Forbes supports abortions limits

''Life begins at conception and should end only at natural death,'' Forbes said. ''The law protects all of us, not just the healthy, strong, the rich, but also the elderly, the infirm and the unborn.''

He said signing a ban on late-term procedures called ''partial birth'' abortions, with exceptions to preserve the life of a mother, would be one of his first actions in office if elected. He said he would sign a ban with or without exceptions for cases of rape or incest.

''I think Congress is ready to do it,'' he said. ''The ground is shifting, and I can feel it across America.''

Before touring the Compassion Pregnancy Center of Macomb County, Forbes also told reporters of his support for school choice, a flat-rate income tax, and changes in Social Security.

A handful of community members, like Forbes supporters Caroline and Paul Viviano of Clinton Township, also gathered to see Forbes before he left for a scheduled stop at the Nevada Street campus of Cornerstone Schools in Detroit.

''He seems to be such a contrast from what we've had in the last eight years,'' said Caroline Viviano, 33. ''There's been so much deception and double-talk. He's forthright and has a lot of courage in his convictions.''

This is Forbes' third trip to Michigan since March. He visited Lansing and Kentwood on Monday.

To win the Republican nomination in his second presidential bid, Forbes must overcome Texas Gov. George W. Bush, who has the backing of Michigan Gov. John Engler.

''Right now, I'm not worrying about polls,'' Forbes said. ''I worry about getting the message across.''

Part of that message includes support for school voucher proposals to allow parents to choose which school their children will attend.

''No mother should be forced to send her child to a lousy school,'' Forbes said.

At the Christian-centered private school of Cornerstone, Forbes took questions about Third World countries and education from about 30 students.

Seventh-grader Keith Shelton, 12, asked about the candidate's occupation as the head of a magazine. That prompted Forbes, grandson of the founder of Forbes magazine, to talk about his run for president.

''I'm doing it because my grandfather came to this country at the turn of the century with no money,'' he said. ''I want all Americans to have the same chance to lead a productive life and realize their dreams the way my grandfather did.''

During his trip, Forbes also trumpeted his proposal to let individuals put their Social Security money into retirement accounts and his proposal to reduce taxes.

Maria Carl, director of Christians for Life, spoke to Forbes for a few minutes in Clinton Township about his support of exceptions for a ban on abortion.

''We are not endorsing him at this point,'' she said. ''We knew we weren't going to change his mind in an instant, but we wanted to give him food for thought and ask him to please change his position.''

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