As I've written before, Henry Sanders is aggressively pursuing the LGBT and women vote by touting his support for marriage equality, even arguing that extending marriage rights to gay couples is "key to economic recovery." Today, he made another push in that arena by calling for the repeal of the 19th century anti-abortion laws that are still on the books in Wisconsin.
To clarify: Since Roe v. Wade, the laws are obviously moot. However, Sanders argues that, just in case Roe is overturned, Wisconsin should write its own laws protecting abortion rights.
Sanders strategy is not surprising if you consider his campaign manager, Jason Stephany. The former executive director of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Stephany has an especial interest in women's rights. From his Linked-in profile:
Particular interest in electing and supporting pro-choice women candidates...or any other role that helps break the glass ceiling.
Is Stephany shaping Sanders into his ideal candidate or does he just know how to spot a like-minded comrade in a primary field?
Nevertheless, as I have argued before, bringing up juicy social issues is good strategy in a down-ballot race. There has been virtually no coverage of the LG race thus far, and Sanders has to get himself in the news. Gay marriage and abortion rights are probably some of the best ways to do it, and advocacy for both certainly doesn't hurt in the Dem primary.
