Press Release

For immediate release
January 18, 2001

For more information contact: Ann Stone/Stacy Kratt (703) 960-9882 or (703) 447-1404

"Jim Nicholson, Thanks for being a Bridge Builder"

Washington, D.C. - Republicans For Choice PAC (RFC) applauded outgoing RNC Chairman Jim Nicholson today for his openness and willingness to work with both sides of the abortion debate.

"Jim always made it clear to us that he was staunchly pro-life, but he also made it clear that did not mean he was close-minded, or deaf when it came to hearing us out. He made an honest effort to reach out to us and build bridges," said Ann E.W. Stone, National Chairman of RFC, the nation’s largest Republican pro-choice group. "For that we thank him."

"Chairman Nicholson made himself and RNC staff accessible to pro-choice Republicans more than any Chairman in the past. This was an important step forward for the Republican party," said Stacy Kratt, Executive Director of RFC. "The world has changed and the Republican party needs to change with it," stated Kratt. "To his credit, Chairman Nicholson recognized that."

"Jim took some important first steps toward finding common ground on abortion while chairman. He was interested in the Common Ground movement. Common Ground is a process that brings the two sides of an issue together to work on areas of agreement. It does not ask anyone to compromise their beliefs. I think Jim Nicholson understands the power of this concept and what it could mean for the future of the GOP," said Chairman Stone.

"We have always believed the Republican Party is the one with the ability to truly make abortion safe, legal and rare," said Kratt. "With the support of moderate Republicans, our Party can credibly reach out to the pro-life community. Together we can begin to create real programs and real solutions to the underlying cause of abortion - unwanted and unintended pregnancy. This is the essence of common ground."

" We hope that Jim Nicholson will continue to work with us in his ‘civilian life’ on this important program as we intensify our efforts to bring about some common ground dialogue in the Party. He would be an invaluable asset to making real progress for the GOP and the Nation on this the most divisive issue in the country since the Vietnam war," concluded Stone.

###

Republicans For Choice 2760 Eisenhower Ave. #260 Alexandria VA 22314

www.republicansforchoice.com 703-960-9882 phone 703-960-9885 fax

"This Republicans For Choice is a political action committee and is not a part of or affiliated with Planned Parenthood."