Raising the flaps of the Big Tent Party. - National Democrats Wrestle With Choice & Choices.

Abortion rights advocates are fuming over reports that some key Democrats are backing antiabortion candidates in at least two Senate races, a sign that the emotional issue continues to vex the party after the 2004 election losses.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has signaled its preference -- sometimes subtly, sometimes not -- for Pennsylvania Treasurer Robert P. Casey Jr. in next year's bid to oust Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), and for Rep. James R. Langevin (D-R.I.) in the race against Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee (R-R.I.). Casey and Langevin describe themselves as pro-life. Abortion rights groups are miffed at the DSCC for appearing to back the two men long before the 2006 primaries, which will include prominent Democrats who favor abortion rights.

(2-13-05 The Washington Post.)