Article Summary –
Eric Hovde, a wealthy Republican business owner running against Democratic Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, is clarifying his position on abortion after criticism from progressive group A Better Wisconsin Together. The group’s radio ad references Hovde’s 2012 pro-life stance and endorsement from Wisconsin Right to Life, which opposes abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Hovde’s campaign has stated that he supports exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and to protect the life of the mother, and he believes that Wisconsin voters should decide on abortion rights via a referendum.
Eric Hovde Clarifies Abortion Position Amid Senate Run
Republican businessman Eric Hovde has addressed concerns about his stance on abortion shortly after announcing his campaign for the GOP nomination to compete against Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin.
Progressive advocacy group A Better Wisconsin Together recently ran a radio ad recalling Hovde’s 2012 Senate campaign statement: “I am a strong believer in pro-life. I am totally opposed to abortion.”
The ad draws attention to Hovde’s endorsement from Wisconsin Right to Life in 2012, a group that opposes abortion even in cases of rape or incest.
Responding to the ad, Hovde’s campaign stated that Hovde now supports exceptions for rape, incest, and “to protect the life of the mother.” Additionally, he believes Wisconsin’s abortion rights should be decided by a referendum.
A GOP-backed bill proposing a 14-week abortion ban referendum was passed by the State Assembly, but the State Senate has yet to review it.
A Better Wisconsin Together remains skeptical about Hovde’s clarified stance. Their communications director, Lucy Ripp, stated, “As Donald Trump and his MAGA enablers… gear up to pass dangerous abortion bans, people deserve to know Eric Hovde would join them in voting to take away their reproductive freedoms.”
Multiple polls suggest most voters back abortion rights and reject attempts to restrict or completely ban the procedure. A New York Times/Siena College poll found 63% of Wisconsin voters believe abortion should be legal. A Marquette University poll revealed 48% and 45% of Wisconsin residents oppose and support the proposed 14-week abortion ban, respectively.
Following Hovde’s announcement, Baldwin claimed that a Hovde victory would threaten abortion rights. “If Eric Hovde defeats me, he’d help… ban abortion nationwide…” Baldwin expressed on Twitter.
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