Bill Frist has never been a part of HCA - he founded the Vanderbilt Transplant Center (and I'm sure they never performed an abortion.)
Okay, I'm willing to say Frist is not 100% pro-life. As I said on another thread, he is probably about 90%. But he will still make a very effective SML. With him in charge, we will see a PBA ban pass, the parental notification pass, the law barring anyone from taking a minor across state lines pass, pro-life judges pass...
Could these pass with Nickles or Santorum at the helm? Sure, but they aren't running for the position. Could they pass with Lott in charge? Before the past two weeks, sure. Not anymore, Lott is too compromised to stand up for anything controversial.
If people here are looking for a perfect candidate, forget it. There is no such thing. And if we are going to trash everyone who doesn't match up 100% with what our idea of a conservative is, then we deserve what we will get - a quick trip back into the minority.
Bill Frist is a good, honest and ethical man, who is reasonably conservative, right on most of the issues, both fiscal and social. He has a good relationship with the WH, which means quick action on the issues most of us agree are important - fighting the war, lowering taxes, confirming pro-life judges. He is not the second coming of Christ. But he is a good choice, and someone who actually has a chance to get things done.