Examiner, August 22, 2012 by Lou Colagiovanni
The state of Missouri has been in the national spotlight recently because of comments made by Republican Congressman Todd Akin who claimed that raped women rarely get pregnant. After his statements hit the Internet, immediate outrage burned across the country. Akin later apologized, but his statements have rekindled a nationwide debate. One that republicans desperately do not want to have, lest they alienate a wide majority of female voters.
Sharon Barnes, a high ranking state Republican, came to the defense of her conservative colleague who she believes only “phrased it (his statement) badly.”
Barnes was quoted by The New York Times saying, “abortion is never an option.” Barnes went on to biblically claim that, “If God has chosen to bless this person [the rape victim] with a life, you don’t kill it.”
Barnes did not elaborate on her views for post-pregnancy care, or costs.
Barnes has been a figure in conservative St. Louis politics for years, and currently holds all of the following titles according to her Linkedin profile:
- President of The 2nd Congressional District Republican Women
- President of The Republican Women’s Club of St. Louis
- Vice President, Membership Committee at National Federation Of Republican Women
- Vice President of The Missouri Federation of Republican Women
- Chairman of The St. Louis City Republican Central Committee
- State Committeewoman, 4th Senate District at Missouri Republican Party
- Committeewoman, 24th Ward at Missouri Republican Party
- Volunteer at GOP Missouri Republican Party
As her comments become more known the GOP will attempt to spin Barnes’ clout in the party as little, when in reality she is a big player behind the scenes.
War on Women 
Posted on August 22, 2012