Pro-Life Voters in North Carolina Have Clear Choices for Governor, Senate 
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by Maria Vitale Gallagher
LifeNews.com Staff Writer
October 21, 2004
LifeNews.com Note: This is the sixteenth in a series of articles covering the 2004 elections state by state from the pro-life viewpoint.
Charlotte, NC (LifeNews.com) — Pro-life voters in North Carolina will have a clear choice this year when it comes to candidates seeking the pro-life vote. Both the Governor’s race and the U.S. Senate race in the Tar Heel State feature contenders with pro-life records facing abortion advocates.
In the gubernatorial contest, pro-life Republican Patrick Ballantine faces pro-abortion Democrat Mike Easley.
Ballantine, a state Senator from Wilmington, was elected Senate Republican leader in 1998 and again in 2000 and 2002.
On his campaign website, Ballantine states, "I am pro-life. Consistently given the highest rating by North Carolina Right to Life, I have sponsored and co-sponsored legislation requiring parental consent and waiting periods, and voted to forbid the use of State funds to pay for abortions."
"Hopefully, as men and women become better educated, we will see fewer abortions and abortion will be discouraged as a method of birth control," Ballantine added.
In sharp contrast, incumbent Governor Mike Easley has adopted a stand endorsing legal abortion.
Polls show that Ballantine has an uphill battle against his opponent. He has yet to post a lead in a poll and the most recent one from Survey USA gives Easley a 12 point advantage.
Meanwhile, in the much closer U.S. Senate race, Republican Richard Burr, who has a 100 percent pro-life voting record, is facing off against pro-abortion Democrat Erskine Bowles.
In a detailed statement on his campaign website, Burr lays out his position on the sanctity of human life.
"I support the right-to-life and believe that unborn children are worthy of protection," he states. "I have been a consistent supporter of legislation which supports those goals."
Bowles, former White House chief of staff for President Bill Clinton, is an ardent supporter of legal abortion.
On his campaign website, Bowles states that he "strongly supports a woman’s right to choose" and ‘will support judges who respect and uphold our laws, including the right to privacy."
Bowles held a comfortable lead throughout August and September, but recent polls show Burr closing the gap. Burr has posted a lead in three out of the last four polls, with a recent Survey USA poll showing him having a 2 percent advantage.
In the presidential election, President Bush holds a comfortable advantage over Democrat John Kerry.
Kerry has no led in a single poll since February, despite running mate John Edwards hailing from the Tar Heel State. The most recent survey, conducted by Mason-Dixon, shows Bush with a 51 to 43 percent lead.
In other races, pro-life advocates are supporting Republicans Jim Snyder for Lieutenant Governor; Joe Knott for Attorney General; Ed Meyer for State Treasurer; John Tyson for state Supreme Court; and Bill Fletcher for Superintendent of Public Instruction.
A number of Congressional incumbents with 100 percent pro-life voting records are running for re-election. The list includes Walter Jones; Howard Coble; Robin Hayes; Sue Myrick; and Charles Taylor.
Related web sites:
North Carolina Right to Life – https://www.ncrtlpac.com
North Carolina Pro-Life Voters’ Guide – https://www.wevoteprolife.com/northcarolina.htm
Patrick Ballantine campaign – https://ballantineforgovernor.com
