Democratic backing for late-term abortions galvanizes moribund GOP base

Democratic efforts to relax restrictions on late-term abortions in the states are re-energizing grassroots Republicans at a critical moment, as enthusiasm among Republicans wanes and concern about 2020 Democratic victories festers.

Republicans in Washington concede party morale has been moribund since the midterm elections swept Democrats to power in the House — doldrums compounded by a politically debilitating government shutdown. But they say phones have been ringing off the hook with activists clamoring to get back in the fight since New York approved legislation expanding access to third trimester abortions and similar proposals surfaced in Rhode Island and Virginia.