I don't think very many pro-lifers expect him to mention abortion at every campaign stop (at least I wouldn't if I lived in California.) But simply saying that its "set in stone" at the state and federal level isn't good enough.
If I were Bill Simon I would say, "Kate, you can correctly say I am anti-abortion. However, I am just as much 'pro-choice as you are. I CHOOSE life! To be pro-life, as you call it, or a 'LIFE-choicer', as I call it, 'means standing against any evil instituion that cheapens human life, including abortion. I know this will cost me some votes, but I would rather be right than be governor.' And, you know what, Kate, I can understand your wanting your freedom of choice, what I can't understand is why those of us who would 'choose' differently are 'TAXED' because of your choice. I will never willingly be an 'accomplice to murder', which is what I 'choose' to call an abortion."