FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: Kristen Day -   (703) 424-6663

August 23, 2018                                                              

Washington, D.C.:  Several counties in Michigan passed conscience language to include pro-life voters in the Democratic Party. Although conscience language did not make the final version of the Michigan Democratic platform, pro-life Democrats will be involved in the convention this weekend and are working toward forming a Pro-life Democratic Caucus.

“It is encouraging to see the Michigan Democratic Party work with pro-life Democrats for compromise and inclusion,” said Kristen Day, the executive director of Democrats For Life of America. We appreciate Michigan Party Chairman Brandon Dillon's willingness to work with our local chapter to find solutions to make our party stronger. Missouri Democratic Party Chairman Steve Webber should take note.”

The Missouri Democratic Party passed an amendment to the platform to include pro-life Democrats and then called a special meeting to eliminate the inclusive language. Both the Michigan Democratic Party and the national Democratic Party have taken stronger measures to show that pro-life Democrats can and should be active members of the party. 

 "We are pleased that both the Michigan Democratic Party and the national Democratic Party have taken a different direction from Missouri. They are embracing an inclusive atmosphere,” said Day.“Our representatives will be at two different Democratic events this weekend.”

Pro-life Democrats will be staffing tables at the Michigan Democratic Convention in Lansing, Michigan, and the National Democratic Committee quarterly meeting in Chicago, Illinois. DFLA believes that running the right person for the district will help bring back Democratic majorities in states such as  Michigan, where Democrats have not controlled both chambers of the legislature since 1983.

“The Republicans hold a 27 to 11 majority in the state Senate and a 63 to 47 majority in the state house," said Day. “If Democrats want to regain control of the Michigan Legislature, opening the big tent and being inclusive is the way to do it. When the party stands behind and embraces all its members, we win. We are moving in the right direction.”

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Watch the current interview with executive director Kristen Day on Newsy by clicking here.

There is an important election coming up that will determine the balance of the U.S. Senate and the future of the U.S. Supreme Court. The election could also determine whether or not there will be impeachment efforts to rid the White House of Donald Trump.  Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) is in a very close battle, and all Democrats would like to see her continue her tenure in the U.S. Senate.

Missouri Party Chairman Stephen Webber thinks that the best way to support Senator McCaskill and other Democrats in Missouri is to create an unnecessary battle over abortion.

A few weeks ago, there was a meeting to amend the Missouri Democratic Party platform. A vote took place, and the amendment was accepted. The Missouri Democratic Party then said that they welcome Whole Life Democrats in the party.  The “conscience language” to include pro-life Democrats did not dilute the abortion-rights plank in the Democratic Party platform.

Unfortunately, it does not appear that the acceptance, along with the compromise language, lasted. Party Chairman Webber held a meeting this morning to strip the inclusive language from the platform because nothing says “We we want your vote” more than overturning a fair process of debate and approval. It is very unusual to remove language unilaterally after a platform has been ratified. It makes you wonder about the kind of pressure supposedly “progressive” groups exerted and why. They know that this removal will cause chaos.

(Read More)

As a pro-life Democrat, I am used to hearing a constant criticism, as annoying as it is untrue,“You’re not a real Democrat.”

Although no one said this to me when I began working in politics, it passes for the majority view among party elites today. While it’s true that I wholeheartedly believe that the Democratic Party should welcome and affirm people who are reluctant to celebrate abortion, I consistently list the issues that have historically united Democrats: taxes, environmental protection, immigration, health care, and labor.