Health Care-Related Issues Emerge in Attorney General Race
A television advertisement by Democratic attorney general candidate Jerry Brown states that his opponent -- Sen. Charles Poochigian (R-Fresno) -- is "too extreme for California," raising questions about Poochigian's positions on abortion rights and stem cell research, a Sacramento Bee analysis states.
In the ad, Kathy Kneer of Planned Parenthood of California says, "Poochigian wants to outlaw abortion."
Lisa Seitz, who is identified as a scientific researcher, says, "Poochigian is so extreme, he even opposes California stem cell research programs."
According to the analysis, Poochigian opposes abortion rights except in cases of rape, incest or if a woman's life is in danger, but he has stated that he would uphold California law that provides for wider access to abortions.
Regarding stem cell research, Poochigian opposed Proposition 71 in 2004 for fiscal reasons, according to the Bee.
The analysis notes that the ad does not address Brown's views on several issues, including abortion, adding that "Brown has made statements in the past that are both supportive and critical of abortion rights and gun control," another issue addressed in the ad.
In addition, the ad does not disclose that Brown had appointed Seitz to the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, according to the analysis (Sample, Sacramento Bee, 9/23).