Senator Bernie Sanders stood by his decision to back Democratic candidate Heath Mello, who holds a strong anti-abortion stance. "We have got to appreciate where people come from, and do our best to fight for the pro-choice agenda. But I think you just can't exclude people who disagree with us on one issue," Sanders told NPR. While many Democrats disapproval of the endorsement, Sanders said Republican incumbent Jean Stothert's views are much further to the right. Mello developed an anti-abortion stance during his time in the Nebraska state legislature, where he has been since 2009.