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Desperate to maintain damage control after Tea Party Dick Mourdock's (R) rape comments, the NRSC is trying to tie Mourdock's opponent, Congressman Joe Donnelly (D), to Todd "Ligitmate Rape" Akin (R. MO):
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/...
In a strategy that feels like it could come out of a Democratic communications shop, the NRSC sent an email to reporters Wednesday morning that put Donnelly and Akin’s name in bold print, highlighting an AP story from August — the wake of Akin’s “legitimate rape” comments — that pointed out Donnelly co-sponsored HR 3, the so-called “forcible rape” law.
The NRSC was reacting to the big news coming out of Tuesday night’s debate in the Indiana Senate race, where Republican nominee Richard Mourdock said that he believed that pregnancies caused by rape “is something that God intended.” - TPM, 10/24/12
Ok, lets set the record straight here first. This man:
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Is not this man:
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Akin's more like this guy:
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It's funny because the NRSC first said they wouldn't give money to Akin's campaign after he made his legitimate rape remarks. When the date for Akin to drop out passed, the NRSC went back on it's word and gave money to Akin's campaign. So now they're trying to align Donnelly with one of their most controversial candidates this election season. However, I think Mourdock might have officially taken that title from Akin now.
It's no secret that Donnelly is pro-life but his pro-life views are nowhere near as radical as Mourdock's. Donnelly's campaign immediately shot back against the NRSC's pathetic attempt to paint the moderate congressman as an extremist like Akin and Mourdock:
After Akin’s comments, Donnelly condemned him. His campaign said Donnelly never intended to redefine rape when he voted for the HR 3 (the “forcible rape” bill) along with Akin.
“Joe is pro-life and supports legislation to ensure that no federal dollars go toward funding abortion-related services,” a Donnelly spokesperson told the AP. “That was the original intention of the bill, not to redefine rape.” - TPM, 10/24/12
The Courier-Journal, which is owned by the Indianapolis based media company, the Gannett Company, endorsed Donnelly's campaign this morning:
Fortunately, Mr. Donnelly provides an excellent alternative for Hoosiers. Mr. Donnelly describes himself as a moderate who says he will represent Indiana’s interests and not be pinned down by party ideology.
Someone needs to. This race is viewed to be a dead heat in part because some Republicans respect Mr. Lugar and are dismayed by Mr. Mourdock’s more extreme positions. Even Mr. Lugar has refused to endorse or campaign for his fellow Republican.
Indiana is viewed as one of the key states where Republicans hope to hold Senate seats and possibly gain the majority, presumably putting Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell in charge as Republican majority, rather than minority, leader.
Mr. Donnelly has wavered on some issues but came through by voting for the Affordable Care Act, which already is helping thousands of Hoosiers get or keep health insurance. He has expressed willingness to work with others and find common ground, which is critically needed in Washington.
We endorse Mr. Donnelly as Indiana’s next U.S. senator. - Courier-Journal, 10/24/12
Now I'm pro-choice and I don't agree with Donnelly's views on abortion but at least the man has never tried to redefine rape or deny a woman the right to an abortion in cases of rape. You may not agree with or like Donnelly's views either but at least he has common sense and that's exactly what we need more of in the Senate. We are going to be sending more women to the Senate this year who will fight to protect a woman's right to choose but we can't allow extremists like Mourdock in the Senate.
The indiana Senate race is one that I have been writing a lot about over the past few weeks. i see this race as a vital pick up opportunity that can't be squandered. I know the Hoosier state wasn't going to nominate a Bernie Sanders or Sherrod brown but they at least nominated someone who is much better for middle-class families and organized labor, unlike the free trade supporting Senator Evan Bayh (D). I knew about Donnelly's pro-life views and of course I don't agree with them but his record with organized labor and the middle-class proves we need him in the Senate if we are going to help the economy improve greatly. Mr. Donnelly has also been the victim of vicious Super PAC backed ads that are making false statements about his record and character. Donnelly will be essential in the Senate in confirming judges to the Supreme Court that will overturn the Citizens United decision made back in 2009. I promise you all that once he is elected, I will push him to vote the right way on women's issues.
If Mourdock wins, it will prove that there is still a powerful chunk of the electorate that condones these radical views. Mourdock in the Senate is an embarrassment to this great country and he will do anything he can to prevent progress from happening. Donnelly on the other hand may not be totally in line on this issue but he will stand up for the middle-class, workers' rights, organized labor and small business. Mourdock may have the edge in fundraising but even the Super PAC cash can't save him. Lets give Joe the momentum he needs to win:
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