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NRL News
2008 U.S.
Congressional Elections If time “flies when you’re having fun,” then we must be having an incredible time! By the time you receive this issue, there will only be about 20 weeks until the general election on November 4. This has been an exciting primary season! Many congressional candidates supported by National Right to Life PAC have won their primaries. During the past several weeks, about one-third of the states have held their congressional primaries. The results mean that a number of pro-life candidates will face pro-abortion candidates in U.S. Senate races across the country. Most recently, on June 3, Congressman Steve Pearce (R), who has compiled a 100% pro-life voting record, came from behind to win the Republican nomination in the tightly contested race in New Mexico. Congressman Pearce will run against pro-abortion Congressman Tom Udall (D). They are vying for the open seat left by retiring pro-life Senator Pete Domenici (R). Another pro-life/pro-abortion match-up will take place in South Dakota. On June 3, pro-life state Rep. Joel Dykstra won the Republican primary and will challenge pro-abortion Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson. In the battle for Nebraska’s open Senate seat, the results of the May 13 primary determined that pro-life former Governor Mike Johanns (R) will face rancher Scott Kleeb (D). The two will compete for the seat left vacant by the retirement of pro-life Senator Chuck Hagel (R) In North Carolina’s May 6 primary, state Senator Kay Hagan (D) won the Democratic primary to challenge pro-life U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole (R) in November. There were other important primaries held in Kentucky and Oregon on May 20. Pro-life Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) won his primary in Kentucky. Sen. McConnell will face businessman Bruce Lunsford (D) in November. According to the May 15 Courier-Journal, Lunsford said he “would work to keep abortion legal.” In Oregon, pro-life Senator Gordon Smith (R) will be challenged by state House Speaker Jeff Merkley (D). Merkley was endorsed by Planned Parenthood—the largest abortion provider in the United States—and received a 100% rating from NARAL. Idaho’s U.S. Senate race will feature pro-life Lt. Governor Jim Risch (R) against former Rep. Larry LaRocco (D). In his two terms as a congressman LaRocco compiled a pro-abortion voting record. Louisiana’s pro-life state Treasurer John Kennedy (R) is challenging U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D). Landrieu has compiled a mixed record on abortion. Ready or not, the general election will be here before you know it. Be ready. Be sure to watch upcoming editions of NRL News and go to the National Right to Life Political Action Web site (www.nrlpac.org), which provides further information on national elections. |