Yesterday afternoon at the state capital, the political action committee of Mississippi Right to Life issued an endorsement for gubernatorial candidate Phil Bryant, but candidate Dave Dennis says he is also pro-life.
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement from Mississippi Right to Life. I am committed to doing everything I can legally do as Governor to support the rights of the unborn, and I appreciate the confidence you have in me,” Bryan said, according to Majority in MS. “As Lt. Governor, I’m pleased we were able to successfully make sure of Mississippi’s right to opt out of federally funded abortions under the Obama healthcare bill. That was a big victory for pro-life policies in our state.”
The blog indicated the Dennis campaign sent out an email following the endorsement indicating he also opposes abortion.
“I’m disappointed that Mississippi Right to Life did not endorse me, but I can guarantee that no pro-life supporter will be disappointed in my policies on life. I am 100 percent and unconditionally pro-life,” he said.
“Early in our marriage, Jane and I were unsuccessful in having children. We began taking steps toward adoption when we were unexpectedly blessed with our daughter Kate, and then later a son, Padrick. To me, being pro-life is not simply a political position, but a personal conviction which I will honor and promote as Governor,” Dennis said. “I believe as our Founding Fathers believed that we are endowed by our Creator ‘with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’ I am fully pro-life and oppose abortion.”
“I would support legislation requiring the presentation of ultrasound images to a mother seeking an abortion. I support doubling the adoption income tax credit from $2500 to $5000 to help offset the costs in adoption and decrease the state’s costs in foster care related expenses. I oppose euthanasia and I oppose cloning. I oppose embryonic stem cell research but support cord cell and adult stem cell research that does not injure or kill an unborn child,” Dennis continued, according to the blog.
Brian Perry, Dennis’ campaign manager, reportedly added, “We respect Mississippi Right To Life’s decision, but no one should think there is a candidate in this race more pro-life than Dave Dennis.”
The two candidates are vying to succeed pro-life Gov. Haley Barbour, who is term-limited, and voters will cast their ballots this year in what is one of the uncommon off-year statewide elections.
