He's firm on marriage -- supports Marriage Amendment I believe.
On abortion, he's different. He supports protecting unborn children in law -- but he believes life only starts with heartbeat/brainwave (roughly 8 weeks). So he's pro-life from 8 weeks on. I'm not real happy about that, but as far as I can tell it's an honestly held position, unlike all that "I believe it's wrong but should be legal" nonsense. And it would serve to highlight to the public two facts: A) that babies have heartbeat/brainwave very early on and B) it's legal to kill those babies right through 9 months.
If that's the case then most conservatives will probably have a hard time voting for him. I'm not a one issue voter so I have to see the whole package. I'm open right now for anyone who can beat the Dems!
But he has consistently received high marks from the pro-life movement. They were strong supporters of his in his race for Governor. One of his most ardent supporters, Ann Kincaid worked tirelessly for him. And you just don't get more pro-life than Ann.
Sadly cancer took her from us just a few weeks ago.
I can deal with that abortion position; it's not mine (for me it begins at conception) but it's well-thought out, choosing the heartbeat/brainwave beginning. It also will really show up the "therapeutic" abortions currently being performed in the 5th month of pregnancy every day to poor babies who happen to carry genetic or other defects.
Arguments about when life begins aside, George Allen's pro-life voting record is excellent. He always opposes the false notion that abortion is a "right". We need to keep electing Presidents who understand the fallacy of Roe v. Wade because judicial nominations are the key. Plus, and this is a real big plus, George Allen recognizes that we need to control our borders.
I'm not happy about it either, but I'll give him credit on one thing, based on his record, no one would have known that was his view if he didn't say it.
He could have lied, claimed to be full life all the way, and his record would show that he is, he's taking a risk by being forthright about it.