[Wayback Archive May 2001]

The Abortion Debate from a Libertarian Perspective

Moderator:  Douglas A. Lorenz

Douglas A. Lorenz is the state chairman of the California Republican Liberty Caucus.  In addition to his duties in the CA-RLC, he works for a major political public relations and campaign firm in Sacramento.  He is also a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians, and has participated in numerous public policy debates.

Panelist 1:  William J. Westmiller

William J. Westmiller is a small busines owner and father of three teenage daughters who has been an active libertarian for over 30 years. He is a member of the Executive Committees of the National and California Republican Liberty Caucus and past state Chairman. Bill has written extensive commentaries on many public issues for a variety of on-line publications; written and acted as spokesman for several California initiatives; was a candidate for the 1998 Republican nomination in the 24th Congressional District; and previously served as California Chairman and National Secretary of the Libertarian Party.

Panelist 2:  Thomas N. Hudson

Thomas N. Hudson is an attorney and Policy Consultant for the State Senate.  Under the direction of State Senator Ray Haynes, the Senate Republican Whip, his job is to analyze (and criticize!) bills pending before the State Senate.  He has worked in the Legislature since 1996, when he was hired by Assembly Speaker Curt Pringle as a Senior Consultant to the Assembly Republican Caucus.  He also worked as Legislative Director to Assemblyman (now Senator) Thomas "Rico" Oller.  Tom Hudson's law practice consisted primarily of estate and tax planning, trust administration, and bankruptcy. He was born and raised in Alameda, California.  He majored in Political Science at U.C. Berkeley and he attended law school at UCLA.  He and his wife now live in Roseville and they are active in several Republican volunteer organizations.