April 9, 1999
Web posted at: 4:50 p.m. EST (2050 GMT)

LOS ANGELES (AllPolitics, April 9) -- GOP presidential hopeful Elizabeth Dole took her first forceful public stand on abortion Friday, calling herself "pro-life" but acknowledging that a constitutional amendment banning abortion "is not going to happen because the American people do not support it."

She called upon the Republican party to "recognize that good and honorable people disagree on the subject of abortion, and we should agree to respectfully disagree."

Dole outlined her position in a letter to an Arizona supporter which was released by her presidential exploratory committee. And while clarifying her views on abortion, she also criticized "many in the media" for pressing Republican candidates to declare a stand on a human life amendment, which she views as an "irrelevant and highly divisive argument."

The letter, released while Dole was making a California campaign stop, notes that other important women's issues, such as domestic violence, child care, sexual harassment, women's health and financial security are "nearly ignored" while differences over abortion policy command media attention.

Dole's position mirrors that of the GOP front-runner, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, who in a recent interview with the Associated Press acknowledged there was no public support for a constitutional amendment banning abortion.

Bush's comments drew criticism from other candidates in the field, including commentator Pat Buchanan and activist Gary Bauer, who are appealing more directly to the concerns of social conservatives.

The abortion issue has long been a thorn in the side of the GOP as it struggles to accommodate the views of religious conservatives while trying to broaden its appeal to more moderate, suburban voters.

Seemingly with this in mind, Dole concludes her letter by calling on party activists to "unite around issues that define our beliefs," like improving public schools, addressing rising drug use among children, and reducing taxes.

Friday, April 9, 1999

• McDougal jury deliberations to resume Monday
• Dole calls herself "pro-life" but says public won't support abortion ban
• Clinton calls on Congress to act on 'patients' bill of rights'
• Transcript: Clinton speaks on 'patients' bill of rights'
• Clinton holds out on long-awaited trade deal for China
• Chinese premier meets with Gore, members of Congress
• WTO talks fail despite concessions
• IRS warns tax filers: Don't be late
• Forbes on GOP front-runners: 'We'll smoke 'em out'
• Gore's campaign Web site touts open source code -- using closed system
• Church to close presidents' graves to daily visitors

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