RALEIGH New Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Tom Perez is drawing rebuke from leading Democrats such as U.S.House minority leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (CA) for recent comments declaring that support for abortion among Democrats across the country is “not negotiable.”Perez’s comments don’t sit well with some state Democrats either like Rep. Ken Goodman (D-Rockingham).”I think every person should take policy positions based on the dictates of conscience,” said Goodman when asked about Perez’s statements and his views toeing the party line. “When there is not room in the Democratic Party for different points of view, is when I will cease to be a Democrat.”The controversy arose after Perez and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) appeared with Omaha, Nebraska mayoral candidate and former Democrat Senator Heath Mello on a DNC Unity Tour stop. NARAL ProChoice America attacked the DNC for associating with Mello due to his past support of legislation requiring doctors to inform an abortion-seeking woman of her right to request a list of free places to get an ultrasound.In response, Perez clarified his position on abortion while also proclaiming that Democrats across the nation must conform to that view.”Every Democrat, like every American, should support a woman’s right to make her own choices about her body and her health,” said Perez. “That is not negotiable and should not change city by city or state by state.”
