Ripped From The Headlines: Abortion Litmus Test Fight A Major Headache For Democrats

There are many flashpoints that activate the Democratic Party’s ever-expanding civil war, but few conflicts spread wider than ones about social issues. This week saw that in action, when DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Lujan told The Hill that the DCCC would not have an abortion litmus test for candidates.

Since those comments, the Democratic Party has been thrown into chaos, with many on the far left blasting Lujan’s stance

“Democrats aren’t all exactly on the same page when it comes to supporting candidates who do not toe the party line on reproductive rights. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee drew the ire of progressives and women’s rights groups over the weekend after its chairman, Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), said the group would continue to provide financial support to anti-abortion House candidates in next year’s midterm elections.”

NARAL’s president went so far as to say the DCCC stance was evidence of a “politically bankrupt strategy,” while Democracy for America called Lujan’s comments “profoundly disturbing.” This week’s abortion conflict mirrors a similar conflict that engulfed the DNC over Omaha Democrat Heath Mello during the Democrats’ failed unity tour. See below for just some of the headlines that show the Democratic Party’s bad week over the abortion litmus test fight:

The Hill: DCCC chairman responds to critics on abortion litmus test

The Hill: Howard Dean to withhold support if DCCC funds candidates opposed to abortion rights

The Hill: Gillibrand pushes back on anti-abortion Democratic candidates

Washington Examiner: Leftists rage at the DCCC for rejecting an abortion litmus test, imply that pro-life views are racist

Washington Post: Progressives issue ‘statement of principles’ on abortion rights after Democratic leaders hint at softer stance

Mother Jones: People Are Really Mad at the DCCC for Saying It Will Continue to Fund Pro-Life Candidates

Hot Air: It’s On: DCCC Vs NARAL On Abortion Litmus Test

Huffington Post: Democratic Party Leaders Will Continue To Welcome Anti-Choice Candidates

WMUR: NH Primary Source: Progressives hit DCCC’s ‘no abortion litmus test’ stand