TV interview, Congressional hearing draw women's ire | News

ALBANY - Now that Rick Santorum has become a legitimate contender for the GOP's presidential nomination, hearing his biggest financial backer make a rather significant gaffe on national TV was not something he needed.

"This contraceptive thing, my gosh, it's such inexpensive. Back in my days they used Bayer Aspirin for contraception. The gals put it between their knees," quipped Foster Friess, on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports earlier this week.

A startled Mitchell had this immediate reaction, "Excuse me, I'm just trying to catch my breath from that Mr. Friess."

Delayed reaction came from New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D - New York)), "It's highly inappropriate and it's outrageous," Gillibrand said. "We need a serious debate about preventive care in this country and it's not only serious, but it's insulting."

Gillibrand was hosting a Capital Region Women's Economic Empowerment Roundtable in Albany on Friday. She wasn't the only one to notice what's been happening this week.

"Besides the Bayer Aspirin there was a Congressional hearing that was happening about contraception and no women were in the room," noted Tracey Brooks, Director of the Family Planning Advocates of New York State. "No women were testifying, no women were part of the elected officials that were part of it."

At a political rally in North Adams, Massachusetts Friday night, U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren says she has also been monitoring the national political dialog.

"I think there are a lot of issues that directly affect women and I'm really worried about what I've seen in the Congress," Warren said.

The most worrisome thing to Warren was the reproductive health hearing with no women involved.

For the record, Foster Friess apologized for his remark, insisting he was only joking, but the comment put Santorum on the defensive.

"My position is that birth control can and should be available," Santorum said at a campaign rally. "If people want to use it they certainly have a right to use it."

The issue will likely come on along the campaign trail.