The Ohio Right to Life Society Political Action Committee announced its endorsement of state Sen. Kirk Schuring (R-Jackson Township) in the race for Ohio's 16th Congressional District on Wednesday.

Schuring is going up against state Sen. John Boccieri (D-Alliance) to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Navarre).

Schuring said he was excited about the endorsement and called himself "pro-life and pro-family."

The endorsement comes on the heels of the decision by Judge George C. Smith that allows advocacy groups to use the names of political candidates 30 days out from the election date.

The suit that led to the decision in the Ohio Southern District Court was brought against the Ohio Elections Commission and Ohio Secretary of State's office by the Ohio Right to Life Society and prevents the OEC and Secretary of State from enforcing a law adopted in 2004 that would otherwise prevent advocacy groups from using political candidates' names 30 days from an election.

"Receiving the endorsement from the Ohio Right to Life Society's PAC is very encouraging," Schuring said. "I am very proud of my long record of voting for the sanctity of human life, and I pledge to continue that record in Washington."

Ohio Right to Life PAC spokesperson Mike Gonidakis touted Schuring's anti-abortion bona fides.

"Kirk Schuring has been a strong advocate of the pro-life cause throughout his years in the Ohio General Assembly and we are proud to support his candidacy for Congress," Gonidakis said. "We look forward to working with him in Congress to protect human life for years to come.  Make no mistake, the Ohio pro-life movement recognizes no better statesman and friend than Kirk Schuring."

Ohio Right to Life's announcement listed Schuring's record on the issue over the years.

"In 2001, in response to reports that some abortion facilities had not obtained an ambulatory surgical facility license, Schuring introduced H.B. 417 to provide the Ohio Department of Health with clear power to enforce the ASF health and safety licensing requirements. A companion Senate version of the bill passed with Schuring's strong support. Some other highlights of Schuring's pro-life record are:

• Schuring co-sponsored, signed a discharge petition for, and signed on an amicus brief to support Ohio's first-in-nation attempt to ban partial birth abortion. He also co-sponsored and voted for Ohio's current partial birth abortion ban.
• Schuring co-sponsored and voted for Ohio's Parental Consent Law.
• Schuring co-sponsored and voted for Ohio's Fetal Homicide and Assault Law.
• Schuring co-sponsored and voted for the Compassionate Care Act to deter assisted suicide and improve pain control and palliative care.
• In addition to his outstanding pro-life voting record, Schuring gave pro-life responses to all of the questions on Ohio Right to Life's candidate survey."