Critics Question Pro-Life Group Endorsing Pro-Choice Candidates
Kate Nagle, GoLocal Contributor
Critics Question Pro-Life Group Endorsing Pro-Choice Candidates
Fung, who has been on the record saying he is an abortion-rights advocate, was endorsed by the group Rhode Island Right to Life, who also endorsed 13 other candidates for statewide and General Assembly seats (see below).
"I know that RI Right to Life approaches these issues very carefully, and I can only presume that they have more information about Mayor Fung's position than I do. I won't second guess their endorsement," said Bishop Thomas Tobin of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTTobin continued, "Personally, though, I can't vote for any candidate for any office, who claims to be pro-choice, which to me translates to being pro-abortion."
Endorsement Questioned
On Fung's campaign homepage, under "issues", it lists tax reform, education governance, and good government reform, but makes no mention of where he stands on abortion.
At the first Republican debate at Providence Performing Arts Center on June 17 hosted by the Providence Journal and WPRI, both Ken Block and Fung said they are pro-choice.
When contacted about their decision to endorse Fung, Rhode Island Right to Life Director Barth Bracy said, "You can refer to the information contained in [our] newsletter which lists our endorsements and also explains what our endorsements mean and how they are made."
Former State Representative Jon Brien, a pro-life advocate, said he was "surprised" by Right to Life's decision.
"As someone who has run in the past as a pro-life candidate , I worked with them," said Brien of the group. "I know they would seek a certain set of criteria, before sponsoring a candidate.
Brien continued, "It's a good endorsement to get, but I'm perplexed why they'd endorse any of these five candidates quite frankly as a right to life candidate. It seems to me that there are other candidates down ballot that they could get involved with on this issue instead."
"It seems that they were just seeking a candidate to endorse, but in my opinion, there's no one who fits the bill. It comes down to the fact that you can't have it both ways -- you're either on side or the other, I don't believe that there is a middle ground," said Brien. "I find it pretty surprising, with some of the things that have been said on this, it just seems to be the antithesis of their mission."
Representative Karen MacBeth, who has been a sponsor pro-life legislation in the General Assembly, said she wanted answers about the endorsement.
"If Fung's pro-choice and they're pro-life, I just don't know why they would make that endorsement," said MacBeth. "As a co-sponsor of a number of pro-life bills, I would hope they would support someone who is pro-life."
On August 29, RI Future's Bob Plain questioned RI Right to Life's endorsement of Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor candidate Ralph Mollis, who said he is "personally pro-life, but governmentally pro-choice."
High Profile Endorsements in 2014 RI Election Cycle
John Robitaille
2010 Republican RI Gubernatorial Nominee
Endorsement: Republican Ken Block for RI Governor
“Ken Block has a clear understanding of the issues affecting Rhode Islanders, and he has a credible plan to improve how the state operates.” said Robitaille. “Ken’s experience as a job creator and problem solver has served him well in the private sector. This same experience is what we need in a governor to tackle the enormous budget, operational and service issues we face in these difficult economic times.”
Mitt Romney
2012 Republican Presidential Nominee
Endorsement: Republican Allan Fung for RI Governor
“Allan is a proven leader who will challenge the special interests and shake up the status quo. As Mayor of Cranston, Allan has an impressive record of results. He took over a financially-distressed city and turned it into a model of reform,” said Romney in a statement. “He's restructured programs, pared back where necessary and pursued efficiencies and consolidations.”
Brian Newberry
RI House Minority Leader
Endorsement: Ken Block for RI Governor
“As the campaign has transpired it has become clear to me that Ken Block is the best person to take on the Democrats and lead the party to victory in November,” said Newberry. “Ken has a solid plan to fix our state and I look forward to working with him at the State House.”
Bill Clinton
42nd President of the United States
Endorsement: Seth Magaziner for General Treasurer
Clinton headlined a rally for Magaziner on Aug. 27 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence
Patrick Kennedy
Former US Congressman (D-RI)
Endorsements: Angel Taveras for RI Governor; Seth Magaziner for General Treasurer
On Magaziner: “I am proud to support Seth, because I know he is the best candidate to move Rhode Island forward,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Not only will Seth bring a steady hand to the state’s finances, he will bring new energy and fresh ideas that will put Rhode Islanders to work and make our state competitive in the 21st century economy.”
On Taveras: “If we need a model in Rhode Island of what it is that it’s going to take for success, all we need to do is to look at the personal story of Angel Taveras,” said Kennedy. “He’s not someone who has ever had anything handed to him.”
Michael R. Bloomberg
Former New York City Mayor
Hosted fundraiser for Democrat Gina Raimondo for RI Governor
“Gina is one of the most impressive public officials in America today in the mayor’s opinion … he really thinks she’s a superstar.” - Howard Bloomberg, Bloomberg Senior Advisor
Rahm Emanuel
Chicago Mayor; Former US Congressman (D-IL); Former White House Chief of Staff to President Obama
Mayor Emanuel hosted a fundraiser for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Raimondo in June 2013
Myrth York
Three-Time Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate
Endorsement: Gina Raimondo for RI Governor; Jorge Elorza for Providence Mayor
“I am supporting Gina because she is smart, she is determined and she is incredibly hard working,” York said in a statement. “She understands the challenges and difficulties that Rhode Islanders face every day. And she knows how to bring change – positive, progressive change.”
Colbie Caillet
Pop Singer
Attended volunteer event for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Clay Pell
