The National Organization of Women gave Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Schmidt a ringing endorsement Monday, describing the former U.S. Justice Department official as the most formidable, progressive candidate in the race.

The group, which represents thousands of women in 25 chapters across the state, voted unanimously to back Schmidt, whose solid record on women’s issues has heightened his popularity among female voters. Consequently, Schmidt has been gaining momentum in a crowded four-way primary, which culminates March 17.

In a prepared statement, NOW president Lorna Brett said, Throughout this campaign, John Schmidt has shown forward thinking on issues that make a difference in the quality of life in Illinois. . . John Schmidt is the candidate who can beat George Ryan (the presumptive GOP nominee).

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While in the Justice Department, Schmidt helped to draft and implement the Violence Against Women Act, directed enforcement of the federal clinic access law and aided in establishing a national sex offender registry. The Chicago lawyer has been pushing aggressive proposals to expand child care, crack down on deadbeat dads, and enforce Roe v. Wade as state law.

Schmidt’s strong pro-choice stance pits him against anti-choice candidate and Democratic rival Rep. Glenn Poshard of Marion. Both candidates have procured important endorsements in the last week, and have been fighting to claim bragging rights in key primary areas. Schmidt’s wealthy, tenacious base in suburban Chicago, gives him the edge in the vote rich collar counties where Poshard has only begun to surface. But, Poshard’s solid downstate constituency brings another dimension to a primary race dominated in the past by northern candidates.

The state NOW endorsement comes on the heels of the AFL-CIO and Chicago Police Lodge endorsements, both given to Poshard last week. Schmidt said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune that he was mystified by the police vote, citing his key roles in implementing the 1994 Crime Bill and COPS program as evidence of the group’s misjudgment of the candidates.

Despite Poshard’s success in acquiring the two endorsements, Schmidt has upped the ante in what looks to be an aggressive final two months

Cass VanDerMeer, a Schmidt supporter from Du Quoin who operates a consulting firm for domestic abuse shelters, contends Schmidt has the clearest understanding of women’s issues.

VanDerMeer finds it troubling that Illinois could have to decide between two anti-choice candidates, Poshard and Ryan, if Poshard were to secure the Democratic nomination. She finds it even more troubling that Poshard takes a harder stance against choice than Ryan, calling for the restriction of abortion rights even in the cases of rape and incest. Poshard also voted against the federal clinic access law when it surfaced in the House.

I don’t want my body to be captive to Poshard’s religious beliefs, VanDerMeer said. My reaction [to a Ryan-Poshard election] is, I don’t vote. I refuse to vote for two anti-woman candidates.

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Not understanding carrying a fetus to term after rape and incest really shows a lack of moral certitude.

VanDerMeer says Poshard’s views on women’s issues are too traditional and possibly antiquated. She cites his constant equating of women’s rights and children’s rights as evidence.

Because of [Poshard’s] traditional views and values, he doesn’t understand the dynamics of issues like domestic violence, she said. To lump women with children he’s touting a very traditional value. Yes, women have children, but he’s pretending women’s rights are the same as children’s rights.

Though Poshard was not available for comment, he repeatedly has said his record on women’s issues, including child care, is unparalleled in the gubernatorial field. At a fund-raiser in August, Poshard said he deplores the thought of being labeled anti-woman.

Becky Carroll, Schmidt’s press secretary, said the NOW endorsement confirms the notion that Schmidt has the firmest grasp of the issues affecting women. She said his proven leadership in this area will help him to secure the Democratic nomination.

It’s clear as night and day, Carroll said. A governor needs to provide leadership on women’s issues and John Schmidt will do that.