An article in CNN mentions that abortion has become an issue in the race for DNC chairman. As usually, they tend to misrepresent things. Here is the
article.
More below the fold
The campaign for Democratic chairman turned contentious over the weekend when Tim Roemer lashed out at criticism of his views on abortion and accused opponents of negative campaigning.
Roemer aides said he was angry over an opposition research memo being circulated in Washington and Democratic circles that outlined his voting record, which sometimes did not follow party lines. Aides said they did not know who wrote the memo and whether it came from a rival for the party's chairmanship.
"The candidate told a gathering in St. Louis that he wanted to have "a conversation" on issues but that he campaigning and litmus tests"
Representatives of the other six candidates denied their campaigns distributed the memo.
Other candidate, including Howard Dean rose in defense of Roemer:
Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb said the party should remember that "George Bush is the enemy."
And former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, a 2004 presidential candidate who is also angling for the job, said, "I know something about being a target of other Democrats."
But something Roemer said struck me as interesting
"Republicans have a big tent; why can't we?"
I will say, first off, that I oppose Roemer for DNC Chair. I support Dean because I think when it comes to organization and message Dean is best to lead the party. I dont think Roemer has any type of organizational skills and his record on SS is troubling. The article seems to suggest it is only because of abortion that he is disliked, which I dont necessarily think is true. But the article mentions that moderate Republicans like Giuliani and Schwarzenagger have prominent roles in the GOP and both are pro-choice. And moderates, as much as they complain at times(Christine Todd Whitman) nevertheless support the conservative presidential ticket. By most accounts there are more self-described conservatives than liberals in the country, but not 51%. It is because of the moderates that the GOP wins elections. Could pro-lifers be welcomed in the party? Personally, I like Harry Reid, who is pro-life. But in addition, he is apparently a master of the Senate rules and firmly opposes SS. Could someone who is anti-war, anti- budget deficit, anti-gutting SS, anti-death penalty, but pro-life be included in the party? The GOP, it strikes, has continued to move to the right but kept their moderates. Could we do the same thing, but still move left? I suppose that has consequences, as the GOP is finding out. Thoughts?