Planned Parenthood Advocates of NY Partners with Sister Organizations to Issue Video on the Real Harold Ford

ALBANY, NY (01/14/2010)(readMedia)-- Former Tennessee Congressman's Track Record as a Conservative Democrat includes Anti-Choice, Anti-Gay, and Anti-Immigrant Stances.

Brave New Films, NARAL Pro-Choice New York, Planned Parenthood Advocates of New York, and Make the Road New York are releasing "The Real Harold Ford" in an effort to inform New Yorkers about Harold Ford. Ford, a former Tennessee Congressman, was widely known for his conservative voting record. While in office, Ford voted for several measures that undermined women's access to abortion care. He proudly defined himself as a pro-life candidate in his failed 2006 bid for the United States Senate, and in 2003 supported an abortion ban that didn't even allow for abortions to save a woman's life.

Ford's voting record on immigration is nothing short of anti-immigrant. Ford voted to place immigration enforcement in hands of local police and supported the Sensenbrenner bill which would have criminalized humanitarian assistance to immigrants. Ford also has a long history of advocating against same sex marriage. In 2004, Ford voted in favor of a Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage. In July 2006, Ford voted in favor of constitutionally defining marriage as between one man and one woman.*

Ford's conservative voting record reflects his ideologies and puts him out of touch with most New Yorkers. Ford is currently the Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC).

To view the "The Real Harold Ford," please visit:

http://bravenewfilms.org/ford

"As a New Yorker, born and bred (and still with my New York City accent), I am honor bound to let the world know who the real Harold Ford is. Harold Ford can claim to be progressive on issues, but the record clearly states otherwise." Robert Greenwald, Producer Brave New Films.

"As we all know, New York is a progressive, pro-choice state. Polls and elections around the state have proven this time and time again," said M. Tracey Brooks, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Advocates of New York. "Harold Ford claims others are falsifying his record in public life. It's clear in this video that Harold Ford is self-proclaimed pro-life and does not reflect the values of New York voters."

"H. Ford's voting record in congress includes some of the most anti-immigrant initiatives: He voted to put immigration enforcement in the hands of local police departments, increase deportations, and eliminate the diversity visa program. Sadly, Ford's votes and anti-immigrant rhetoric have had the consequence of hostility and violence against immigrants." Ana Maria Archila, Co-Executive Director, Make The Road New York

"Harold Ford, Jr. is attempting to re-write history. When he publicly and repeatedly described himself as 'pro-life,' he did so with the full knowledge that the public would understand his statement to mean that he does not support abortion rights. Our state has a proud history of pro-choice representation and the ongoing debate on healthcare reform puts in clear perspective how one legislator's vote can have a dramatic impact on the lives of American women. New York State has not - and will not - provide that anti-choice vote." Mary Alice Carr, Vice President for Communications, NARAL Pro-Choice New York.

In the tradition of "The Real Rudy" and "The Real McCain," Brave New Films will once again use new media to educate New Yorkers about "The Real Harold Ford." "The Real McCain" has reached over 18 million viewers nationwide, while the "The Real Rudy" has reached well over half a million viewers.

Make the Road New York promotes economic justice, equity and opportunity for all New Yorkers through community and electoral organizing, strategic policy advocacy, leadership development, youth and adult education, and high quality legal and support services.

*From "Harold Ford on the Issues": http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Harold_Ford.htm