Nebraska Republican Bucks His Party on Abortion

“In the days since state Sen. Merv Riepe (R) cast the lone vote that blocked a near-total abortion ban in his conservative state, he’s faced protests at his office, the cold shoulder from irate colleagues and calls for his resignation. A stranger left an angry note inside his home mailbox,” the Washington Post reports.

“Yet, the 80-year-old Republican has also raked in accolades, becoming an unlikely hero for those fighting to protect abortion access in Nebraska and around the country…”

“Riepe’s vote reflects a growing realization among some Republicans that staking extreme positions on abortion might be politically perilous.”