Washington Post Examines Va. Gubernatorial Candidates Voting Records On Abortion, Other Issues

A Washington Post analysis of Virginia gubernatorial candidates Creigh Deeds (D) and Robert McDonnells (R) voting records in the state Legislature shows that both men have supported some restrictions on abortion access, though McDonnell has taken a much more severe approach. According to the Post, the candidates legislative records also demonstrate opposing philosophies on the role of government, spending of taxpayer dollars and restrictions on gay rights and guns.

Deeds supported bills that required parental notification for minors seeking abortions but did not support bills requiring parental consent or waiting periods. He voted for measures that banned socalled “partialbirth” abortion but later reversed his position, saying that he worried the bills were unconstitutional. Deeds also voted to allow pharmacists to dispense emergency contraception prior to FDAs decision allowing it to be sold over the counter.

McDonnell supported the partialbirth abortion ban, parental consent for minors and a 24hour waiting period before abortion procedures, all of which passed. He voted against the measure allowing pharmacists to dispense EC.

Planned Parenthood has criticized McDonnells voting record as extreme. The group has canvassed neighborhoods and called voters to promote its position (Kumar, Washington Post, 9/27).

Post Analyzes Campaign Ad

The Post also published an analysis of an ad Deeds released last week criticizing McDonnells stance on womens issues. According to the Post, the ad aims to appeal to women, especially in Northern Virginia, and “seems to assume its viewers have already heard about” McDonnells 1989 masters thesis, in which he called working women and feminists “detrimental” to the family. The ad states that McDonnell sponsored 35 bills on abortion issues; he was chief sponsor on eight of those, according to the Post. The ad also states that McDonnell opposes birth control for married adults. The Post reports that McDonnell supported two bills restricting birth control access but has since said that he does not oppose the use of birth control by married couples (Helderman, Washington Post, 9/27).

Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership.org. You can view the entire Daily Womens Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Womens Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.

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This entry was posted on Miércoles, Septiembre 30th, 2009 at 10:40 and is filed under abortion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.