Anti-abortion event draws Santorum on Saturday

Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum is making a guest appearance in Yuba City this weekend.

The former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania will speak at the 24th annual Fall Benefit Banquet fundraiser for A Women's Friend, whose "Free Pregnancy Tests" banner waves prominently along E Street. An abortion-alternative provider, the Marysville nonprofit also provides confidential ultrasounds and counseling about abortions.

Santorum was actually booked to speak before he announced his bid for the nomination, and while those at A Women's Friend are excited to have someone of his stature as their guest at the Saturday evening event, they hope he will restrict his 45-minute speech to talking about life issues, said executive director Carol Dodds.

"He has such a compelling story in his own family," she said. "I know they have seven children and one was not expected to live after birth and another has some disabilities. I'd really like to hear him tell his story."

Santorum is opposed all forms of abortion. He authored legislation outlawing partial-birth abortion and he worked to pass the Born Alive Infants Protection Act and the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.

Santorum is a wonderful advocate for what A Women's Friend does, Dodds said.

"I think it's good for people to know that across the nation they are not alone," she said. "We want people to be educated about life issues at the fundraiser in order to make choices on whether they partner with us."

While Santorum's bid for the presidential nomination was not why he was asked to speak, it has had some effect on the fundraiser, Dodds said.

"We are not selling any more seats than usual, but there are different matters we are having to take into account, like security," Dodds said.

Meanwhile, Santorum continues to struggle in the polls. He placed third in a nonbinding straw poll Saturday, at 16 percent, and was preceded by Georgia businessman Herman Cain with 23 percent and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, who won 37 percent. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and Gov. Rick Perry of Texas tied with 8 percent.

Santorum was not available for comment about his Yuba City appearance.

The $30-per-person fundraiser from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. is sold out. It will be held at Toyota Hall at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds. For more information, call 741-9136.