PETE WILSON: Pro-Choice Position Led To Success

      "The protective armor" outgoing Gov. Pete Wilson "has worn in every victorious campaign is his strong support for abortion rights," writes Los Angeles Times columnist George Skelton. Pointing to his consistent success, Wilson says the GOP needs to "come to grips" with the abortion issue -- and its pro-life stance -- "that is losing us votes wholesale." Skelton points out that Wilson, referring to the defeat of Republican pro-lifer Dan Lungren in the November gubernatorial election, recently commented, "What killed Lungren was that he lost 940,000 women who voted for me (in 1994) and he lost 670,000 self- described moderates. ... They simply do not want government making so intimately a personal decision for women." Calling the GOP platform plank which advocates a constitutional abortion ban "obnoxious and offensive to so many people," Wilson has consistently stated that the party instead ought to focus on reducing teen sexuality and pregnancy. He said, "We ought to be making every effort to say to kids, 'You're not ready to have a child. Don't ya dare have one.'" Skelton points out that Wilson is currently the only potential Republican presidential candidate for 2000 who is pro-choice. Wilson has said, "I've got a hell of a resume. I've had what some people think is the best apprenticeship of anybody seeking the office," including mayor of a large city, governor and senator. Skelton agrees, concluding, "Wilson also has one other thing, even if he has scant chance of winning the Republican nomination. He has an abortion position that can get a Republican elected" (Skelton, 12/21).