Gov. Thompson Seeks ‘Big Tent’ Platform
WASHINGTON — Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, a longtime abortion foe, said Thursday he believes that the antiabortion plank in the Republican platform should be amended to make it clear that those who support abortion rights are welcome in the party.
“I want the party to be the party of the big tent,” Thompson said in Madison, Wis. The governor is considered to be one of several potential running mates for GOP presidential candidate Bob Dole.
Just Wednesday, Christian Coalition Executive Director Ralph Reed, who had earlier advocated changing the platform’s abortion language, said he had changed his mind and specifically said he would oppose such “big tent” language.
Asked about the abortion platform dispute Thursday, Dole said only, “We’ll work it out.” Dole has been hoping to find a way to avoid a divisive battle on the issue at the party’s convention in August.
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