The color at Tampa's Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park Wednesday was less Republican red and more Planned Parenthood pink. A crowd of about 250, made up of both women and a surprising number of men, donned pink t-shirts and carried signs blasting Republican nominee Mitt Romney and the GOP's desire to cut federal funding for the provider of women's health care services.
They also listened to supporters like USF Public Health Graduate Student Natalie Rella.
"My story is more of the story of thousands of women in this country, women who are simply trying to achieve their life goals and maintain their health at the same time."
Then the skies opened up with your average 20 minute Tampa afternoon shower, but the rain didn't dampen the audience's enthusiasm, as many simply put on ponchos and chanted along with protest organizers.
Once the storm cleared and microphones were abandoned in favor of a megaphone, the speakers continued, including Republicans for Planned Parenthood Co-Chair Randall Moody, who recently submitted a women's health care plank to the Republican national platform committee. His proposal would alter the Republican stance on women's access to reproductive health care, including the right to seek an abortion.
"As a Republican, I feel I have an obligation to support Planned Parenthood."
Planned Parenthood will wrap up their bus tour of key battleground states at next week's Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
