Bill Sali's renewed link of abortion, breast cancer angers survivors (Idaho)

[IDemo]

Oct 30, 7:43 PM EST
By JOHN MILLER
Associated Press Writer

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Democrats and breast cancer survivors rallied Monday in a park near the Idaho Capitol, calling on 1st District Republican congressional candidate Bill Sali to stop linking abortion to an increased incidence of breast cancer.

Sali is running against Democrat Larry Grant, a former Micron Technology Inc. executive.

Though organizers said Monday's event was nonpartisan, it was headed by state House Minority Leader Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum and a breast cancer survivor. Grant's spokesman, Don Rosebrock, also attended.

In April, Sali, an eight-term state legislator from Kuna, linked abortion and breast cancer during a House debate, prompting Democrats including Jaquet to walk out in protest and resulting in House Majority Leader Bruce Newcomb, R-Burley, dubbing Sali an "idiot." Last week, Sali renewed his contention during an interview with a Washington Post reporter, saying the issue deserves debate.

Those at the rally said they believe Sali is appealing to conservative Christian voters who may share his beliefs about a connection between abortion and breast cancer - even though the National Cancer Institute says studies show none exists.

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