Several of the potential Republican presidential candidates hit pro-life themes in statements or Twitter messages sent out yesterday as hundreds of thousands of pro-life Americans participated in the March for Life.
Governors Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and Mitt Romney of Massachusetts led the way with statements commending the marchers and comments about their own pro-life views.
“Today, men and women are gathered together at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., to protect and promote a culture of life,” Pawlenty said. “I join those marching today in affirming that we need to extend that right to life to the most innocent and powerless among us. We must take it upon ourselves to protect all individuals in every stage of life, from the unborn to the elderly.”
Like Pawlenty, Romney released a statement through his personal political action committee.
“In great number, men and women from across our country are gathered today on the Mall in Washington in the cause of defending the rights of the unborn,” the statement said. “All of them are marching today in the spirit of compassion and mercy, and I share their commitment to laws that protect the innocent and uphold a culture of life.”
Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor, did not release an official statement but posted a twitter comment saying, “My thoughts and prayers are with those who marched for Life in DC today. Keep fighting.” The comment linked to a YouTube video with an excerpt from the keynote speech Huckabee gave at the state March for Life in Georgia in 2008.
Huckabee’s PAC, today, posted footage of another video depicting the former governor talking about his pro-life views during a 2008 presidential debate.
Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor, also did not release an official statement, but posted a link on Twitter to images taken at the West Coast Walk for Life, where 50,000 pro-life advocates lined the streets of San Francisco in the Pacific Coast version of the national event held on Saturday, the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that allowed 53 million abortions.
“Yes, San Francisco!” Palin said as she linked to the photos.
Other potential presidential candidates including Haley Barbour and Mitch Daniels, the Mississippi and Indiana governors, South Dakota Sen. John Thune, and former House Speaker New Gingrich did not appear to release any official statements concerning the March for Life or the anniversary of the Supreme Court decisions on abortion.
Rick Santorum, the former Pennsylvania senator, did not release a statement, but he has been actively touting pro-life principles this week as he has been the subject of a national controversy surrounding remarks he made concerning President Barack Obama’s position on abortion. Santorum said Obama, as an African-American, should appreciate how some people are denied legal respect for their right to life.
Obama released a statement on Saturday celebrating abortions.
