While pro-choice groups such as
Planned Parenthood and Alaskan liberals back Knowles' strong pro-choice stance, the majority of Alaskans are conservative (Knowles 2004). Alaska voted for Bush 59-28% in 2000 and has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1974 (
National Journal 2004). Despite Alaska's conservatism, Knowles has always been pro-choice on the grounds that, as he said during his governorship, any restrictions on abortion would "infringe on women's privacy and their right to make their own medical choices" ("Alaska Overrides.." 1997). In short, Knowles' personal conviction overrides Alaska's majority position.