Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Yepsen on Blouin, AFSCME

Yepsen on Blouin, AFSCME

The overrated one opines on yesterday's big endorsement. But he gets it wrong near the end:

The next big development in the campaign may also be Blouin's to make. It comes when he chooses a running mate. He's expected to do that before the June primary, and when he does, he'll enjoy a nice boost of publicity, just as his rivals have. He's also expected to name a pro-choice woman, a move that may finally get the abortion issue behind him.


No. For all the buzz about Judge and Vander Plaats, the reality is that running mates don't make a damn bit of difference. (Two words: Dan Quayle.)

What would get the choice issue behind Blouin would be a statement along these lines:

"While I personally oppose abortion, I will not impose my personal beliefs on the women of Iowa. I will veto any legislation which restricts choice, and I will support and sign any legislation that enhances choice."


In other words he needs to become fully pro-choice politically, and if he personally does not like abortion he should not get one. Blouin is trying to have it both ways; if he's going to play games with a core Democratic issue like choice in order to win over some "moderate" votes that aren't really there, he needs to pay a price with progressives.

Right now I'd rank Blouin fourth in my choices for governor, behind Fallon and Culver (not necessarily in that order!) and Welty.

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