N.H. Sheriff Candidate Apologizes for Saying He Would Use ‘Deadly Force’ to Stop Abortions
- Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:37am by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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New Hampshire sheriff candidate Frank Szabo apologized Thursday for saying he would use "deadly force" to stop abortions. (Image source: WMUR-TV)
A sheriff candidate in New Hampshire apologized Thursday for saying he would “absolutely” do whatever it takes to stop abortions — including using deadly force.
Frank Szabo, a Republican candidate for Hillsborough County Sheriff, prompted calls for him to drop out of the race after his comments Wednesday, WMUR-TV reported. It started when he issued a press release vowing if elected to arrest anyone performing an abortion, even if their actions were legal under state law. Szabo then took it a step further to say he wouldn’t rule out deadly force to stop one from happening in his jurisdiction.
“Well, I would hope that it wouldn’t come to that, as with any situation where someone is in danger, but again, specifically talking about elective abortions and late-term abortions, that is an act that needs to be stopped,” Szabo told WMUR.
He told WBZ-TV, “Deadly force is the last thing that law enforcement should be using, if a citizen’s life is in danger they need to be protected….If there’s no other choice, that’s what’s needed to protect the citizen.”
Fellow Republicans criticized Szabo for his remarks, including New Hampshire House Speaker Bill O’Brien, who said Szabo’s comments “make it clear that he does not understand the constitutional role of sheriff in New Hampshire.”
“No elected official is given the latitude to take the law into his or her own hands and decide he or she knows better than the Legislature and governor what should be enforceable laws,” O’Brien said in a statement. “It is our hope that Mr. Szabo will withdraw from this race and think long and hard about grounding himself in constitutional law and principles before considering political office in the future.”
On Thursday, Szabo apologized for his comments, saying he let his “passionate stance against abortion” get the better of him.
“I want to be clear to the people of New Hampshire that I made several comments about the use of deadly force against abortion doctors that I regret, that I apologize for and that I fully retract,” Szabo said in a statement, according to WMUR. “In making comments yesterday, I let my passionate stance against abortion get the better of me.”
Szabo posted a similar apology on his Facebook page, writing, “Never in my wildest nightmare would I advocate violence, especially the initiation of deadly force. My supporters know that I am a man of peace. Yesterday’s interview was poor judgment on my part.”
Abortion has been a particularly hot button campaign issue in recent days, prompted by Missouri Republican Senate candidate Todd Akin’s comments about “legitimate rape.”
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watashbuddyfriend
Posted on August 24, 2012 at 9:13amPlanned efforts to infringe upon the Rights of the Woman to make her decisions is not good! N. H. voters, you should reject this person, when you go to the POLLS!
Report Post »woodyl1011fl
Posted on August 24, 2012 at 1:55pmOne shouldn’t commit a murder in order to stop one that is already in progress as an innocent child is being murdered.
Report Post »WashingtonIsMyHero
Posted on August 24, 2012 at 4:00pmRights of Women? Is one of their ‘rights’ the right to kill their baby? That’s some right!
Report Post »KURT1010
Posted on August 24, 2012 at 6:24amI am 69 years old and have never understood why men get involved in this subject ? Its not their body and should not say anything unless they are the father. I dont know what you call me, pro choice or what ever, but its up to the women and should even be in politics….just my opinion. Of course you know that opinions are lik Azz Holes, everyone has one !
Report Post »The_Cabrito_Goat
Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:58amImagine you are male, your partner decides to abort your child over a past indiscretion because, in their minds, it’s just “an embryo”
Report Post »busterpuddles
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 4:16pmKill an unborn baby, we’ll kill you back.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 5:15pmSo you stand against the Constitution and protect rights of women.
Report Post »freeberty
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 7:42pmThanks Buster puddles
Once anti- abortion laws are passed this will be the kind of man America needs to lead a new federal agency to investigate all pregnancies starting at conception. The agency would work with medical practitioners and home visits to monitor all stages of pregnancy to make sure the proper care and no harm comes to the child through a botch home abortion or a claimed miscarriage. He sounds just like the man we need to bring the charges and hopefully the ultimate punishment will be dealt out to those who treat an innocent life to such an untimely death.
Report Post »Atrum Angelis
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 8:43pmFreeberty – Really? A new agency? Don’t we have enough of them? Don’t we want to reduce federal spending?
Report Post »In most natural miscarriages the reason is unknown, even to doctors. It would waste tax payer money needlessly.
freeberty
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:47pmDo you realize the exponential increases in miscarriages that will occur once abortion is outlawed.we’re talking about a human life that has been snuffed out. We need a man like Frank Szabo to investigate all premature deaths.
Report Post »XScramblerX
Posted on August 24, 2012 at 3:35amHey ENCINOM. To stand with the Constitution to protect the freedom of life. It might come as a shock to warped progressives, but it is quite natural for humanity to protect life. It’s how a species survives. Just as it is natural for human’s to be repulsed by homosexuality. We are wired that way. Most of us anyway. These acts do not protect or allow a species to survive. That being said…gays have every right to live free happy lives, their “miss wiring” does not harm anyone. Killing the unborn is harder to for me to swallow and that‘s how I know I’m normal.
Report Post »So if you have natural human instincts to protect life and procreate, the progressives think you are a bigot, racist, women hating, homophobe. Who’s world is flipped upside down?
EqualJustice
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:56pmMany people consider late term abortions a disgusting form of MURDER and that any law enforcement officer should stop it any way they can! How can anyone stand by while a baby’s HEAD is punctured with scissors and their brain is then sucked out? That is so evil….. please make it stop.
Report Post »toto
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 6:17pmThese living babies also have their limbs ripped off and pieces of them suctioned out without benefit of anesthesia. Find the testimony of physicians before Congress describing the procedure. People won’t talk about, or allow others to talk about what really happens. Can’t tell you how many times I have been censored for TELLING THE TRUTH.
Report Post »sizzler2220
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:18pmThese are just democrats running as republicans. After ranting about abortion, they quit. Meanwhile, the ill-informed bash all republicans as woman haters and all republicans as anti-abortionists. Sen. Boxer should have been aborted.
Report Post »Jezreel
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:00pmThat would be great if every man in the law enforcement stood up and protected the rights of the unborn. Shame he backed down and apologized. It is amazing on how the liberals get so upset if you threaten their rights to murder and cause destruction. To be honest, I just hope soon that destruction comes upon our country in a way that the ungodly will be taken away. The rapture of the wicked.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:46pmWhat is so great about a law enforcement official pledging to violate the Constitution and State law?
Report Post »SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 5:05pm@ ENCINOM…Are you referring to Obama’s immigration policy and refusal to enforce the law on the books? I agree my friend it is terrible.
Report Post »Wango
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:41pmSorry, too late. Your boys are coming through big time for us libs. Legitimate rape. magic womanly shutdowns of demon seeds. Deadly force to stop people from living lawfully.
Yes, your best is coming out, and it’s looking more insane with every passing day. Thanks, folks!
Report Post »Platonician
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 2:04pmDid your mom have “the right” to abort? Just asking.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:19pmOn the other hand, if it means the Republicans loosing seats, this man should go because we cannot afford to give up seats because of someones big mouth. Do what is best for America.
Report Post »Wango
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:41pmOoopsie . . .AGAIN! Keep up the good work. Don’t hide your true feelings.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:09pm@ Wango – our true feelings r we support LIFE.
Report Post »Wango
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:37pmSIRABOUTTOFOLDAGAIN . . . And so you’re against the death penalty.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 4:06pmIt appears Wango got an A in Alinsky class and failed everything else!
Report Post »SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 5:09pm@ WANGO…Of course we support life and Capitol punishment. Why would we not? One is support for inncoent life the other is support of innocent life taken by evil men/women that receive in themsleves the due penalty for not respecting human life….Quite simple and consistent really. Thank you….
Report Post »Wango
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 6:25pmSLEAZY . . . So, innocence is the arbiter of justice? how about them innocent little Iraqi babies? Let me guess – wrong place wrong time.
Report Post »DLV
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 7:01pmWango- Yes, innocence is the deciding factor. Iraqi babies what are you talking about? Are you asking if they should have been or should be killed? The answer to that question is no. You should be more clear.
Report Post »SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 7:59pm@ WANGO…..Well if I used your analogy I could say that we should never confront the evil of say Hitler because during the time of war some innocent “babies”/people will undoubtedly die or be harmed greatly. War is very unfortunate for a number of reasons, but there is such a thing as a just war to stop evil. Many Iraqis suffered greatly under the brutal regime of Saddam. Also, we fought one of the most conscientious wars in the history of mankind with every move scrutinized by the world. The enemy however, used inncoent civilians as shields often times. Their tactics were brutal and ruthless. Secondly, it is a fallacious analogy because abortion/capitol punishment concerns individual actions and consequences whereas war is in the context of entire nations and the complex issues that often accompany war. To use that as a defense of your previous post is being guilty of the logical fallacy known as false or weak analogy and an irrelevant appeal…..Thank you….
Report Post »Wango
Posted on August 24, 2012 at 1:57amSLEAZY – The Iraq War was not “a just war.” We entered it under false pretenses (WMDs) and not to stem the brutality of a dictator. There are far more brutal dictators, and they remain in power. No, the Iraq War was one of choice, one of ideology, one of greed, one sold with empty promises of ease and benefit. So no, Iraq wasn’t Nazi Germany. And yes, the Iraqi children were innocent victims who did not have to die, but so many did merely because Bush and Cheney were determined to invade, even long before 9/11. And they destroyed the American experience 9and economy) in the bargain. So save your pocket Venn diagrams and Reaganesque plausible deniability. It only works on ethically challenged extremists, AKA tea buggerers.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:14pmIf the laws were as they should be, if it came to using deadly force to enforce laws against the horrific murder of babies, he would be in his right, but those cowards who kill babies are not going to attack anyone who is old enough to defend themselves, so there would not likely be a need to get rough with these pansies.
Report Post »dimbulbz
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:28pmMore stupidity. Can we please have better vetted candidates?
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:18pmThis man should not have to drop out but should temper his mouth. He would have been better off to realize there are so many evil people in the world that they feel they should not come anywhere near being threatened as it would interfere with their killing others.
Report Post »Wango
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:38pmBARACKYB . . .We agree! the only real chance for any conservative or Republican to get elected is to hide what they truly believe. Far better to have them focus on more important stuff – flag pins come to mind.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 4:00pmhttp://youtu.be/ujsCAXBXkG8 YOU’RE THE IGNORANT ONE HERE!
Report Post »ScribblerG
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:19pmThat’s two right wing lunatics just today – that Judge in Texas preparing for revolution and this guy just deciding to become an abortion vigilante. Nice, you right-wing propaganda and hate peddlers should be really proud. Glenn – your plan is working!!
Report Post »fdraiden
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:27pmWho asked you? Go back under your rock!
Report Post »Bobby D
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:13pmSo, it remains OK to suck-out the precious human baby in order to evacuate the human mother’s womb—–PREMEDITATED FIRST DEGREE MURDER—–but, once again, you fool liberals get your underwear hiked into the cracks of your butts when this guy speaks of killing as the lawful process of self defense this would be.
Report Post »GodHatesFigs
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:19pmIf someone else is endangering your life or body, you have the legal right to use deadly force against them.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:20pmThere is no self defense here, only a sheriff that is campaigning on a pledge to willfully violate the US Constitution and dictate the what rights are to be protected and which will be ignored. Will he fill the jails women for using the the morning after pill or birth control that prevent a fertilized egg from attaching, will every miscarriage be a potential crime scene and women forced by this elected official, who is ignoring the law, to carry the child or their rapist,
Report Post »ScribblerG
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:23pmThat’s right, exactly, it‘s the law of the land that you can suck a baby out of a woman’s womb and throw it in the garbage. And a “Sherriff” is charged with enforcing the laws on the books – do you not understand that? Did you miss that abortion is legal in the U.S.? You folks have so insulated yourselves from the rest of the world that you are starting to forget that you don’t live in your Conservative Utopia. Yikes, it’s getting scary here…
Report Post »GodHatesFigs
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:40pmI’m speaking of the self defense of the woman to remove a fetus that is putting her own life at risk.
Report Post »TeresaJ
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:25pm@ Encinom and ScribblerG
And our own president doesn’t blatently ignore the law everyday? As in ACTUAL practice, and not empty threats?
What Szabo said was wrong, but he is no more wrong than the very “leader” of our nation.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:07pmPraying for men and women of COURAGE to lead us, GOD-fearing, GOD-loving, respectful of- and obedient to- GOD people. We do not need any more wishy-washy, namby-pamby faux leaders; only GOD first, COUNTRY second, FAMILY third REAL men and women leaders.
Report Post »GodHatesFigs
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:14pmWhat should the people who don’t believe in your god do?
Report Post »encinom
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:17pmNo place for the Constitution in your country, is there. You do realize that we are a secular Republic. Our laws come from the Constitution and from our elected representatives, not divine writings, holy men or shamans.
This GOP candidate is campaign on a platform of violating the Constitution and limited protected rights of individuals.
Report Post »JACKTHETOAD
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:32pm@GODHATESFIGS – Not get pregnant.
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:40pm“done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names”
Hmmmm, Year of our Lord with a capital “L”…. Wonder who was born 1,789 years prior to that date? Seems someone forgot to mention to them they shouldn’t have referenced JESUS CHRIST and proclaim Him “our Lord” when signing the “secular” Constitution. Dolt.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:59pmMorning Kick……….Right again. We need everything you mentioned.
Report Post »DLV
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 7:05pmGod- assuming you are an atheist (if not sorry) I find that your name cries of desperation of attention. If you are an atheist, it‘s pretty sad that you have to mock something that you don’t believe exists. Sad. Sad. Sad.
Report Post »GodHatesFigs
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:24pmI am an atheist. I think the name is pretty funny, and tame.
Report Post »Man-On-A-Mission
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:01pmThe Neo-Cons are becoming more and more crazy……how can you get on camera and make statements like this thinking no one is going to see or hear it.
The GOP is taking away freedom….not President Obama.
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:34pmReally? Try not having health insurance next year and see who’s coming after you. Hint – it won’t be a republican.
Obama will make sure you can keep on killin them babies.
Killing the unborn while raising taxes during a gay marriage ceremony is a democrats wet dream.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:47amAgain PC gone a muck, so what can we no longer make mistakes or only Joe Biden can , really.
Report Post »Freedom of speach ppl.
GodHatesFigs
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:51amWhose freedom of speech is being violated?
Report Post »GodHatesFigs
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:46amSounds like a Posse Comitatus kook to me.
Report Post »MODEL82A1
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:57amObviously, you have no idea what “Posse Comitatus” means. It’s not an actual Posse, you fool.
Report Post »GodHatesFigs
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:13pmHow is that obvious? You make no effort to see if i do know the difference, just assume i don’t and then call me a fool?
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 3:58pmhttp://youtu.be/ujsCAXBXkG8 Or a hero!
Report Post »MODEL82A1
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:45amObviously, we are seeing new Obama campaign tactic by the MSM: Scour the country to find any Republican, no matter how obscure, saying stupid or provocative things about abortion and hang those words around the neck of the entire party. Mark my words, there will be more and more and more stories like this as the election approaches.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:44amSo a Republican is being honest and running on a platform to ignore the law the the Constitution and violate the rights of women. While he takes back his deadly force comment, he hasn’t said anything about his comment to ignore the law and arrest women and doctors.
The GOP are being their own worst enemies this election as the truth about their positions come out.
Report Post »MODEL82A1
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:51amAnd, just like Clockwork, our Resident Lefty-Lockstepper ENCIDIOT proves my theory correct. Thanks for being so utterly, laughably predictable.
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:52amTrue. Democrats are honest about their blood lust for killing babies.
Report Post »Wildblue3
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:55amMate,
Report Post »What this election is TRULY going to be about is the Economy. That means Obama will lose. Romney has the best possiblity of fixing it since he at least can look at things objectively vs. through progressive tinted glasses.
Sirfoldallot
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:03pmNo , some miss speak , some miss spell like me but, but never killing babies .
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:04pmHi, Sweetie! Haven’t seen you around here in a while. Just want you to know I am still praying for you and will until I die. Hope to meet you HOME one of these days! GOD BLESS AND PROTECT IN JESUS’ SWEET AND MIGHTY NAME, amen.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:14pmWildblue3
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:55am
Mate,
Report Post »What this election is TRULY going to be about is the Economy. That means Obama will lose. Romney has the best possiblity of fixing it since he at least can look at things objectively vs. through progressive tinted glasses.
_________________
How in Romney going to fix the economy (he hasn‘t released any details and won’t until after the election). Romney, judging by the his tax plan and Ryan plan., which he endorses is going to open up a buffet of tax breaks for the wealthy, like himself while punish the middle and working class with new taxes and lose of services, as the CBO reports.
Wango
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 1:46pmThe new conservative mantra: “Don’t pay attention to anything we say or do – just believe!”
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:42amWhat a catch 22, if you have an abortion, I keel you, but what about the baby, I guess that would be colateral damage.
What a new take on Dirty Harry, “Go ahead Doc, make your move, and think, did I shoot 5 bullets or 6, well Doc, make your move. and as for you Momma, I will slap the snot out of you later.”
Report Post »GodHatesFigs
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:49amShaka, when the walls fell.
Report Post »JACKTHETOAD
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 12:40pmJ. Geils Band – “When The Walls Come Tumblin’ Down.” Almost time to boogie.
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