Powers Flips on Choice
Local news coverage of Jon Powers' struggle with issues of women's dignity and respect has raised eyebrows across the state. First, in 2003, Mr. Powers was honored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Irish-Catholic Organization as their Man of the Year.1
In July of 2007, Mr. Powers claimed that choice was an issue that as an Irish-Catholic he was "struggling" with.
But so far he labels himself primarily as "fiscally conservative and socially progressive" – ducking answers on hotbed issues like abortion. "I'm an Irish Catholic and that's something I struggle with," he said. "Soon I'll be in a position to make a decision on it."
Memo to Powers: That's an issue on which an opinion is usually required.2
The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, reported on how a non-partisan women's organization expressed concern over Mr. Powers' inconsistency. The Rochester Chapter of NOW complained that Powers gratefully accepted his Man of the Year award from Ancient Order of Hibernians, an organization whose rules require he must concur with Catholic doctrine on abortion rights.
Powers' honor by the Hibernians is "a serious problem" for the candidate, said Linda Stephens, political action committee chairwoman for Rochester NOW, a chapter of the National Organization for Women.3
When Powers balked at affirming his pro-life position publicly, The New York State Democrats for Life President JoAnne Capone went public with her outrage, saying that Jon Powers had solicited money and support from her under false pretenses.4
Finally, only after a public beating, did Powers come to rest on his current position:
As recently as last summer, Powers indicated he was, as an Irish Catholic, struggling with the abortion issue. He indicated Wednesday he was pro-choice at the time but didn't want his grandmother to learn of his position without hearing it from him first.5
That's Mr. Powers' definition of leadership by example – the "grandma defense."
1A Soldier's View Of Serving In Baghdad, The Buffalo News, January 4, 2004
2Powers Gets an Early Start, Buffalo News, July 1, 2007
3Women’s Group Criticizes Powers, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, March 26, 2008
4Capone E-mail, PoliticsNY.net, March 27, 2008
5Powers clarifies stance on abortion, gay rights, The Buffalo News, March 27, 2008