Religious Remarks To Jewish Audience At Candidate Forum Backfire

In Arizona, attempts by a spokesman for Baptist Congressman J.D. Hayworth to appeal to the religious beliefs of voters has backfired, according to an article in this week's Forward. Jewish religious law generally permits abortion to protect the life or health of the mother. The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJS), supports abortion rights more broadly. Jonathan Tratt, a Jewish spokesman for Hayworth appearing at a candidates' forum sponsored by the Arizona Section of NCJS, defended Hayworth's anti-abortion stance by arguing that the Baptist congressman was “a more observant Jew” than the audience members. This led to a walk-out by many of those present.