State Dems tout party's unity at the convention

NEW YORK -- As Democrats rally in New York to nominate Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton for President, it seems that change, choice and unity are the major themes the party is touting. The Pennsylvania delegation to this year's Democratic National Convention seems to be generally pleased with those themes. Rich Trumka, a member of the Pennsylvania delegation, captured the sentiment for the President Bush commmon among the state's democrats. "Governor Bob Casey has seen what the past 12 years of Republican administration have done to Pennsylvania," he said. "He has seen how many jobs moved out of Pennsylvania and how education has been racked. He also knows first-hand how the Reagan-Bush White House has forced governors to raise taxes." He said the best antidote to the 12 years of Reagan and Bush was this year's Clinton-Gore ticket, which he strongly praised. "They're the best shot for working American and, more importantly, they're the best shot for Pennsylvania," he said. This year has been dubbed "The Year of the Woman" in American politics. Central to the issue is the question of whether more Americans will embrace or reject abortion rights in future years. All through Madison Square Garden, supporters waved "Pro-Clinton, Pro-Choice" placards. But not everyone here shares similar views about abortion. Many Pennsylvania Democrats, who also support Casey and his stance against abortion, have found the abortion question to be something of a dilemma. Connie Williams, a Pennsylvania delegate representing Lower Merion County, feels that if the abortion issue is to have a major impact on the November elections, state Democrats will resoundingly support the Clinton ticket in spite of Casey's stance. "The majority of voters are women, the majority of women are pro-choice," she said. "This coupled with pro-choice men should make Pennsylvania vote for choice. Pennsylvanians know that the government should not legislate what a woman should do with her body." Delegate Mary Mullin said, "While Governor Casey is entitled to his opinion, he is definitely not in the majority in this party." Bill Myrtetus, of the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee, said he feels that despite the difference of opinion on the abortion issue, Casey and Clinton share enough common beliefs for Casey to be a vigorous Clinton supporter in the fall. State Senator Chaka Fattah of Philadelphia, a super delegate, believes that "when we [the Democratic Party] leave New York, Brown and Clinton will be together." Fattah also expressed some disappointment that both U.S. Sen. Harris Wofford and Jesse Jackson were passed up as Clinton's running mate. But he added that he was very enthusiastic about the Clinton-Gore ticket.