Reactions to Sen. McCain's Selection of Gov. Palin as His Running Mate
(favorable, then unfavorable in no particular order)

MINNEAPOLIS-- Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan released the following statement regarding U.S. Senator John McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential nominee:

"I applaud John McCain's selection of Governor Sarah Palin, whose commitment to reform and record of bipartisanship is exactly what our country needs. I am confident that this team will continue to keep America safe and make our nation more prosperous."

PRESS RELEASE from Family Research Council Action via PRNewswire-USNewswire

ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Family Research Council Action President Tony Perkins released the following statement regarding Senator John McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate:

"Senator McCain made an outstanding pick from the choices that were on the table. Governor Sarah Palin is an outspoken advocate for pro-family policies that energize social conservatives. She has a record of advancing the culture of life at every opportunity including championing a ban on partial-birth abortion and promoting parental consent for minor abortions.

"On February 11th of this year, for example, she signed into law the 'Safe Haven for Infants Act,' facilitating the safe surrender of an unwanted newborn to a place of safety and hope. Her actions contrast sharply with the Democratic nominee, Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.), who when he was in the Illinois Senate repeatedly helped to kill a bill that sought to protect babies who survived abortion."

"She has also lived out her personal beliefs. Earlier this year, Governor Palin and her husband welcomed the birth of their fifth child, Trig Paxson Van Palin. During the pregnancy, they learned that Trig would be born with Down's syndrome. In an era when over 80 percent of Down's syndrome babies are aborted, the Palins feel they have been extremely blessed by God to raise 'an absolutely perfect' son. Governor Palin continues to use her testimony to advance protections for unborn children.

"Governor Palin also believes that marriage is between one man and one woman. In a speech in 2006, she expressed her disappointment in an Alaskan Supreme Court ruling ordering that the state provide benefits to same-sex partners. 'I disagree with the recent court decision because I feel as though Alaskans spoke on this issue with its overwhelming support for a Constitutional Amendment in 1998 which defined marriage as between a man and woman.'"

Call the FRC Press Office at (866) FRC-News to schedule an interview with Tony Perkins during the Republican Convention.

Source: Family Research Council Action

CONTACT: J.P. Duffy of Family Research Council Action, +1-202-679-6800