Rudy Giuliani Will Formally Address Abortion After Planned Parenthood Flap

National   |   Steven Ertelt   |   May 10, 2007   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Rudy Giuliani Will Formally Address Abortion After Planned Parenthood Flap Email this article
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
May 10
, 2007

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — The issue of abortion is becoming such a nightmare for GOP presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani that he plans to formally address it in public forums, campaign appearance and interviews in the coming days.

Though he will likely attempt to tone down his pro-abortion views, the ex-mayor’s strategy may do more to remind the Republican Party’s pro-life voters that he’s out of touch with their
views.

The New York Times reported that he gave a hint at what he might say when he appearance in Alabama.

“Ultimately, there has to be a right to choose,” Giuliani said after defending himself from news reports showing that he’s given donations to the Planned Parenthood abortion business on six different occasions.

Asked if the Republican Party would accept an abortion advocate, the former mayor replied, “I guess we are going to find out" and said he was "at peace" with the differences he has on abortion with the party.

Meanwhile, the Times reports that the Giuliani campaign is also looking to de-emphasize the importance of the early primary states like Iowa and South Carolina where pro-life advocates represent the lion’s share of GOP voters.

Instead, his campaign may try to write off those contests and focus instead on the emerging mega-primary on February 5 that includes more receptive states like California, New York and New Jersey.

Aides told the Times that the campaign is not giving up on the early states completely — saying he could do well in New Hampshire — but confirmed they will emphasize the states that come shortly after those early contests.

Republican voters have previously turned away pro-abortion candidates from capturing the primary nod, including former California Gov. Pete Wilson and Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter. Republicans haven’t had a pro-abortion nominee since Gerald Ford in 1976.

A February Washington Post/ABC News poll found Republican voters are much less likely to vote for Giuliani because of his stance in favor of abortion. The poll also found that half of GOP voters said there is no chance they would support Giuliani because of his pro-abortion views.

Only 10 percent said they would be more likely to back Giuliani for the GOP nod because of his pro-abortion views while a large 46 percent said they would be less likely.

Another 43 percent said it wouldn’t make a difference.

The survey also asked that "Given his position on abortion," is there a chance the respondent would vote for Giuliani for the Republican nomination.

GOP voters were split down the middle with 49 percent saying yes and 49 percent saying no.