Bill Cassidy is a pretty traditional pro-life guy, but it's likely his faith was tested when he found this out: his unwed 17-year-old daughter was pregnant.
For many families, such a situation could be handled privately, but Cassidy is a Louisiana Republican congressman and he's challenging Democrat Senator Mary Landrieu for her seat, so he and his family are in the public eye.
It seems Cassidy decided to be open and supportive.
"Earlier this year, [my wife] Laura and I learned we will become grandparents this summer," Cassidy said in a statement, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Thursday. "Our children have been the greatest blessing of our lives and we welcome our grandchild as a joyous addition to our family."
Cassidy acknowledged that, "Our daughter now faces a more challenging future than her peers," but he affirmed his family's bonds: "She has our unconditional love and support."
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MAY 31: Bill Cassidy, republican candidate in 2014 for U.S. Senator from Louisiana, speaks during the final day of the 2014 Republican Leadership Conference on May 31, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Some have speculated that Cassidy publicly acknowledged his daughter's pregnancy to preempt the media finding out, and it appears that his statement is meant, in part, as a rejection of abortion.
"Dr. Cassidy works to promote the culture of life and protect the unborn," his campaign website notes.
—
Follow Zach Noble (@thezachnoble) on Twitter
