Brownback alters view

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), a potential kingmaker in the 2008 Republican presidential primary, said Thursday that he is much more comfortable with Rudy Giuliani’s position on abortion.

{mosads}Brownback and Giuliani, the former New York City Mayor who is leading the GOP field in national polls, met for more than an hour in the senator’s office.

Posing with former rival before a crowd of photographers, Brownback, the Senate’s preeminent advocate of unborn life, declared after the meeting that he is “much more comfortable now that I understand the mayor’s position.”

But he stopped short of endorsing Giuliani.

Brownback said the two talked about the ways a president can affect the controversial issue of abortion rights, namely by influencing the availability of federal funds for abortion and appointing judges who rule on the Constitutionality of abortion laws.

“Justices are key,” said Brownback, referring to Giuliani’s potential impact on the Supreme Court. “And he’s stated many times his support for strict constructionists” who would be unlikely to overturn laws restricting abortion rights. 

Giuliani reiterated his personal opposition to abortion.

Sources close to Brownback said he expects to make an endorsement in the presidential race within a month. In an interview Wednesday, Brownback said he needed time to “process” the decision. At least five GOP presidential candidates have already contacted Brownback seeking his backing.

Brownback’s endorsement would be a major boost to Giuliani who has consistently encountered opposition from socially conservative Republicans because of his support for abortion rights.