WP: Abortion Rights Group in Va. Skips Gubernatorial Endorsement

[DeepModem Mom]

Abortion Rights Group in Va. Skips Gubernatorial Endorsement
By Michael D. Shear
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 17, 2005; Page B05


RICHMOND, Aug. 16 -- The Virginia chapter of NARAL Pro-Choice America said Tuesday that it will not endorse any candidate in this fall's governor's race, citing a lack of support for abortion rights among the two leading candidates.

The group endorsed Democrats for lieutenant governor, attorney general and most delegate races but said Democratic Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine failed to earn its backing for governor because of his support for some abortion restrictions.

The group condemned Republican gubernatorial candidate Jerry W. Kilgore as an "extremely anti-choice" candidate, and it charged that he would sign legislation to criminalize abortion and restrict access to contraceptives if given the chance.

"Tim Kaine . . . has said he would not sign such legislation, but he embraces many of the restrictions on a woman's right to choose that are opposed by NARAL," the group's statement said. "We cannot therefore offer any endorsement in this year's race for governor."

The statement went on to say that despite the group's concerns about Kaine's positions, "we see more hope for the women of Virginia in Kaine's candidacy."...


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/16/AR2005081601329.html