Snyder pens editorial condemning taxpayer-funded abortions

In a Tuesday editorial in the Grand Rapids Press, self-proclaimed “nerd” candidate in the GOP gubernatorial primary Rick Snyder levels his sites on the issue of abortion.

As a strong pro-life and pro-family candidate for governor, I am strongly committed to the rights of the unborn. I fundamentally disagree with the passage of the recent federal health care reform for many reasons, one of which is that it fails to protect the sanctity of life. Contrary to much of what has been reported about President Obama’s executive order, it does not prohibit tax dollars from subsidizing insurance plans that cover abortions. It is shameful that tax dollars earned by the hardworking residents of Michigan could be used to pay for abortions.

We should opt-out of the federal mandate to provide abortion coverage. Whether you are pro-life or not, government should not be allowed to divert tax dollars to fund insurance plans that cover abortions. I will insure that NO state funds be used to cover abortions. Government funding of abortions is inconsistent with any rational understanding of moral, racial, or economic justice.

Snyder goes on to encourage the passage of House Bills 6201 and 6202 and Senate Bills 1293 and 1294, which he says will ban the use of state tax dollars on abortion. He writes that he hopes they will be passed immediately and that Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, will sign them into law. If not, he says, he looks forward to signing them “as governor.”

In his closing paragraph, Snyder reaches for a rough claim:

Revitalization of our economy and restoration of our economic security will go a long way towards reducing the abortion rate in Michigan. This is a goal that all Michiganders of good will share. While the economy will always remain our number one priority, preventing tax dollars from being spent on abortions is a fundamental value of mine, and one that I will forcefully advocate for, as governor.

Of course, Snyder has been taking heat from social conservatives since he announced he would seek the nomination. Over at RightMichigan.com, Nick DeLeeuw — who owns RightMichigan.com and has since left the blogosphere to act as spokesman Attorney General Mike Cox — blasted Snyder for his support of the political action committee It’s My Party Too. Snyder, Opensecrets.org records reveal, donated $1,500 to the PAC in two donations– a $1000 donation in 2006 and a $500 donation in 2005.

DeLeeuw blasted the PAC as “a one-issue PAC. Abortion-on-demand.”

But Jerry Zandstra, president of the Pro-Life Federation, posted an interview with Snyder in March of 2009. In that interview, Zandstra asked Snyder about abortion and here is his response:

I am a pro-life, pro-family Republican. It is unfortunate there isn’t consensus on this issue, but I understand the strong emotional argument on both sides. What there must be consensus on however is a commitment on the quality of life we offer Michigan children and to future generations: A great education; good and plentiful jobs; safe and vibrant communities; and a clean environment.

The OpenSecrets.org documents also show Snyder gave money to the Republican machinery, include national and state, and has been a generous supporter of Congressman Mike Rogers, a staunch anti-choice lawmaker.