MSNBC: Conservative group: Obama wants shutdown to support Planned Parenthood

This post first appeared online at NBC’s First Read on April 8, 2011.

Conservative group: Obama wants shutdown to support Planned Parenthood
Domenico Montanaro

There has been disagreement among Democrats and Republicans over what the actual sticking points are on cutting a deal before a potential government shutdown tonight at midnight.

Democrats say it’s all about ideology — for extraneous funding measures, particularly for Planned Parenthood. Republicans publicly say it’s still about the overall level of spending, though they don’t disagree that both sides haven’t found agreement over Planned Parenthood funding.

Well, now the conservative, anti-abortion-rights group, Susan B. Anthony List put out a statement, charging that President Obama wants “to shut down government to keep Planned Parenthood running.”

“The President has singled out Planned Parenthood, a significant financial and political supporter for special attention and protection,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the group. “It is extraordinary that the President sees federal funding for the nation’s number one abortion provider as more important than paychecks for federal workers and funding for our military. When is the question going to be asked of President Obama and Senator Harry Reid, ‘Why is it reasonable to shut down the government in order to protect Planned Parenthood?'”

The group will hold a conference call at 3:00 pm ET to press their case.

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