Senator Lugar betrays Indiana conservatives...

Indianapolis, IN -- Indiana Right to Life President and CEO Mike Fichter issued the following statement in response to Senator Richard Lugar's announcement today that he will support the nomination of former NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League) counsel Dawn Johnsen to a top Justice Department post:

"Indiana Right to Life is deeply disappointed by Senator Lugar's support for the controversial nomination of former NARAL counsel Dawn Johnsen to head the Office of Legal Counsel. Senator Lugar's support is an outright betrayal of Indiana conservatives who are troubled by Johnsen's radical support for unrestricted abortion on demand, including the brutal partial-birth abortion procedure. In fact, his support for Johnsen might well be considered a betrayal of conservatives nationwide since his actions will severely damage efforts to stop Johnsen's nomination.

If Johnsen is confirmed, Senator Lugar will need to grapple with the fact that the person he is supporting will work to dramatically expand abortion access in our country while aggressively diminishing the constitutional rights of pro-life persons to speak out for the cause of life. We urge Senator Lugar to reconsider his decision and to rescind his support for Johnsen's nomination."