Massachusetts Citizens for Life Releases New Statement on Cahill Endorsement
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
July 27, 2010
Boston, MA (LifeNews.com) — After the dustup in the wake of its endorsement of independent gubernatorial candidate Tim Cahill, Massachusetts Citizens for Life has released a further statement helping pro-life voters understand its decision-making. The group says it is not re-evaluating its decision to back Cahill and that his opponents are clearly pro-abortion.
"There has been some confusion regarding the endorsement of Tim Cahill by the MCFL PAC," the organization said in a statement to LifeNews.com. "The PAC endorsed the Cahill-Loscocco ticket because the ticket is the best choice to advance the pro-life cause."
MCFL says Cahill "made it clear" in two different meeting with officials of the pro-life group that, while he believes Roe v. Wade is "settled law," he supports parental notification, tax credits for adoptions, and, as governor, will sign pro-life legislation such as informed consent, a partial-birth abortion ban, and an unborn victims bill.
"As Governor, Tim Cahill will work to create a culture of life across Massachusetts," the group said, adding that he has promised to veto any bill legalizing assisted suicide. "In both meetings, Cahill was forthright, candid and thoughtful."
Although Cahill may not be as pro-life as MCFL would prefer, the organization said it is clear that his opponents are thoroughly pro-abortion and would oppose any pro-life legislation in the state legislature.
"When looking at the candidates, the choice was clear," MCFL said. "Deval Patrick is the most pro-abortion governor in Massachusetts history."
MCFL also said Republican candidate Charlie Baker did not return MCFL’s candidate questionnaire.
Yet, he picked a running mate, Richard Tisei, who it says has a "long pro-abortion voting record."
"Baker has stated that he is ‘to the left of Barack Obama on social issues.’ It is clear that Baker would not be a friend to life," MCFL added.
"MCFL State PAC is a non-partisan group which supports the candidate most likely to help advance the cause of life. We are proud to have endorsed Tim Cahill. We look forward to seeing him elected Governor this Fall," the group concluded.
After issuing an endorsement last week, MCFL came under fire from some pro-life advocates and Cahill and his staff responded in the press that he officially supports legalized abortions — albeit with numerous pro-life limits.
Cahill spokeswoman Amy Birmingham told Fox News that Cahill’s stance is similar to that of new Sen. Scott Brown, who backs a number of abortion limits but still supports abortion itself.
The endorsement is causing some controversy within pro-life circles in Massachusetts as MCFL and other pro-life advocates split on strategy.
MCFL, as it did when it endorsed Brown, appears to be taking the approach that, in a strongly pro-abortion state like Massachusetts, pro-life voters sometimes have to settle for candidates who will help stop some abortions. But other pro-life advocates say candidates who don’t at least take an official pro-life position on abortion are not worthy of support.
A new Rasmussen Reports poll out today finds Massachusetts’ spirited gubernatorial contest remains largely unchanged from last month. The survey of likely voters finds Patrick with 38% support, while Baker picks up 32% of the vote. Democrat-turned-Independent candidate Cahill continues to trail with 17%. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided.
Last month, Patrick earned 41% to Baker’s 34%, with Cahill at 16%. In May, Patrick led Baker by 14 points – 45% to 31% – with Cahill getting 14% support.
Related web sites:
MCFL PAC – https://MCFLStatePAC.intuitwebsites.com
MCFL – https://www.masscitizensforlife.org
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