Democrats Question Havenstein on Abortion

The New Hampshire Democratic Party continues to question Republican gubernatorial candidate Walt Havenstein's position on abortion, though the former BAE executive says he is pro-choice.

Democrats raised the questions after Havenstein's related comments – soon after he officially entered the race – seeing another window in which to attack a candidate seen as having the backing of the Republican establishment.

In a conference call with reporters April 25, Candace Bouchard, D-Concord, questioned what Havenstein, if he is elected governor, would sign or veto in terms of abortion-related bills.

"In just his first week as a candidate for governor, Walt Havenstein has already demonstrated that New Hampshire women can't trust him to stand up for our priorities," Bouchard said. "Initially when asked directly, Havenstein flat out refused to say where he stood on a woman's right to make her own health care decisions, and we can see why. Hours later he gave one position to WMUR that he wasn't anti-choice but would support restrictions. Then it was reported he was telling his republican backers the opposite."

Kathy Sullivan, a former chair of the state Democratic Party, raised the issue while also questioning his residency. 

"Havenstein is trying to have it both ways," Sullivan said. "He does not want New Hampshire women to know that he really is not pro-choice."

Sullivan accused the Republican of harboring an "extreme, right-wing" agenda, though the Havenstein campaign says it has a moderate position on this social issue.

"Walt has been clear that he is pro-choice," Henry Goodwin, press secretary to Havenstein, said in response. "He supports reasonable restrictions, such as parental notification, but beyond that he would be a pro-choice Governor and would not do anything to affect a woman's right to choose."