This article appeared online at the Wall Street Journal on August 24, 2011.
Perry Signs Antiabortion Pledge
Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed Susan B. Anthony List’s antiabortion pledge Wednesday, drawing another distinction between himself and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
Mr. Romney declined to sign the pledge in June, saying he opposes abortion but the Susan B. Anthony List statement was too broad and could force the defunding of veterans hospitals.
The document requires candidates to nominate antiabortion judges and appointees, end taxpayer funding for all groups with affiliates that perform or fund abortions and try to enact a law to “protect unborn children who are capable of feeling pain from abortion.”
By signing the pledge, Mr. Perry can burnish his strong social conservative credentials with the GOP base, but it remains to be seen how that will play with independent voters next November should Mr. Perry become the Republican nominee.
Perry rivals Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich already have signed the pledge. Mr. Romney, pizza magnate Herman Cain, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson have not.
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