House Republicans Elect Pro-Life Congressmen to Top Leadership Posts

National   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Nov 19, 2008   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

House Republicans Elect Pro-Life Congressmen to Top Leadership Posts

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
November 19
, 2008

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Republican members of the House of Representatives held their caucus elections on Wednesday and elected several pro-life advocates to top leadership posts. The elections are important for shaping the GOP message and response to the abortion advocates who control Congress.

Minority Leader John Boehner, of Ohio, was re-elected to his top position over pro-life Rep. Dan Lungren of California.

Although Boehner has been criticized for losses in the last elections and on other issues, he maintains a strong pro-life voting record.

Boehner has compiled a 100% pro-life record on abortion and bioethics issues according to the National Right to Life Committee.

His re-election was almost assured even with Lungren running in opposition and pro-life Rep. Zach Wamp of Tennessee said Lungren hoped to spark discussion about the future direction of the party after Barack Obama’s election victory rather than mount a serious bid to defeat Boehner.

Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia was chosen minority whip, the number two leadership position in the GOP caucus. NRLC also says Cantor has a 100 percent pro-life voting record on abortion and embryonic stem cell research funding.

Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana became House Republican Conference chairman in a contest that saw him run unopposed. Pence is a former radio talk show host whose involvement in pro-life activities in his home state is longstanding.

Pence comes from the Republican Study Committee, a group within the GOP caucus that advocates conservative positions on issues, including a pro-life stance. He was named as a potential vice-presidential running mate for John McCain and is seen as someone who is rising to national prominence.

“I will be loyal to the cause of returning our party to the ideals of Lincoln and Reagan, the ideals that most Republican voters embrace," he told LifeNews.com in a statement after the elections.

"We need to have a strategy to thoughtfully defend the cherished values of life," he added.

Pro-life Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma stepped down from his position as National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman, which involves the recruitment of candidates for Congressional seats and their promotion.

Another pro-life advocate, Rep. Pete Sessions of Texas, will hold that post.

Finally, Republican Policy Committee Chairman Thaddeus McCotter of Michigan, another 100 percent pro-life member, won a race for re-election to his position.

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