Curran gets Planned Parenthood's backing in county exec race

Three women’s rights organizations have endorsed County Legislator Laura Curran, a Baldwin Democrat, for county executive, including Planned Parenthood of Nassau County Action Fund Political Committee, the National Institute for Reproductive Health Political Action Committee and the National Organization for Women of Nassau County.

At an Aug. 24 press conference at the Roslyn Long Island Rail Road station, representatives from each group said that Curran would protect reproductive health rights and ensure women are represented in the county.

“We are confident that she won’t back down in the face of anti-choice extremism,” said Andrea Miller, president of the National Institute for Reproductive Health Political Action Committee, referring to President Donald J. Trump and his Republican administration's antipathy toward federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

JoAnn Smith, the treasurer of Planned Parenthood of Nassau County Action Fund Political Committee, said that Curran “is committed to creating inclusive policies that ensure that women and families in Nassau County are able to access the health care they need and deserve.”

Julia Fenster, the co-president of the National Organization for Women of Nassau County, said, “With the federal government actively trying to restrict our rights and the New York State Senate unwilling to take action, we need strong local leaders like Laura more than ever.”

Curran expressed gratitude to be given support form each organization. She shared that NOW played a part in her childhood, when her mother was an active member. When Curran was growing up in Florida in the 1970s, the two attended a rally with NOW in support of the Equal Rights Amendment, which aimed to end legal distinctions between men and women in terms of divorce and employment, she said.

“And here we are, it’s like full circle,” Curran said, gesturing to Fenster.

Curran faces County Comptroller George Maragos, who changed parties from Republican to Democrat last year, in the fall primary. Jack Martins, a former state senator and mayor of Mineola, has the Republican nod to replace County Executive Ed Mangano.

The state primary will be held on Sept. 12.