Calling a donor group that supports pro-choice Republican women a “radical pro-abortion group,” Assemblyman Michael Doherty (R-Washington Twp.) called on his primary opponent, state Sen. Marcia Karrow (R-Hunterdon), to return donations from the fund.

At issue is $3,000 Karrow received for her assembly primary bids in 2001 and 2005 from The WISH List, and a 2001 $2,200 donation from its founder, pro-choice Republican activist Candace Straight.

“According to its mission statement, ‘The WISH List raises funds to identify, support and elect pro-choice Republican women at all levels of government – local, state and national.’” Said Doherty in a press release, “I find it amazing that Marcia Karrow is trying to fool the
voters of the district regarding her pro-abortion views. On top of that, she has the audacity to take thousands of dollars of campaign contributions from this radical pro-abortion group.”

Karrow is pro-choice, although she supports restrictions like a ban on partial birth abortion.  Doherty, one of the most conservative members of the legislature, is staunchly pro-life – so much so that New Jersey Right to Life endorsed him for state Senate before any other candidates announced.  

Karrow beat Doherty in a special convention for Lance’s seat in January, after Lance moved up to the U.S. House of Representatives.  Doherty, however, is challenging her in the June primary.  

"Instead of attacking fellow Republicans Mike Doherty should join Marcia Karrow's fight to stop the disastrous Corzine tax plan and budget,” said Karrow spokeswoman Lisa Bialoskurski. “Working families are being chased out of the state but Doherty seems more interested in political gamesmanship than stopping Corzine."