The Los Angeles Times endorsed pro-abortion Democrat Barbara Boxer over semi pro-life Republican Carly Fiorina, and the abortion and same-sex marriage issues loom large:
Boxer supports California’s ban on assault weapons and the revival of a similar law at the federal level. Fiorina has criticized the federal law’s definition of assault weapons as “extremely arbitrary” and emphasizes other ways of combating gun crimes, none of which is a substitute for a ban. She also believes that travelers on the federal government’s no-fly list should be allowed to own firearms.
Boxer believes that women have a right to choose abortion. Fiorina describes herself as pro-life and opposes the landmark Roe vs. Wade decision. She says she doesn’t support the criminalization of abortion, but at least in some states that would be the likely consequence of repeal. Even if Roe vs. Wade weren’t overturned, Congress could continue trying to put obstacles in the way of women seeking to exercise their rights. Boxer can be trusted to resist such legislation.
Boxer believes that same-sex couples should be able to enter into civil marriage and supports repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman and allows states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Fiorina opposes same-sex marriage while supporting civil unions.
Whether Fiorina’s tight-rope walk of opposing Roe while also opposing recriminalizing abortion will fool draw centrist voters is an unresolved question, but clearly strident abortion advocates do not like the finely tuned position. Who is willing to bet against the Times endorsing Jerry Brown over Meg Whitman in the Golden State’s gubernatorial race.
