I think he is very solid in his principles and is not someone to flip-flop on important issues. He care’s for women in tough situations and understands that while it is still their choice, he will encourage them to choose the one for life.

Undoubtedly, for the pro-life movement to gain any ground in this election at all, Harry Mitchell must be removed from office. Schweikert has been involved with AZ Right to Life, however, he has already been defeated by Harry Mitchell twice running for this same office in a district which generally leads to the Republican side. But Jim Ward is a new face, quickly gaining leverage, endorsed by avid pro-lifer and former Representative John Shadegg as the best chance to defeat Mitchell.

You’re correct that Ward has no political history. He has never run for office. But don’t treat that like a bad thing. If there’s one thing we Americans are sick of, it’s politicians. Ward is a businessman.

You also say that Ward is a “moderate pro-lifer” who’s aligned himself with the views of John McCain. Please be careful here. As a volunteer for Ward’s campaign, I generally know where he stands on the issues. So, I’m not sure where you got that info, but I have one admonition: before discarding a candidate based on what others say (myself included), find out for yourself. Look at what Jim Ward has to say on the Life issue: http://www.votejimward.com/issues/ . He knows what it means to be pro-life in the deepest way possible. Though endorsing Schweikert because of his history of involvement with their organization, AZ Right to Life has acknowledged Ward’s solid, pro-life views as well.

Also, please understand, that, if Schweikert were to win the primary, Voices for the Voiceless would support him. Nevertheless, because of what I mentioned (and for reasons Jonny will soon disclose), we’ve chosen to support Jim Ward for CD 5, and we think he has the best chance to take back a seat for life in 2010.

Anyway, my favorite part of your response is where you discuss purpose and fulfillment – how life isn’t something we live for the satiation of our desires but something that is brought about by the will of God according to His plan, and that life becomes worth living for us when we seek Him and live out the purpose He has given us. See, if the value of living life depends on not experiencing suffering, then I would struggle as a Christian to bring more life into the world because so many people reject God and end up suffering without Him for eternity; this is a greater threat of suffering than the temporal suffering that makes people wonder if they should have children, and it would be ridiculous to not consider it – if suffering were what mattered in the value and worth of a life.

Thank you for a well-thought out and well-written post!

I wonder what expectations for adolescents were in his time.