Nathan Moore's Thoughts
A Mistake
Brian Harris of Tennessee Right to Life today endorsed Jack Johnson for the 23rd District State Senate primary. Harris’ quote
“With the election of Jack Johnson the voters of this district have a unique opportunity to continue the pro-life legacy of Jim Bryson and Keith Jordan,” said Tennessee Right to Life Chairman Brian Harris. “Because the 23rd district has been so well represented at the Legislature by capable pro-life leaders, we know that Jack Johnson is the natural candidate to keep that pro-life legacy strong.”
That’s interesting, as I’m not aware that Jack Johnson has a pro-life record at all, at least not anything that is documentable (and I know - it’s clear that I am a bonafide Chip supporter - it wouldn’t surprise me if someone pointed that out…perhaps someone with the initials ACK), but I’m being rather objective on this one. Now, I believe Jack is pro-life. I know Chip is pro-life (in fact, his questionairre submitted to TRL scored perfectly). I’m fairly sure that the other candidates in the race are as well. What gives with this particular endorsement?
What is interesting is that Chip is the only candidate involved in this race that has any record on the unborn whatsoever. Many may not know it, but he is co-counsel in a lawsuit suing Corrections Corporation of America for the wrongful death of a second trimester fetus. The story from The Tennessean last Fall is summarized here (scroll down to October 1, 2005). Chip has been involved in this case since shortly after it was filed almost one year ago, way before this campaign ever began.
In short, Chip is the only one who has a track record of any sort regarding the unborn.
How Right to Life can ignore this, and still endorse Jack Johnson, is a mystery to me.
UPDATE From the comments below
I heard that Jack’s wife works with/for the right to life agency. This might just be a rumor, and if it is, I apologize for putting it out there. But if it’s true, that would explain a lot.
I guess I should have known that, but did not. If so, it would explain a lot, and I think, cheapen the endorsement just a tad.
June 30th, 2006 at 12:32 am
I heard that Jack’s wife works with/for the right to life agency. This might just be a rumor, and if it is, I apologize for putting it out there. But if it’s true, that would explain a lot.
June 30th, 2006 at 9:25 am
Not every Republican voter is pro-life.
June 30th, 2006 at 10:34 am
I’m sick of Right to Life. I’m against abortion as much as anyone but these people care more about taking care of their friends than advancing the cause. They did the same thing in the US Senate Race. Hilleary and Bryant had the exact same record in Congress and yet RTL endorsed Bryant because *his* wife had done volunteer work. Now they endorse another guy who’s going to lose because *his* wife does volunteer work. How does this save babies?
June 30th, 2006 at 7:03 pm
Actually, TNRTL was very clear about why they endorsed Ed Bryant over Van Hilleary. It was more than just his 100% pro-life voting record. He is better able than Hilleary to “articulate” a pro-life message and serve as a leader. And, for the record, never once have they said it was based on Mrs. Bryant’s volunteer work. But both Mr. and Mrs. Bryant have done volunteer work for pro-life groups for a long time.