Posted on 08/07/2008 4:44:15 AM PDT by kellynla
WASHINGTON — Sixteen years ago, the Democratic Party refused to allow Robert P. Casey Sr., then the governor of Pennsylvania, to speak at its national convention because his anti-abortion views, stemming from his Roman Catholic faith, clashed with the party’s platform and powerful constituencies. Many Catholics, once a reliable Democratic voting bloc, never forgot what they considered a slight.
This year, the party is considering giving a speaking slot at the convention to Mr. Casey’s son, Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, who like his late father is a Roman Catholic who opposes abortion rights.
The likely shift reflects concern among Democrats that they need to do more to regain the allegiance of Roman Catholic voters, who broke decisively for President Bush in 2004 and could be crucial to the outcome in a number of battleground states this year. Senator Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee, lost the Catholic vote badly to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, who, like Mr. Obama, is a supporter of abortion rights, during the primaries in states like New Hampshire, Missouri and Ohio. In Pennsylvania, Catholic voters preferred Mrs. Clinton to Mr. Obama by a 40-point margin.
The Obama campaign is being close-mouthed about its convention plans and would not confirm whether Mr. Casey would be given a prime-time speaking slot. Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said that the call was Mr. Obama’s, but that a prominent speaking role for Mr. Casey would assist in the candidate’s efforts to woo Roman Catholic voters.
Mr. Casey, who endorsed Mr. Obama early and campaigned extensively for him in Pennsylvania, said there was no formal offer yet from Mr. Obama or the party. But, he said, “I think we’ll get something worked out.”
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
ping
Or Hillary
You are correct, kelly.
Obama also desires to repeal DOMA.
All I would add to your very correct statement is that no informed practicing Catholic can vote for Obama.We must continue to inform people that Obama is the most anti-life candidate to ever run for president.
Liberals are fond of pretending that preborn people are not people and fond of pretending that homsexuality is normal so why would they oppose Mr. Casey when he pretends to be Catholic?
The word *insincere* comes to mind.
Part of it is Catholics were historically democrats. Many of today's Catholics held onto the party but not the beliefs. They're clueless that there's even a problem there.
Xasey voted against the Mexico City Policy, which prevents the funding of overseas abortions by taxpayers.
http://www.hli.org/press_releases_usual_suspects.html
Priest Blasts ‘Usual Suspects’ For Votes Against Pro-Life Policy
FRONT ROYAL, VA — The Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer, STL, president of Human Life International, (HLI) today blasted a gang of 16 Catholic senators for their votes on an amendment to HR 2764 to overturn the Mexico City Policy instituted by President Reagan to prevent U.S. taxpayer dollars from funding overseas abortions.
“For the most part it’s the usual suspects who claim to be Catholic while their consistent pro-abortion votes amount to a betrayal of the Catholic faith. We expect treachery from them,” Fr. Euteneuer said. “But the great disappointment here is Robert Casey, Jr., whose late father courageously stood against the tide for life in his political party. It is disgusting to think that Casey Junior ran as a ‘pro-life’ candidate. He has betrayed those who voted for him on those grounds.”
“At a time when these same politicians bewail America’s standing in the world they vote to export death to nations that don’t want it, in violation of those nations’ religious traditions. They are the new ‘ugly Americans’ practicing imperialism at its worst,” Father Euteneuer said.
The gang of 16 includes: Robert Casey, Jr. (D-PA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ted Kennedy (D-MA), John Kerry (D-MA), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Susan Collins (R-ME), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Ken Salazar (D-CO), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Christopher Dodd (CT-D), Claire McCaskill (D-MO).
At that moment,I knew it was hopeless.I never brought it up again.
come on now...”informed” Catholic?
show me any practicing Catholic in America who doesn’t know about abortion....gezzzzzzzzzzzzz...
It didn't stop millions from voting for Kerry.
“Must be tough to be a Catholic and a...........Liberal.
The word *insincere* comes to mind.”
the word “oxymoron” would be more accurate!
We have 10 Commandments...either obey them or go to Confession!
He has a rating of 42% with The Family Research Council.
Since Reid has not permitted any votes on life issues. Casey does not have to buck the system.
He has said:
I think I have an ongoing conversation with God.and
I think throughout the day, I’m constantly asking myself questions about what I’m doing, why am I doing it.
[Sin is being] out of alignment with my values.
Quite a number of pro-life lapsed Catholics can not vote for him, too.
They have been totally brainwashed into believing republicans will take away their SS. Plus republicans are greedy and mean.
What's a few (million) unborn babies when your Social Security check is on the line.
Somehow my mother escaped that mentality and was a die hard republican 'till the day she died.
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