2 years ago
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) - Republicans will be doing some damage control tonight at their National Convention in St Paul.They want to shift the attention back to Senator John McCain and away from revelations about his running mate-Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.
Palin--is now the poster child for a national problem. Her 17 year old daughter Bristol is five months pregnant.
Bill Albert of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unwanted Pregnancies says something positive could come out of this.
"We hope this is an opportunity for families to gather around the breakfast table and talk to their own kids about sex, love, relationships, values and family formations."
And the time is now, Albert says. For the first time in 15 years the Centers for Disease Control is reporting an increase in teen births. They were up three percent between 2005 and 2006--the latest figures available. Stats for 2007 come out in December and Albert expects those to be up too.
"Between Jamie Spears, the Movie Juno, the pregnancy pact in Gloucester , and Bristol Palin--this is the perfect storm for the teen pregnancy issue," Albert says.
The revelation is calling into question--McCain's vetting process.--which he vigorously defends.
"My vetting process was right on, and I'm pleased with the results, McCain said while campaigning in Pennsylvania.
Bristol Palin's pregnancy isn't the only problem her mom has to deal with. She's also embroiled in what some pundits are calling trooper gate.
Palin has hired a private lawyer to deal with an ethics investigation now underway--after allegations that she pressured an official to fire her brother in law-- a state trooper involved in a divorce and custody battle with her sister back in her home state of Alaska.
Palin is also on the hot seat for securing 27 million dollars for her hometown of Wasilla, Alaska while Mayor. New reports have surfaced suggesting she was going after 31 more earmarks as Governor.
"The way to judge a person's character is how they handle things. It will be interesting to see," student Mike Rossetti said in downtown Washington, DC Tuesday.
Palin will have the world's attention when she makes her acceptance speech. Her daughter's boyfriends--and baby's daddy--18 year old Levi Johnston is reportedly on his way to join the Palin family for the big moment--when she gives her acceptance speech.
Written by Audrey Barnes,9NEWS NOW
