U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) has been named a co-chair of the National Catholics for Obama committee as part of President Barack Obama’s bid for re-election.
The move comes two days after Mitt Romney named Roman Catholic Rep. Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) as his Republican running mate.
Miss Kaptur, a practicing Catholic, is one of 22 co-chairs on the committee.
A spokesman for Obama for America said President Obama’s policies reflect “the values that Catholics hold dear,” such as health insurance for all and “tax reform in which everyone pays their fair share,” and that the President has partnered with Catholic organizations Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services and other faith-based groups.
“Catholics are supporting President Obama because he understands the importance of an active faith in pursuit of the common good — something he has lived his life by and that has served him over the course of his career in public service,” said said Broderick Johnson, who leads the campaign’s outreach efforts with Catholics. He added, “The President’s record, character and values make the choice in this election incredibly stark and clear.”
Chris Maloney, spokesman for the Romney Ohio campaign, disputed that President Obama represents mainstream Catholic views.
“Catholic leaders in Ohio have been outspoken about the fact that President Obama’s policies force institutions to go against their faith. Mitt Romney has made clear that he will stand up and protect religious freedom whenever it is threatened. President Obama broke his promise to make health care affordable and accessible – as a result of Obamacare, premiums are on the rise and millions of Americans may lose their employer-based health care plans,” Mr. Maloney said.
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