The author of a new book charges that prominent Republican strategist Karl Rove advised the leader of breast cancer group Susan G. Komen for the Cure to restore funding to Planned Parenthood earlier this year.
Rove’s advice, according to “Planned Bullyhood,” came as Susan G. Komen for the Cure found itself embroiled in a public relations fiasco after announcing it would stop giving money to Planned Parenthood, which has clinics that perform abortions.
In response to protests from pro-choice and other liberal activists, Komen eventually reversed course and announced it would restore funding to Planned Parenthood as the organization did not want to be viewed as political.
Karen Handel — the former Komen senior vice president who resigned during the episode — writes in her book, “Planned Bullyhood,” that Rove was among those advising the organization to reverse course.
In the book, Handel recalls Susan G. Komen for the Cure CEO Nancy Brinker telling her that “I’ve talked to a lot of people. And even Karl says we have to backtrack.”
Handel, who said she didn’t know who “Karl” was at first, recalls Brinker clarifying that she was talking about Rove.
“Planned Bullyhood” is being released Tuesday. Steven Ertelt of LifeNews.com reported the revelation in the book on Monday.
If the allegation is true, it would mean that Rove was advising Komen to restore Planned Parenthood funding as Mitt Romney and the other Republican candidates for president were railing against it.
Rove did not immediately return a request for comment from The Daily Caller.