My statement is mistaken.

In the very first sentence I wrote that Alan Johnson is opposed to abortion for rape or incest. That is what I thought I heard Alan say at the convention. The truth is, however, that Alan made it clear to the nominating committee, prior to the endorsement, that he did believe in permiting the procedure for these exceptions. 

The day after I sent out this statement I was corrected about Alan's views and called half a dozen delegates to find out what other's present at the convention had heard him say. I got a variety of responses. Some people couldn't recall what he said exactly. One confused his stand with Senate candidate Justin Krych who is strongly pro life. Others already knew Alan's position before the convention and thought he had repeated his views accurately. Others agreed that I had probably characterized his speech accurately.

How could we have heard different things? I'll admit I came to the convention expecting Alan to be prolife and so my expectation became a self fulfilling profecy. Alan began his speech on abortion by vociferously decrying "partial birth abortion" which is the current wedge used by pro life advocates to promote their cause. When he was asked specifically about rape and incest he lowered his voice to talk to the person near him who had raised the subject. I simply heard him wrong. Evidently he said he was still "wrestling" with the issue. He concluded his answer by reminding the audience that the child (of rape or incest) was innocent of the crime. I took this as a confirmation of a pure pro life stand. 

I know now that Alan does believe in these exceptions for abortion and that he made no attempt to hide them from Party officials. I have apologized to Al.

For Immediate Release
July 9, 2002
For further information call – 728-6928

  Statement from Harry Welty concerning last night’s Republican endorsement in House District 7A

Last night 26 Republicans, dominated by pro-life zealots, endorsed a political novice over me for the state legislature because he opposed abortion in the case of rape or incest.

There is more to being a serious candidate for the state legislature than merely appealing to the prejudices of a handful of people. I have met the test in six years of serving on Duluth ’s toughest elective job - the Duluth School Board. I helped turn a 5.5 million dollar debt ininto a ten million dollar reserve. I faced a potential strike and helped bring the district closer to labor peace. I helped provide choice for parents while overseeing significant improvement in student achievement. I’ve helped maintain a stable administration and been elected and reelected.

I have faced two thousand angry parents and spoken the unpopular truth about our finances. I believe my honesty and courage have won general and widespread respect.

Being a moderate candidate has cost me the Republican nomination for the House. I am not alone. All across Minnesota sensible moderate members of both parties have become pariahs and been driven out. The popular and successful Democratic Mayor of St. Paul, Norm Coleman, is now a Republican Senate Candidate. The Republican State Auditor Judy Dutcher is now a Democrat as is the former Republican leader of the State Senate, Dean Johnson.

It is no wonder that Minnesotans elected Jesse Ventura Governor four years ago and have instantly turned the former Democrat, Tim Penny, into a top contender to succeed him. Minnesotan’s are tired of self-righteous, single issue, politics.

I will not quit the Republican Party. Instead, I will reclaim it for moderate conservatives by challenging the endorsed Republican candidate for House District 7A.

Harry Welty

Republican candidate for Minnesota House District 7A

Email Harry: harrywelty

Go to Harry's primary website:   www.snowbizz.com 

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This Web page is prepared and paid for by Harry Welty, Welty Volunteer Committee, PO Box 3613, Duluth, MN  55803