ATLANTA - Georgia's largest anti-abortion lobby has withdrawn its endorsement of Republican Saxby Chambliss in the U.S. Senate race, charging he has changed his position on abortion since the primary election.
In the primary, Georgia Right to Life gave its approval both to Chambliss and to his GOP opponent, state Rep. Bob Irvin, based on their responses to a questionnaire. On the form, both candidates said they opposed abortion except when the mother's life is at risk.
But in fact, Chambliss recognizes three exceptions - rape, incest and when the mother's life is at risk. A campaign worker misstated his stand in the initial response, Michelle Hitt, a Chambliss spokeswoman, said Tuesday.
``Saxby's position has never changed on this issue,'' she said. ``The same day we realized the form had been filled out incorrectly, we changed it.''
But Georgia Right to Life Director Dan Becker called it a switch and said in a statement, ``It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of disappointment that ... (Georgia Right to Life's political action committee) rescinded the endorsement of Saxby Chambliss.''
Chambliss is challenging Democratic Sen. Max Cleland on Nov. 5.
Cleland's campaign accused Chambliss of taking one position for the Republican primary, where the stricter position might attract support, then switching to a more moderate stance for the general election.
Chambliss' campaign contends Cleland is raising that issue to mask the senator's vote in favor of a a type of late-term procedure referred to as partial-birth abortion.
State Republican Chairman Ralph Reed minimized the flap, saying the national Right to Life group continues to support Chambliss and their endorsement will be highlighted in get-out-the-vote mailings to Republicans across the state.
Reed also said Chambliss' position is consistent with that of President Bush and former President Reagan.
Saturday
May 4th, 2024
10:31PM
