John Kerry Picks Pro-Abortion Sen. John Edwards as Running Mate
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
July 6, 2004
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Likely Democratic nominee John Kerry selected Senator John Edwards, a millionaire trial lawyer who backs abortion, as his running mate. During his tenure in the Senate, Edwards has compiled a consistent track record in support of all abortions and funded with taxpayer dollars.
"I have chosen a man who understands and defends the values of America," Kerry said in announcing his selection.
However, despite his southern roots and populist image, Edwards has compiled a 0% pro-life voting record with the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC).
"The right to choose is an essential ingredient to realize the full equality of America,” Edwards said during a speech at a NARAL dinner on January 21, 2003.
In March 2003, Edwards voted for an amendment that expressed the Senate’s support for the Roe v. Wade decision that allowed unlimited abortions and said the landmark ruling should not be overturned.
He also voted for the pro-Roe measure in 1999 and, that same year, also voted against the ban on partial-birth abortions.
Edwards has voted for taxpayer-funded abortions and, most recently, voted against the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, a bill that would protect pregnant women by prosecuting criminals who attack them and kill their babies before birth.
Edwards has also come under fire from pro-life advocates for voting numerous times against President Bush’s pro-life judicial nominees. He supported efforts by abortion advocates in the Senate to filibuster several nominees for key appeals court positions.
Last year Edwards said he wouldn’t support any judge who didn’t share his pro-abortion beliefs.
"I don’t believe in litmus tests, but I believe very strongly that the right to choose and the right to privacy are fundamental constitutional rights and I can’t imagine supporting a Supreme
Court nominee who doesn’t share my view of the Constitution,” said pro-abortion Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) in a statement. "I would use every effective means to stop a nominee I oppose.”
Douglas Johnson, legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee, previously told LifeNews.com, that it would be unlikely for Kerry or Edwards to put forward any pro-life nominees to various courts if elected president.
"Five justices on the current Supreme Court said that Roe v. Wade guarantees the right of abortionists to perform even partial-birth abortions, and that is the Roe v. Wade that Kerry and Edwards would … defend,” Johnson said.
During the Democratic primary, Edwards visited Planned Parenthood of New England, a local affiliate of the nation’s largest abortion business, to curry their favor.
The decision shows Kerry is looking for someone who complements him by making the ticket more geographically diverse.
Kerry, a Massachusetts senator, has not been able to catch President Bush in polls in many Southern states, with the exception of Florida, a key presidential battleground.
