Rethinking Abortion

Studies by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press consistently have found that Southerners hold much more conservative views on abortion than their counterparts in other regions and the nation as a whole. In an August poll, for example, 38 percent of Southerners responded that abortion is morally wrong in nearly all cases.

Southerners' generally conservative views on abortion have caused countless difficulties for Democratic candidates. To reflect the views of their constituents, Southern Democrats need to stake out a moderate-to-conservative view on abortion, but such a view is unlikely to be received favorably by a national Democratic Party that draws tremendous support from supporters of abortion rights. Thus, Southern Democrats are torn between the competing demands of their party and their constituents. Pleasing one group only alienates the other.

The story of how "pro-choice forces gradually became the Democrats' most important, and insistent, interest sector" is told by Peter Boyer in the November 14th issue of The New Yorker. While Boyer's article focuses on Pennsylvania's upcoming U.S. Senate race, it contains valuable lessons for Southern politicians.

To challenge incumbent Sen. Rick Santorum, the Democratic Party has nominated Robert Casey, Jr. Not only is Casey a popular state treasurer, but he also is the son of former Pennsylvania Gov. Robert Casey, a pro-life Democrat who was not allowed to speak at the 1992 national convention. The younger Casey, like his father, is a supporter of organized labor and the ability of government to do good, but he is opposed to abortion. These views have endeared Casey to many of Pennsylvania's rural and conservative voters, but have distanced him from Democratic activists and donors.

The problems facing Casey and the Democrats in Pennsylvania resemble those facing Southern Democrats. Should a strong candidate who champions fundamental Democratic issues not be supported simply because of a stance on a moral issue that is unpopular with activists but is popular with the voters?

As the race unfolds, Casey's campaign could provide valuable lessons for Southern Democrats looking to negotiate the tensions between the conservative beliefs of voters and the liberal views of party leaders and activists. Southern Democrats consequently would be well advised to keep their eyes focused on the Keystone State.