MN GOP Candidate Refuses to the End to Discuss Abortion

In the first 27 seven debates, as well as many public appearances, GOP endorsed candidate Tom Emmer refused to answer any question that involved abortion. For the final debate, he stayed just as stubbornly silent.

The three candidates for Minnesota governor concluded their last debate, debate number 28, on Halloween Day.  In the first 27 seven debates, as well as many public appearances, GOP endorsed candidate Tom Emmer refused to answer any question that involved abortion.

For the final debate, he stayed just as stubbornly silent.

Via the Star Tribune:

One of the more jarring moments came during a discussion about abortion. Dayton said abortions should be “safe, legal and rare.” Horner said Minnesota’s current laws should remain unchanged.

Emmer, who has sponsored several measures to restrict abortions, declined to answer. “This campaign is about the economy and jobs,” he said. When pressed, he said, “Let’s stick to the issues that unify us.”

An Emmer backer in the audience was disappointed that Emmer didn’t clearly say what he feels. “That was very weird,” said Peter Williams, a Minneapolis law student. “I wanted him to talk about it.”

Emmer’s answer to the question “Will you sponsor any bills related to abortion if governor?” was perhaps the most combative non-answer ever given in a political debate.  After pressing repeatedly, the moderator finally admits, “Ok, so you’re not going to answer the question, then.”

But does this hurt Emmer with his supporters?  According to the disappointed Emmer backer in the Star Tribune article, “Williams ended the evening more convinced that Emmer would get his vote.”