DENVER (AP) — A conservative Republican trying to unseat a rookie Democratic senator in Colorado is scrambling to explain his position on abortion in light of a ballot proposal to outlaw the procedure.
Ken Buck, a tea party favorite challenging Sen. Michael Bennet, leads the incumbent in several polls. But Buck's challenge has been tripped up in recent days over his position on abortion.
Buck says abortion should be illegal, and has endorsed a proposed amendment to the state constitution to set up a direct challenge to the federal government over rights for fetuses.
But Buck changed his position after doctors and lawyers pointed out that the amendment would also ban some types of fertility treatments and emergency contraception. Buck now says he's not taking a position.
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Online:
Bennet on abortion: http://bennetforcolorado.com/issues/details/2009-09-reproductive-choice
Buck on abortion: http://www.buckforcolorado.com/respect-life
Personhood Colorado: http://www.personhoodcolorado.com
Campaign for a Strong Colorado: http://strongcolorado.org
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