Unlike 1994 when Republican challengers had only platforms and promises of anti-choice to run on, now their voting records demonstrate their anti-choice positions. Those records for Tennessee Senators and Congressmen from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Congressional Districts are just as anti-choice as presidential candidate Bob Dole's record.
With a 35 year record in Congress, Senator Bob Dole has established a nearly unblemished record on being anti-choice at every opportunity - that is, 107 anti-choice votes out of a possible 113 votes. Though their tenure is not quite two years yet, Rep. Zach Wamp (3rd District) and Rep.Van Hilleary (4th District) are listed as 100% anti-choice on the 21 choice votes so far in 1996. Sen. Fred Thompson's record is not far behind: he is listed as 93% anti-choice on the 18 choice votes held in the Senate this year. He voted against the well-respected Tennessean, Dr. Henry Foster, for Surgeon General last year because this ob-gyn doctor had performed some abortions in his 30 year career.
Despite his call for "tolerance" on the anti-abortion plank of the Republican platform, Senator Dole has given anti-choice actions high priority if he is elected.Dole has promised to sign executive orders banning RU-486 and support for international family planning programs on his first day in the Oval Office. He would also prohibit federally funded fetal tissue research. As Dole has proclaimed repeatedly when questioned by religious right supporters of the Republican party, he does have "a flawless record" on opposing choice and access to abortion. (So much for "tolerance," folks.)
In contrast, President Clinton has established a solid pro-choice record in his four years in office. He supports Roe v. Wade, vetoed the ban on late-term abortions necessary to protect a woman's health, and signed the clinic access law protecting women from intimidation and violence outside reproductive health clinics. Probably most important, he appointed two pro-choice justices to the Supreme Court.
Democratic challengers for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Congressional seats and the Senate seat are moderately to strongly pro-choice. These candidates are, in order by district, Stephen Smith, Chuck Jolly, Mark Stewart, and for Senate, Houston Gordon.
Don't let anyone tell you it "won't make any difference" how you vote or that "there's really no difference between them." For the issue of women's reproductive choices for the next four years and for decades to come on the Supreme Court, this is a very critical election.
Last Modified December 21, 1996