Abortion issue heats up in Senate Race

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - Tuesday marks one week until election day and things are heating up in the Second District Senate race.

Sunday morning pro-life advocates waited outside the church of Incumbent Senator Mamie Locke to protest her pro-choice stance on abortion. Locke got an eye full outside her church, St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Newport News, and has pictures to prove it.

Locke described the protest as "a dirty stunt."

"Right in front of the church, and with people coming out and not just adults kids too," Locke said.

Locke who is pro-choice and Catholic confronted the group called "Save The Babies" and even took pictures of them.

"I said, my name is Senator Mamie Locke, and I'm disappointed you are here in front of this church. We don't participate in this type of political activity, and I'm disappointed you are here. The guy in the van never said a word," Locke explained.

The other candidate displayed on the van is Republican challenger and pro-life candidate Tom Harmon. Harmon opposes abortion under any circumstance, including health of the mother.

"I have not had any contact with any group, but I can't tell someone not to be involved," Harmon said. "People have the right to express their views in it."

Locke doesn't buy that Harmon wasn't involved and said, "No, I think he was involved. I think he had prior knowledge." Locke added, "I can not believe that people with my name on a vehicle would have done so without my permission...he knew."

WAVY.com asked Harmon whether he supported this type of campaigning and he said, "That is an individual decision. I can only speak for myself." Again, WAVY.com asked would he support this type of campaigning? Harmon answered, "Would I? No, I wouldn't because I keep Sundays sacred for myself."

Sen. Locke countered, "So it's ok to do this on other days than Sunday, that's what he is saying."

Pete, the organizer of "Save the Babies", would not call us back, but another right to life group "Pro-Life Virginia" has the same political agenda as "Save the Babies."

Donald Spitz. the leader of "Pro-Life Virginia" said, "People need to know this woman who is a Catholic supports killing babies, and not to vote for her."

Sen. Locke answered, "I am in no position to tell women what to do with their bodies. Would I have an abortion? No. Would I suggest someone to get an abortion? No. I still, however, remain a pro-choice person."

Spitz went so far to say Locke should be removed from the Catholic church and at the very least not be given holy communion. Locke told WAVY.com members of her church saw the incident for what it was "dirty campaigning".