More from Daugaard on the abortion and embryonic stem cell issues

Bob Ellis at Dakota Voice has a post today of fourteen questions and responses from Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard. Daugaard kicked off his campaign for Governor on Monday.  I'll reprint the three questions/responses here that relate to the primary focus of Voices Carry:

8. Did you support or oppose the 2006 bill to ban almost all abortions in South Dakota? Why?

I supported the 2006 abortion ban, and voted for it at the ballot box. I support the goal of the abortion ban – to bring about the overturn of Roe v. Wade and other precedents that restrict the state’s ability to regulate abortion. I had a solid pro-life voting record when I was in the state legislature, and as executive director of Children’s Home Society, I am acutely aware that every child – even those unwanted by their parents – has value and deserves the opportunity to be a part of a loving family.

9. Did you support or oppose the 2008 measure to ban most abortions in South Dakota? Why?

I supported the 2008 abortion ban as well. I signed the petition to place the initiated measure on the ballot, and I voted for it at the ballot box. As I said in the previous answer, I support efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade. In addition, I believe that our state should continue to “chip away” at Roe v. Wade with additional efforts to regulate abortion. In 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the federal partial-birth abortion ban in Gonzales v. Carhart, even after an earlier decision had struck down Nebraska’s state partial-birth abortion ban. Gonzales demonstrates that a majority on the current Supreme Court is willing to reconsider its decisions relating to abortion.

 

11. Do you support or oppose efforts to repeal the state ban on embryonic stem cell research?

I supported the ban on embryonic stem cell research, and I would oppose an effort to repeal that ban. Even if the use of embryonic stem cells could advance certain research, this research should not be conducted at the expense of human lives. I am hopeful that advances in the use of adult stem cells will make embryonic stem cell research a thing of the past.

The Sioux City Journal had this in the paper this morning:

On social issues, Daugaard is pro-life on abortion and supported recent legislative attempts led by Republicans to restrict abortion. The Women's Health and Human Life Protection Act was overturned in a November 2006 statewide referendum by 56-44 percent vote. He lamented that vote, but declined to say if he'd push for more abortion restrictions as governor. "I do think abortion is used too often as birth control," Daugaard said.

And, on a related note…

Pat Powers at Dakota War College is noting some rumors he's heard about State Senator Larry Rhoden being eye'd by gubernatorial candidate Dave Knudson as a possible running mate. No way. Light and darkness don't mix. Larry is committed to LIFE, Knudson is so NOT. Daaugard and Rhoden however, makes sense.