Casey might get speaking role at convention

Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, a prominent Roman Catholic leader who opposes abortion rights, might be given a speaking slot at the Democratic convention in Denver later this month, a move that would signal changing attitudes in the party.

In a now-infamous political snub 16 years ago, the senator's late father, Gov. Robert P. Casey Sr., was barred from speaking at the party's national convention.

Sen. Barack Obama has not yet offered him a convention role, Casey said yesterday, adding that the possibility of his speaking in Denver has "come up" in discussions with the presumptive Democratic nominee's campaign.

"I think they've got to work that out," Casey said. "If I have a chance to speak, I'd be honored. I want to do whatever it takes to get him over the goal line."

Casey endorsed Obama, who supports abortion rights, ahead of the Pennsylvania primary in April, while most other top state Democrats backed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Roman Catholics have become swing voters in recent presidential elections, in part because of the Democratic Party's official support of abortion rights. In 2004, for instance, President Bush carried them decisively, even though the Democratic nominee then, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, is Catholic.

During the primaries this year, Clinton, who also supports abortion rights, trounced Obama among Catholics in many large states that are traditional fall battlegrounds, including Ohio and Missouri. And in Pennsylvania, Catholics preferred Clinton over Obama by 40 percentage points, according to exit polls.

"I don't necessarily think there has to be a 'Catholic strategy,' because I'm not sure the Catholic vote is any more monolithic or predictable than any other vote," Casey said in an interview.

"The most committed pro-life voter and the most committed pro-choice voter can come together over the issue of how do we help pregnant women," Casey said. "When a pro-life voter considers that question, which has a moral gravity to it which we don't talk about enough, on balance Barack has a better record."

He argued that Republican John McCain's support of continuing the Bush tax cuts alone means it would be impossible to fund many programs that help pregnant women.

Obama's campaign has been tight-lipped about its plans for the convention, and declined to confirm whether Casey was being considered for a prime speaking position.

"I can tell you that Sen. Obama is grateful for the friendship and support he has received from Sen. Casey in this campaign," spokesman Sean Smith said.