Alaska lawmaker censured over abortion comment

JUNEAU — The Alaska House voted Wednesday to censure a Republican member over comments he made suggesting there are women in Alaska who try to get pregnant to get a “free trip to the city” for abortions.

The House voted 25-14 to take the highly unusual step of censure after hours of debate, during which Rep. David Eastman of Wasilla — who referred to himself as the “least politically correct legislator in our state” — said he was sorry he made the comments.

“And certainly if I could go back and not say them, I would do so,” he said. He later asked for forgiveness from anyone he had hurt.

Eastman, a first-term, conservative lawmaker who has developed a reputation for being outspoken in his beliefs, set off the firestorm last week in discussing his concerns about the use of state funds and Medicaid for abortions.

Read more: http://triblive.com/politics/politicalheadlines/12287269-74/alaska-lawmaker-censured-over-abortion-comment