Sam Brownback, Pro-Life Senate Leader, Leaving in 2010; May Run for Governor
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
December 16, 2008
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Sen. Sam Brownback, one of the top pro-life leaders in the U.S. Senate, is expected to announce on Thursday that he will not seek re-election in 2010. Instead, though he won’t confirm tomorrow, political observers say Brownback is preparing for a run to become the next Kansas governor.
Brownback, who ran for the Republican nomination for president, has been the main sponsor of several pro-life bills.
He was the lead sponsor of a bill that President Bush recently signed to help reduce the number of abortions on babies who are potentially afflicted with Down Syndrome. The measure requires giving families who receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome or any other condition, pre-natally or up until a year after birth, pertinent helpful information.
Brownback also sponsored a measure to ban both forms of human cloning and another to prevent the use of federally-controlled drugs from being used in assisted suicides.
The Kansas senator also put forward the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act to help women considering a late-term abortion to understand that their baby will likely feel severe pain.
Mary Kay Culp, the director of Kansans for Life, told LifeNews.com that Brownback has been a champion in the Senate for the causes pro-life advocates hold dear.
"Senator Brownback’s reputation back home is not unlike his reputation worldwide, an honorable man of his word, with a genuine concern, and willingness to stand for the voiceless, be they the poor, the unborn, those facing physical or mental challenges or all of the above," she said.
"His leaving the U.S. Senate will be a loss for the nation, but a real gain for Kansas should he become our next Governor," she added.
With Brownback not running for the Senate, pro-life Reps. Jerry Moran of the 1st District and Todd Tiahrt of the 4th District are both likely contenders.
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a hardcore abortion advocate, is considered the most likely Democrat to seek Brownback’s seat.
Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh is also a potential candidate for the GOP nomination for governor in 2010 and Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson could run for the Democratic nod.
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