by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
January 22, 2005
Washington,
DC (LifeNews.com) -- Abortion advocates in the Republican Party
are upset that incoming chairman Ken Mehlman has planned a gathering
to honor those pro-life advocates in the nation's capitol to participate
in the March for Life.
Ann Stone, the national chair of Republicans for Choice said the activity
"crossed the line," even though a party spokesman told Reuters
that the RNC has hosted similar events in the past.
"This is the first we ever knew about it,"
Stone told Reuters. "We would have complained sooner."
"The Republican Party chairman is to represent all Republicans,
not just those who oppose abortion," Stone said.
"Please join Ken Mehlman ... as we honor those who march for the
Right to Life," a recent email from the Republican Party to grssroots
activists read. "We'll also be joined by several members of Congress
who have been instrumental in our party's fight to protect the sanctity
of life."
Mehlman, the manager of President Bush's re-election campaign, was approved
on Wednesday by RNC leaders as the new chairman.
The is the second time this week that Mehlman has found himself at odds
with Republicans over abortion. Mehllman selected Ohio Republican Joann
Davidson, a former state legislator, as the co-chairman of the national
Republican Party.
Davidson, a member of the board of directors of Republicans for Choice
since its 1990 inception, backs abortion and her nomination drew strong
opposition from pro-life Republicans.
However, she told a private meeting of party leaders that she would
not use her position to advance abortion and would not use her leadership
post to change the party platform, which calls for a Human Life Amendment
protecting unborn children.
