Both candidates use abortion issue to turn out their base

NPR takes a long look at how both candidates have put abortion "front and center," while the Los Angeles Times describes how the issue is galvanizing Catholic and evangelical Protestant voters in the swing state of Ohio. And then there are the robo-calls.

NPR: Why Abortion Has Become Such A Prominent Campaign Issue
Abortion isn't usually a major issue in presidential campaigns. But this year is different. Both President Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are putting the issue front and center, including official campaign-produced ads (Rovner, 11/5).

Los Angeles Times: Abortion Issue Galvanizes Voters In Battleground Ohio
[I]t's nearly impossible to spend time in Ohio this election year without noticing a surge of activity from Mitt Romney supporters and canvassers who say that values and abortion issues are paramount. ... Voters seem especially enraged about Obama's past positions on abortion and about a part of the Obama healthcare law that required Catholic-affiliated employers to pay for contraception coverage. ... Such excitement could energize voters in this crucial swing state, which is 21% Catholic and 24% evangelical Protestant, according to the Pew Forum (Semuels, 11/4).

The Hill: Fred Thompson Cuts Robocall Against Obama On Abortion
Former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) labels President Obama "the most pro-abortion president we've ever had" in a new robocall aimed at four million socially conservative voters. Thompson recorded the message for the Susan B. Anthony (SBA) List, which opposes abortion rights and is hoping to increase turnout for Mitt Romney on Election Day. "With only four days to go, we are leaving nothing on the table -; voters must know this president's extreme abortion record before casting their vote," SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement (Viebeck, 11/2).

Politico: Citing Abortion, Robocalls Target Obama's Latino Support
Two conservative groups are hoping to peel away some of President Obama's strong support in the Latino community. Mexican actor and soap star Eduardo Verastegui is teaming up with Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles (an initiative of American Principles in Action) and Susan B. Anthony List on a robocall and web campaign that hits Obama on abortion and deportations -; and encourages Latino voters to give Mitt Romney their votes. "President Obama and his friends in Congress say they care about Latinos, but then why are they attacking our values: life, family and faith –vida, familia, fe!. From day one they have worked to advance abortion at home and abroad. And they have unleashed an unprecedented attack on the Church and its freedom," the call script reads. "That's why we need Romney in the White House" (Tau, 11/2).