Pro-Abortion Sen. Evan Bayh Considers Democratic Presidential Bid

National   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Dec 4, 2006   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Pro-Abortion Sen. Evan Bayh Considers Democratic Presidential Bid Email this article
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
December 4
, 2006

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh is the latest Democrat to stick his toe in the water to consider a 2008 presidential bid. The pro-abortion lawmaker made an announcement on a television news program yesterday that he is forming a presidential exploratory committee, which allows him to gauge support for a candidacy.

In an interview with ABC’s "This Week," Bayh said the American people "need someone who can deal with the dysfunction here in this city so that our government begins to empower our people to fulfill their potential."

He indicated he would make a final decision about seeking the Democratic nomination early next year.

Although considered a "moderate" on other political issues, Bayh has strongly supported both abortion and forcing taxpayers to fund embryonic stem cell research, which involves the destruction of human life.

During the 109th Congress, Bayh voted to spend taxpayer money on promoting and performing abortions in other nations and he voted to fund embryonic stem cell research. Bayh also opposed a measure requiring states to respect parental involvement laws so teenagers wouldn’t be taken to other states for secret abortions.

This year, Bayh has only a 25 percent pro-life voting record from the National Right to Life Committee. He compiled a scant 18 percent pro-life voting record from 2003-2004, a 0 percent record from 2001-2002, and just an 11% pro-life record from 1999-2000.

The Indiana senator has already started looking for campaign offices and interviewing possible staff members in both Iowa and New Hampshire.

Bayh’s announcement comes on the heels of pro-abortion Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa formally announcing his candidacy last week.

Pro-abortion former Sen. Tom Daschle of South Dakota dropped out and pro-abortion Sen.s Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama appeared to move closer to establishing exploratory committees as well.

On the Republican side, pro-abortion former New York City mayor and Sen. John McCain, who opposes abortion but backs embryonic stem cell research, have set up presidential committees.

Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas, a leading pro-life lawmaker, announced his on Monday and pro-life Rep. Duncan Hunter has formed a committee as well.

Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, who recently converted to the pro-life position, is expected to announce an exploratory committee soon.