Is Rob McKenna really for abortion rights?

In her Jan. 25 editorial column, “Seven Republicans who stood up for gay marriage in Washington” [Opinion], Joni Balter makes quite a leap of faith when she characterizes Rob McKenna as for abortion rights and the state GOP as “updating itself before our eyes.”

NARAL Pro-Choice Washington states, “McKenna has been determinedly vague on issues of reproductive choice.” Hence, their endorsement of Jay Inslee for governor.

McKenna has repeatedly avoided taking a position on the Reproductive Parity Act, a measure to codify what is already common practice in making sure that private-health insurers who cover maternity services also cover abortion services.

And congratulations to the 10 percent of Washington Republican legislators who, contrary to Balter’s assertion, “they know in their hearts it’s the sensible fair-minded thing to do,” rather, they’re sensible enough to recognize the need for their own change of heart to better ensure their self-preservation in their newly drawn districts.

— James Modie, Seattle

Can Mckenna be trusted to protect rights to reproductive health and freedom?

State Republican Party Chairman Kirby Wilbur may describe Rob McKenna as “pro abortion rights,” but Joni Balter is letting Wilbur off the hook too easily. McKenna has tried to frame himself as a supporter of reproductive freedom, but he consistently dodges questions about his position on critical efforts to protect access to family planning and reproductive services for all Washingtonians.

McKenna has thus far avoided taking a position on the Reproductive Parity Act (even saying he’d wait to read the bill when it became available, which it already was), a measure that codifies common practice in making sure that private insurance covering maternity services respect a woman’s choices by also covering abortion services.

If McKenna can’t take a stand on something this simple, how can he be trusted to protect rights to reproductive health and freedom if elected governor?

— Rachel Kaye, Edmonds

I hope the seven Republicans continue with social justice

In Joni Balter’s column, we read her commendation of a few prominent Republicans who have for the first time voiced support for those of the same sex who want to be married. Great, this is equal justice.

I hope we will see that this is no election-year epiphany and they will continue and walk the walk. However, most important looking forward is that whatever Balter’s and [State Republican Party Chairman Kirby] Wilbur’s view of the courage shown, they admitted that Rob Mckenna doesn’t share it or support this civil right.

His past and present allegiance to most of the opinions and tactics held by congressional Republicans in the other Washington makes it darned easy to predict what he is likely to impede or promote should he become governor.

There just isn’t the evidence that he would sustain either the courage of the seven mentioned or an attempt to move state government toward the social justice that troubled America really needs.

— Jerry D’Addio, Redmond