The abortion debate is already a hot button issue in Missouri. If the Roman Catholic Archbishop of St. Louis has his way, it could play a big role in this year’s elections. In an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Archbishop Raymond Burke says Catholics voting for political candidates supporting abortion rights commit a grave sin in the eyes of the Church. He adds they should confess and do penance before receiving communion. These comments don’t sit well with many Missouri Democrats. Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry is pro-choice, as are most of the party’s candidates for statewide office. President George W. Bush is opposed to abortion rights, as are most Missouri Republicans running for office. Archbishop Burke says a candidate’s position on abortion trumps positions on all other issues.
