Pro-Life Sam Brownback Endorses Rick Perry for President

Politics   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Sep 22, 2011   |   10:48AM   |   Washington, DC

Rick Perry has picked up the endorsement of a former 2008 presidential candidate who made pressing pro-life themes the hallmark of his campaign:  pro-life Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback.

The Midwestern governor endorsed his fellow Republican governor today and, tonight, Brownback is expected to attend the GOP presidential debate as Perry’s guest. Brownback’s endorsement makes him the third governor who has indicated support for Perry, following Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval.

“I have known and worked with Rick Perry for over twenty years. He is the right leader for this moment in history,” said Gov. Brownback. “Now more than ever, America needs a President who knows how to create jobs and stop Washington’s runaway spending.  Rick Perry balanced budgets in tough economic times, signed the largest tax cut in state history and helped Texas become the national leader in job creation.  On the most important issues of our time, his record of leadership serves as a blueprint for America’s renewal.”

“Governor Brownback is one of the most respected voices for conservatism in the country, and it’s great to have his support,” said Gov. Perry in response. “As a former senator and congressman who consistently fought for lower taxes and a balanced federal budget, he knows the challenges we face in rehabilitating Washington. I’m glad that he trusts me to get the job done as the next president.”

During his presidential campaign, Brownback emphasized pro-life issues and touting his decision to convert to Catholicism. He also was adamant that Republicans would not nominate a pro-abortion candidate to represent the party and its voters, referring to pro-abortion ex-New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani.

“You look at their track records and some are not pro-life,” he said. “I do not believe the party will nominate a pro-choice candidate.”

Brownback also ran on what he called a “pro-life, whole life” platform, emphasizing his support for pro-life policies at the beginning and end of life but also emphasizing his opposition to sex trafficking and other human rights abuses.

His support for Perry is not surprising given the strong pro-life record the Texas governor has built up — earning him high praise from pro-life groups.

Joe Pojman, the head of Texas Alliance for Life, has worked closely with the governor and confirms to LifeNews that “Perry has always been pro-life throughout his time as an elected official.”

“For many years, Perry has supported the fund raising efforts of pro-life organizations, including Texas Alliance for Life, and he has appeared several times at the Texas Rally for Life held at the state Capitol to commemorate the tragic Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision,” Pojman added.”We believe Perry has the right stuff to be president. If elected, he will aggressively defend innocent human life as he has as governor of Texas.”

Elizabeth Graham of Texas Right to Life wrote in a guest column for LifeNews that her organization “has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with our Pro-Life Governor, Rick Perry, since before he was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1998; therefore, we are quite pleased that this Pro-Life champion has entered the race for President of the United States.  While the Republican candidates who have already declared their candidacy also espouse Pro-Life views, Governor Perry’s record is unmatched.”

“Governor Perry enthusiastically signed the Pro-Life pledge put forth by our colleagues at the Susan B. Anthony List.  He has been an outspoken and unapologetic advocate for protecting the sanctity of human life from fertilization until natural death, and he has effectively put his advocacy into action during his tenure as Texas’ top official,” she said of Perry.

Brownback has continued his pro-life advocacy as governor of Kansas and, in May, signed into law a bill that allows for inspections of abortion centers, allows women a chance to see an ultrasound before an abortion, and bans the use of webcam, or telemed, abortions. In April, Brownback signed bills including one that will ban late abortions based on the scientific evidence showing unborn children can feel pain beginning at 20 weeks of pregnancy. He also signed a bill to de-fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business.

Rob Wasinger, who headed the campaign for Brownback, endorsed Jon Huntsman earlier this year.