Leave no vagina behind

There was plenty of national controversy earlier this year when Virginia legislators debated a law that would have mandated a transvaginal ultrasound for any woman seeking an abortion. Though that provision was ultimately struck from the bill (though a standard ultrasound will still be required), the point only seemed to be reinforced—Republicans are all about getting the government out of everything except, of course, women’s business.

A video posted on Funny or Die starring Hollywood actresses Kate Beckinsale, Judy Greer and Andrea Savage hilariously makes that point today. In it, the three play Republican women who want government out of everything—except their vaginas. The full video is posted below.

Plenty of people may be laughing about this, but Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell might not be. According to a Post pull published today, the controversy over the mandatory ultrasound law dragged down his popularity ratings. While 62 percent of Virginians approved of the job he was doing in May 2011, that number fell to 56 percent a year later. More importantly, though, the ultrasound law is strongly opposed by 39 percent of Virginians and strongly supported by 30 percent.

The video may play upon the settled beliefs among liberals, but it also points to a bigger problem for McDonnell—should he become the vice-presidential nominee, Republican contender Mitt Romney could face a lot more questions about how much government intrusion is OK for Republicans.