Three-quarters of those references came in Republican platforms, and virtually all 16 were made in the last 50 years.

For a political document, the Republican platform has an unusually strong religious content.

Besides, the Republican platform commits the party to a constitutional amendment that would end a woman's right to choose abortion.

The Republican platform still calls for a Constitutional amendment against abortion.

Despite the public hearings, however, the Republican platform has attracted little notice.

In 1995, the Republican platform called for abolishing the federal Department of Education.

The Republican platform, to be drafted next month, will almost certainly take opposing stances.

Since 1980, the Republican platform has opposed abortion without exceptions and promoted an amendment to ban the procedure.

The Republican platform, by contrast, hugs the right-hand lane, taking the most conservative turn on nearly every issue.

The Republican platform calls the test ban "inconsistent" with American security interests.