Monday, November 05, 2007

Huckabee Hits Thompson on Abortion

With his standing in Iowa and national polls rising, former Arkansas Mike Huckabee took aim at Fred Thompson today for his unwillingness to support a constitutional amendment to ban abortion.

On Meet the Press Sunday, Thompson told Tim Russert he did not support the criminalization of abortion. Huckabee called Thompson's comments "disappointing and disheartening" today in an e-mail to supporters.

"Senator Thompson's comments were disappointing and disheartening for those who were expecting him to be a solid voice for conservatives. The marriage and life amendments are critical issues for those of us who have been on the front lines of these cultural battles. Sen. Thompson's philosophy seems to be more 'cut and run' when it comes to these issues, rather than stand and lead," Huckabee wrote in the e-mail.

Huckabee said, as president, he "would fight for passage of a human life amendment."

"My position on the sanctity of life has always been clear and consistent. No candidate has a stronger record on the sanctity of life than I do," Huckabee said.

Thompson responded swiftly on FoxNews. Here's video, via National Review's The Corner. "I don’t need to justify myself to the Governor. … Governor Huckabee talks about this, I suppose, because it is the only conservative position he has got. People talk about sanctuary cities, he apparently wanted a sanctuary state in Arkansas. He is very weak on immigration policy. He was one of the highest taxing governors that we had in this country... so I can understand why he might want to talk solely about this issue," Thompson said.

2 comments:

Matt said...

With all due respect to Huckabee, Fred Thompson's position on abortion is reasoned and thoughtful. He has a clear record on this issue, and a high rating from the National Right to Life from his eight year voting record.

Further, Fred Thompson is a federalist. He believes that Roe should be reversed so that states can decide abortion policy. That's how it was pre-1973. What is refreshing about Thompson is whether it's abortion or education, Fred Thompson has a clear and consistent record.

This isn't a wedge issue to Thompson. Rather it is part of a consistent philosphy of governance.

Josh Painter said...

Indeed, Matt. Before Thompson, small-government conservatives have not had a voice since ronald Reagan's days. - Josh Painter