NHPrimary.com: Keyes rails against abortion, taxesBy Karen Spiller/The Telegraph of Nashua, New Hampshire
January 28, 2000
Web posted at: 2:21 p.m. EST (1921 GMT)
 CONCORD, New Hampshire (The Telegraph of Nashua) - Republican presidential contender Alan Keyes railed against abortion Thursday, calling it "the slavery issue of our time" and saying his competitors haven't taken a position on the issue.
"Phony politicians get tripped up on their own words, revealing that their hearts are not with the stands that they take," Keyes said Thursday.
The pro-life radio commentator, who has never held elected office but came in a strong third in Iowa, spoke to the N.H. House of Representatives on Thursday five days before the state's primary election.
Keyes' comments came a day after the last debate between the Republican candidates, at which he questioned Arizona Sen. John McCain about a statement earlier this week that it would be a "family decision" if McCain's 15-year-old daughter was pregnant and thinking about abortion.
During Wednesday's debate, McCain said he would not draw his family into the issue but told Keyes that voters could trust him on the issue because of his 17-year voting record against abortion rights. "You get the leaders who will stand for anything," he said. "Listen to all that is promised you ... but then ... consider what's right for America."
Keyes, the only black presidential candidate in either major party, spoke to lawmakers in sometime explosive bursts, mainly about his stance on abortion. But he also talked about his hopes for reclaiming control over the nation's money and schools.
Keyes ended his speech by telling lawmakers that the American people ought to know what the candidates' stances are before they are voted into office.
Rep. Francine Wendelboe, R-New Hampton, said she doesn't think Keyes can finish in the top three in New Hampshire, but said he gave a great speech.
"I just think his message resonated really well here, even better than Forbes'," said Wendelboe.
But Keyes did not persuade Wendelboe to vote for him. "I know who I'm voting for, and I'm not disclosing that."
"I wish we could put them all in a blender and come out with the perfect (candidate)," she said.
Rep. Carolyn Virtue, D-Northfield, a supporter of Al Gore, felt that Keyes was condescending to the audience.
"I feel like he's talking at me, not to me," she said, though she noted he made some excellent points about taxes.
Dennis Fields, R-Merrimack, said he was not impressed with Keyes.
"He really didn't come out and say what he would do as the president," said Fields, who wanted to hear about Social Security, health care and military issues.
Fields is voting for Bush, who has the experience to be the country's next leader, he said.
Robert Milligan, R-Merrimack, said Keyes was one of the best speakers he has ever heard.
"He impressed people out in Iowa, it's quite obvious. A lot of people are saying they don't think he can win. It's too bad."
|
