[Swordfished]

I thought the litmus test for conservatism is being pro life; yet, Mitt recently had a 'conversion'. Was he considered a conservative before his conversion?

I think the 'litmus test' is a relatively recent phenomenon. Paleo-conservatives had no such test. Neo-conservatives believe in using the power of the federal government to further their social causes (on up through foreign policy).

[presently no screen name]

Regarding the 'power of the federal government to further their social causes' - it was the federal gov't who did make it abortion legal. IMO, it shouldn't be legal at all, but it should be given back to states to fight it out.

Thanks - just want to update my files on what constitutes a conservative these days on FR.