PORTSMOUTH, OH — While McCain rarely mentions “values” issues on the stump, he received a standing ovation today after stressing the importance of respecting the “unborn.”

“We should do everything that we can…(to show) respect for human life, both the born and the unborn,” McCain told more than 500 voters at a town hall in one of the most conservative areas of Ohio–the second Congressional District (home of Rep. Jean Schmidt). “It’s one of big differences between myself and Senator Obama, who….voted against a ban on partial birth abortion-one of the most odious things that I have ever heard of.”

McCain, who was responding a question about how he would help restore the American family, also said that adoption needs to be more widely available, adding “I want us to understand that every life is precious.”

The presumptive GOP nominee’s reluctance to discuss social issues on the trail has irked religious conservatives for months. For his part, McCain told reporters aboard his bus recently that he believes he sufficiently addresses social issues on the trail.

Richmond, VA — With enemies like this, who needs friends?  Could a Planned Parenthood radio ad launched Sunday taking aim at John McCain’s pro-life record actually help the Arizona Senator within the conservative activist community (on top of his Gary Bauer endorsement  today) as McCain seeks to reach out to his right flank?

The ad attacks McCain’s “anti-choice” stance, noting that his “plan to outlaw abortion threatens the lives and health of women.” The 60-second spot will air in the DC area through Tuesday and adds that McCain has a “zero percent rating from Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the lowest rating in the US Senate.”  The group promises an “aggressive effort” to educate voters about McCain’s pro-life record through the general election.

Of course, this ad also reflects the tightrope McCain has to walk right now as he concurrently seeks to bring aboard skeptical conservatives while also continuing to appeal to independents and moderates important in the general—the lowest Planned Parenthood rating in the US Senate could increase his appeal on the right and decrease it on the left.

*******Planned Parenthood Press Release Below *************

Planned Parenthood Action Fund Launches Radio Ad Criticizing Sen. McCain’s Commitment to Overturn Roe v. Wade

WASHINGTON, DC - The Planned Parenthood Action Fund today announced the release of a radio ad educating voters about Sen. John McCain’s anti-choice voting record. Throughout his entire public career, Sen. McCain has voted consistently against women’s health, and he supports overturning the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Roe v. Wade.

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