U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin and his challenger in the Democratic primary, Jennifer Lawless, this week unveiled television campaign ads that drew sharp responses from the opposing camps.

Yesterday, Lawless began running an ad titled "Hard Truth," that opens with Dr. Lynn Taylor, an abortion-rights activist, saying, "If you know someone who's been raped, you know that it changes you. You can forgive some things, but not others."

Taylor, an internal medicine doctor in Providence, says, "Jim Langevin has voted 27 times against a woman's right to choose, and that's wrong." Then Lawless says, "Our right to choose isn't just another issue. It shows that Jim Langevin has the wrong priorities for Rhode Island women."

In response, Langevin noted that while he opposes abortion rights in most cases, he supports abortion rights in cases of rape and incest and when the life of the mother is in jeopardy.

"Once again, my opponent has exploited a sensitive issue for political purposes, and this time she's crossed the line," Langevin said in a news release. "I am angry, disappointed and have had enough of her manipulative tactics."

Langevin also emphasized that he has "fought for emergency contraception and support services for sexual-assault survivors."

Lawless was asked why the ad mentions rape when Langevin supports abortion rights in cases of rape, and she said, "Jim Langevin's theoretical support for exceptions is far outweighed by his endless support for the extreme anti-choice agenda."

In a news release announcing her new ad, Lawless said, "This is bigger than one issue -- it represents a fundamental break with the commitment to women's health and progressive values we deserve from Representative Langevin."

Langevin announced his new ad, saying, "In stark contrast to the tactics of my opponent, I am proud to highlight my continued work in Congress on behalf of Rhode Island's families with an advertisement that is currently running on local television."

In the ad, which began running Monday, Langevin says, "Back in 2002, I voted against invading Iraq." As photos of President Bush and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld flash on the screen, Langevin says, "Their evidence and planning were flawed and the war hasn't made us safer. I've called for accountability, replacing Rumsfeld and bringing our troops home."

Langevin says, "I want real security -- reducing our dependence on foreign oil and creating quality affordable health care for all."

Lawless has attempted to draw parallels between Langevin and Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., who was defeated in a Democratic primary earlier this month. Langevin has noted that, unlike Lieberman, he voted in October 2002 against authorizing the use of military force in Iraq. Lawless has accused Langevin of failing to hold the administration accountable and pushing to bring troops home.

Lawless' campaign manager, Adam Deitch, said, "I think it's great to see Jim Langevin has realized he should be speaking out on issues that matter to Rhode Island families. It's disappointing he hasn't been speaking out on the issues that matter most for the past six years."

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