[Callahan]

Kerry's little martyr plan won't wash. He's a not a "safe, legal, rare" type torn by faith, but a pro-abortion extremist beholden to the NARAL crew. He voted against banning partial-birth and fetal protection even though both had wide support. He's the one outside the mainstream.

[workerbee]

According to rumour, Mr Kerry would attend Mass knowing that he would be refused Communion in the full glare of the media. Sympathetic Catholics would then be expected to rally to his cause.

I've actually thought Kerry might try something just like this, believing he could play on anti-Catholic-hierarchy sentiment as well as "cafeteria" Catholics who share his beliefs re abortion et al. But in reality, I don't think he would add any significant number of votes by playing the martyr. Mainly because the anti-Cath-hierarchy types and cafeteria Catholics are already voting for him. All he'd do is stir anger among many faithful Catholics and traditional religious folks, who may have been considering voting for him.