Abortion Advocates Edwards 
and Gephardt Join '04 Presidential Race

January 4, 2003—Washington, DC:  Two abortion advocates jumped into the 2004 presidential race Thursday. The Democratic field for the White House swelled to four as pro-abortion Sen. John Edwards announced his candidacy for president and supporters of pro-abortion Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt announced formation of a presidential exploratory committee in the coming days.

The field is likely to grow to a half dozen or more in the next week or so—almost two years before the 2004 election.

The two joined pro-abortion Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and pro-abortion Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry in the fast-growing Democratic field.

Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman, who favors abortion, is also expected to join the field soon. Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle, a key pro-abortion Senator responsible for derailing several pro-life bills in the Senate, is strongly leaning toward a run and probably will announce his decision by mid-January, associates say.

Sen. Bob Graham of Florida is expected to announce his intentions later this month. Delaware Sen. Joe Biden and Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd are considering bids, too. All three back abortion and have pro-abortion voting records in the Senate.

The Democrats in the field will compete for a chance in the 2004 elections to face President George W. Bush, who has received praise from pro-life organizations for his leadership on life issues.

Bush's first action as President in January, 2001 was to re-implement the Mexico City Policy. Begun during the Reagan administration, it prevents taxpayer funds from being used to support organizations that perform or promote abortions in foreign countries.