I am pro-choice. I've had
very close friends who've had abortions. I believe women have an inherent right to make decisions regarding their own bodies.
I also believe the current political situation the Democrats face in Congress make it extremely difficult for single issues to trump the "big picture." Democrats need warm bodies with "D"s next to their names to get anything done.
I was annoyed at pro-choice groups pushing out Langevin in Rhode Island. I was annoyed when they endorsed Chafee. I felt they should have stayed neutral. A Democrat in the Senate who would follow the party line is better than a Republican who, on key issues, will vote with the Republicans.
We all know in our heart of hearts Roberts is pro-life. This is pretty much a given.
And, I believe Chafee will vote for Roberts.
When this happens, I hope there is outrage. Right now, it appears, the pro-choice groups are just mildy confronting Chafee:
LA TIMES 11/21/2005
A confirmation vote on Roberts could prove a tough decision for at least one moderate Republican, Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-R.I.), who faces reelection in 2006.
Chafee, who favors abortion rights and represents a strongly Democratic state, told reporters he had already received a call from a NARAL official. "They weren't heavy-handed at this stage," Chafee said, but added that the caller urged him to carefully consider his vote.
What is up with this?
Get heavy handed for crying out loud.
This is the big Kahuna. This is where your support for Chafee must pay off. If not now, when?
These single issue groups are working my last nerve.
I have friends who manage big PACS and they tell me they want to fund Bob Casey in PA but they can't because all the pro-choice members have threatened to leave.
I don't get it. What happened to the BIG PICTURE?
Anyway, take the poll if you like...