A rising star in the Democratic party offered support Monday to an Omaha organization swept into a political clash.

U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D) Illinois, spoke Monday at a luncheon for Girls Inc., which has drawn fire this month for its support of abortion rights and acceptance of lesbianism.

At issue is Girls Inc.'s involvement with American Girl, a manufacturer of popular dolls and children's books. The company is donating proceeds from sales of a special wristband, which reads "I Can" to support the programs of Girls Inc.

"This is a classic example of overreaction and a lack of proportion," Obama said at a news conference before his Omaha speech. "I think it's silly."

Earlier this month, the American Family Association announced it was boycotting American Girl unless the manufacturer stops contributing to Girls Inc.

Obama, who has two daughters, 7 and 4, said both sides of the controversy should work together to improve lives of girls growing up in America.

"We've got to agree how to invest in our children and expose them to the real world and talk to them about the challenges they are going to face," he said.

Girls Inc. serves about 800,000 girls a year, many of them black or Hispanic and most from low-income families.