The National Organization for Women has endorsed Democrat Ed Bernstein in the Nevada U.S. Senate race.
Nevada NOW officials said Bernstein has taken a leadership role in addressing issues important to women and families while "John Ensign does not recognize the serious impact of these issues."
The group cited Bernstein's support for a woman's right to choose saying in its announcement that he "fully understands the issues of violence against women."
The group criticized Ensign for a recent television commercial implying that pro-choice women support his candidacy.
"This is a clear deception as shown by his voting record, past statements and recent comments to the press," NOW officials said in a statement. They said Ensign opposes a woman's right to choose abortion even in cases of rape or incest.
The group described Bernstein, a Las Vegas lawyer making his first bid for public office, as compassionate and committed to providing leadership that will strengthen women and families.