Why did they have to hold their noses when Bush is pro-life? With Dole, it is quite possible that it was the pro-lifers not holding their noses and pulling the R lever that was responsible for Clinton getting reelected.
This from somebody that held his nose (literally) and voted for Ellen Craswell for governor (Washington), even though I disagreed with most of her politics. (that was rather funny actually: I held my nose and voted for Craswell. The guy next to me saw me holding my nose and said "Craswell?" I sighed, and said "yep." We both had a laugh at that).
Most people who are pro-life did not. Most people who are pro-life are conservative on other issues (guns, taxes, affirmative action etc.) or see the GOP as the best chance to uphold our constituion despite the views of a particular candidate.
Many, however, are not. They grew up in homes where the Democratic Party was revered. Abortion, maybe more than anything, cause them to change their view,hence these people have to hold their nose to vote R.
Further there are still many pro-lifers who vote D. Most of these are black.