Republican Activists View Hyde's Selection Differently

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, April 29) -- GOP reaction has been mixed to the selection of pro-life Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) as chairman of the Republican National Convention's party platform committee.

Some see it as a victory for maintaining the pro-life plank in the Republican platform. Though aides to presumptive GOP nominee Robert Dole (R-Kan.) say no decision has been made on whether to soften the abortion plank, Christian Coalition lobbyist Brian Lopina told the Associated Press, "When you have one of the strongest pro-life defenders as chairman of the committee, you're going to get a document you like."

But Ann Stone, who directs Republicans for Choice, isn't so sure. She told AP she thinks Hyde might go along with softening the GOP plank to help Dole defeat President Bill Clinton next fall.

Hyde has consistently promoted pro-life causes during his tenure in Congress. His appointment could be a concession to conservative commentator Pat Buchanan, who has made opposition to abortion a key plank of his presidential campaign. Whether Buchanan endorses Dole appears to hinge on how the abortion issue is handled, and whether Buchanan is given a prime-time speaking slot at the August convention in San Diego.

Separately, California Gov. Pete Wilson told reporters today he will fight to remove the GOP abortion plank. "There are many of us, more now than were present in Houston, who will in fact seek to have a different kind of plank put in place of the one that is there now," he said. Wilson was the first major Republican presidential contender to quit the race.

Republican Activists View Hyde's Selection Differently

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