TRENTON, N.J., Jan. 11 (UPI) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Sunday denied he ever donated to or supported Planned Parenthood, but one newspaper dug up a 1994 quote from the presidential candidate indicating otherwise otherwise.
During an appearance on CBS News’ Face the Nation on Sunday, Christie denied accusations from fellow candidate Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., he donated to the women’s health organization.
“When a super PAC running an ad said that you supported Common Core, you once supported an assault weapons ban and that you donated to Planned Parenthood … which one of those is wrong?” host John Dickerson asked Christie.
“Well I never donated to Planned Parenthood, so that’s wrong,” Christie replied.
Dickerson returned to the allegation to press Christie on it minutes later: “So, just on the Planned Parenthood,” he asked. “Never donated, never supported?”
“No. No,” Christie responded.
The New Jersey Star Ledger, though, combed through its archives to unearth a quote by then-county freeholder candidate Christie.
“I support Planned Parenthood privately with my personal contribution and that should be the goal of any such agency, to find private donations,” he was quoted saying in the newspaper on Sept. 30, 1994. “It’s also no secret that I am pro-choice. … But you have to examine all the agencies needing county donations and prioritize them. I would consider all groups looking for funding, but there is a limit and we have to pick and choose.”
At the time, candidates debated funding the group in light of budget limitations.
The 1994 article quoting Christie’s support for Planned Parenthood was written by Brian Murray, who now works as Christie’s spokesman in the governor’s office.
Christie went on to win that election. As governor he cut funding for the organization citing budget constraints. He vetoed $7.5 million for women’s heathcare in every state budget during his time as governor.
In February 2015, Christie joined the Republican charge to de-fund Planned Parenthood after the release of videos which purported to show Planned Parenthood staffers discussing the sale of fetal tissue. The organization said the videos were highly edited.
