Barack Obama's campaign fought back against rival Hillary Rodham Clinton Sunday in an under-the-radar dispute over who would best protect abortion rights. Obama's campaign made automated phone calls to New Hampshire voters accusing Clinton of ``last-minute smears.'' The recorded message came in response to a Clinton mailing that said Obama failed to stand up for the right to choose abortion. The mailing said that while serving in the state Senate in Illinois, Obama voted ``present'' seven times on abortion legislation instead of taking a yes or no position.
In the Obama campaign call, Wendy Frosh, chair of the board of Planned Parenthood in Northern New England, said Obama ``has a 100 percent pro-choice record and has always been a champion for women's rights.''
``Hillary Clinton's last-minute smears won't protect the right to choose, but as president Barack Obama will,'' she says in the message.
Obama advisers acknowledged they were behind the calls, but did not immediately respond to questions about how many were made or to whom.