By Robert Harding
A major women's group and two pro-choice groups have endorsed U.S. Rep. Dan Maffei in the 24th Congressional District race.
The National Organization for Women's political action committee, NARAL Pro-Choice New York and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund Federal PAC endorsed Maffei, D-Syracuse, over Republican challenger John Katko.
"I am proud to receive the endorsement of these important organizations that work every day to support and promote women's rights in Central New York and across the country," Maffei said in a statement. "In Congress, I will continue to fight to expand opportunities for women and strengthen the middle class. When women succeed, Central New York and our country succeed."
Zenaida Mendez, president of NOW's New York state chapter, cited Maffei's support for women's equality measures as a major reason why he received the organization's endorsement.
"We are very pleased that NOW PAC has endorsed Rep. Maffei for reelection," Mendez said. "This endorsement recognizes Rep. Maffei's dedication to equal economic opportunities for women, and we look forward to working with him to achieve full equality for women and girls."
NARAL Pro-Choice New York President Andrea Miller also praised Maffei's positions on women's issues, specifically for his "continuing commitment to protecting women's reproductive health" in Central New York.
Maffei has made equal pay for women and other issues key topics in his re-election campaign.
In August, Maffei's campaign released an ad titled, "Lemonade Stand," which highlighted the Syracuse Democrat's support for equal pay for women. Maffei followed that ad with a commercial criticizing Katko, R-Camillus, for opposing the Paycheck Fairness Act, a measure that supporters say would improve the Equal Pay Act.
Instead of passing the Paycheck Fairness Act, Katko supports enforcing existing laws. And while his opponents say his opposition to the measure means he's against equal pay for women, he says that's not the case.
"I absolutely support it," Katko said in an interview with The Citizen. "If I didn't, my five sisters would kick my butt. So would my mother."
Katko also addressed the issue in his first "Katko Comment," a weekly video series he launched to discuss important topics. In the video, he reiterates his support for equal pay for women.
Maffei is running for re-election against Katko in the 24th Congressional District race. The district includes all of Cayuga, Onondaga and Wayne counties, plus the western portion of Oswego County.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.