Evidence Continues to Suggest Democrats Keep Moving Left-of-Center
In a move that will thrill the feminist wing of the Democratic party, Tina Smith will replace Al Franken as Minnesota senator designate. Smith was a former Planned Parenthood lobbyist over a decade ago, serving as Vice President for Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood of Minnesota. The announcement was confirmed by party officials yesterday.
For those unfamiliar with the euphemism, “VP of Public Affairs” is really another way of saying “top lobbyist.” A dedicated component of her position was to lobby state government to further the Planned Parenthood agenda. According to news reports, she specifically lobbied against informed consent laws for mothers and one-day waiting periods for abortions. (Source: “Abortion lobbyist Tina Smith of Planned Parenthood appointed to replace Al Franken in the US Senate,” Washington Examiner, December 13, 2017.)
Lest there was any remaining doubt, Smith was a registered Planned Parenthood lobbyist on the state level. Records indicate that Planned Parenthood of Minnesota’s total lobbying disbursement totaled $190,912 in 2005. (Source: “2005 Lobbying Disbursement Summary,” State of Minnesota, last accessed December 14, 2017.)
With Smith’s influential leadership, Planned Parenthood performed more abortions in Minnesota than any other U.S. state. Figures show that the number worked out to approximately 10 abortions per day during Smith’s tenure.
| Clinic Name | Total Abortions 2006 |
| Midwest Health Center for Women | 2,691 |
| Women’s Health Center | 619 |
| Meadowbrook Women’s Clinic | 2,959 |
| Robbinsdale Clinic | 1,549 |
| GYN Special Services | 829 |
| Dr. Mildred Hansen Clinic | 1,638 |
| Planned Parenthood of Minnesota | 3,660 |
| Independent Physicians | 120 |
| Total Minnesota Occurrence | 14,065 |
(Source: “Induced Abortions in Minnesota January – December 2006,” Minnesota Department of Health, last accessed December 14, 2017.)
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This appointment won’t sit well with conservatives and pro-life advocates within the state. Not that conservatives are a prime focus for Minnesota Democrats anyway. Perpetually progressive-leaning, Minnesota has voted Democrat in the presidential election every year since 1976 (more times consecutively than any northern state). You may also recall, Minnesota and the District of Columbia were the only electoral votes not won by incumbent Ronald Reagan in 1984.
Granted, partisan politics were a factor, since Walter Mondale was a Minnesota state senator from 1964–1976. But the wider context is clear: Minnesota has a history of voting in progressive Democratic leaders. That’s both at the state and national level, where Walter Mondale or Hubert Humphrey (Minnesota’s original progressive forefather) were present on the national ticket (either VP or President) in the 1964, 1968, 1976, 1980, and 1984 elections. That’s quite an accomplishment for a small-population state.
Tina Smith should feel right at home.