Special Elections in Louisiana and Mississippi could turn red to blue

Contact: Kristen Day, Democrats for Life of America, 202-220-3066

WASHINGTON, May 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- Two pro-life Democrats are poised to go to Washington in the next 30 days.  Special elections will be held in Louisiana on May 3rd and in Mississippi on May 13th.

Pro-life Democrat Don Cazayoux will be on the ballot Saturday in Louisiana and Travis Childers in Mississippi on May 13th.

"When pro-life Democrats win, we expand the big tent of the Democratic Party. We have endorsed both candidates and are looking forward to seeing them turn both districts from 'red to blue' in May," said DFLA Executive Director Kristen Day.

Pro-life Democrats gradually decreased in the Democratic Caucus post Roe v. Wade. But pro-life Democrats are on the rise after major victories in the 2006 elections. For the first time in decades the number of pro-life Democrats in the House and Senate increased instead of decreased. 

"This is an exciting time for pro-life Democrats because we're working to protect women and children by reducing the abortion rate," said Kristen Day, Executive Director of Democrats For Life of America. "We have worked with our Party to send more Democrats to Congress and advance a serious public agenda that both pro-life and pro-choice Democrats and Republicans can embrace."

Victories in the special elections in Louisiana and Mississippi could give pro-life Democrats a stronger voice and more influence over the 2008 Democratic Party Platform.  Additionally, the Reverend Tony Campolo, author and evangelical leader, has been appointed to the Platform Committee and has vowed to represent pro-lifers "to the highest members of the Democratic Party."

"Some have called our goal for a more moderate platform not realistic or window dressing," said Day. "I call it wishful thinking on their part. A united Democratic Party with a pro-life or neutral position on abortion will be unstoppable."