Free Republic

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 - Democratic leaders say their party needs to de-emphasize the issue of abortion rights, concerned that Republicans have hurt the Democratic Party by portraying it as an uncompromising champion of abortion. In interviews and public appearances since Election Day, Democratic officials have said that the party should open its doors to abortion opponents and that candidates should make abortion a less central focus of future campaigns. Party leaders said they were not abandoning their fundamental support for abortion rights, but said Democrats should consider accepting some restrictions that enjoy popular support - like parental notification when teenagers...

The leaders of Ontario's three major parties took long rides home yesterday to await the verdict of the province's voters after 29 frenetic days of policy pronouncements, insults, gaffes and photo opportunities. Thursday, one of the three will return to Toronto as the man picked to be premier. And while the election is fated to be remembered for attack ads and a "reptilian kitten-eater" comment, the three leaders fought to the last minute to impress its importance on voters. Yesterday was their last chance to bid for the support that they need if they are to succeed in their grasp...