AURORA -- GOP candidate Jim Oberweis made one of his first campaign commitments immediately after announcing his bid to represent the 14th CD, even as supporters were departing from Oberweis Dairy's main plant in Aurora.
"I'm prolife, and I absolutely will work to defund Planned Parenthood if I'm elected to Congress," Oberweis said.
Oberweis did not mention the abortion issue in his announcement speech, but referred to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's values as "out of touch with mainstream America." Pelosi is backed by abortion advocates.
Oberweis, who has been questioned about his pro-life views in previous campaigns, wanted no doubt concerning his views on abortion this time around. Five years ago, when running for U.S. Senate, on an impromptu radio talk show, he compared staunch prolife activists to the Taliban. Since then, his position on abortion has been questioned periodically by prolife advocates.
Oberweis, an Aurora area resident, said he too was concerned about Planned Parenthood building one of the nation's largest abortion clinics in his own 14th CD. He said he was pleased to see such a large number of pro-life activists over the weekend, protesting the opening of a clinic located Eola Road and New York Street, a main business intersection on the city's east side.
"It was amazing how many people were out there on a Saturday morning," he said about the protestors, estimated at 1200. "I was out there giving out lemonade and ice cream. It was encouraging to see so many."
Fellow GOP 14th CD candidate State Senator Chris Lauzen also participated in the protest.
Planned Parenthood receives funding from three different sources: one-third from private donations, one-third from PP clinics throughout the nation, and another third from government grants. While the clinics offer cervical and breast cancer screening as well as contraceptives, the Aurora clinic also has seven beds and a recovery area, expected to be used for abortions.
"Tax dollars should not be going to pay for abortions," Oberweis said.
The $7.5 million building is scheduled to open for business September 18.
