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Paul Spencer is the kind of candidate that Democrats need if they hope to retake the House in 2018.

He's lived in Arkansas's 2nd Districtfor 18 years. He dislikes big money in politics. In a congressional campaign ad, he touts how, "I'm a teacher and a farmer, and I know firsthand the struggles that so many of our working people face."

Theres just one problem: Spencer is pro-life. Its a belief that has him hovering dangerously over a widening chasm in his party.

Last week, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Ben Ray Lujan provoked the ire of many progressives when he urged the Democrats to court pro-life candidates if they are to have any hope of retaking the 24 House seats they need for a majority.

PROGRESSIVES CLASH WITH WASHINGTON DEMS OVER CANDIDATES' ABORTION STANCE

"There is not a litmus test for Democratic candidates," Lujan told The Hill.

His plea met with an instant rebuke from progressives. Fourteen groups from the National Abortion Rights Action League to Move-On Political Action to Emily's List to The Daily Kos issued a Statement of Principles which read, in part: "policies that limit access to abortion and force medically unnecessary procedures are oppressive to women, especially low-income women and women of color."

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Ben Ray Lujan provoked the ire of many progressives when he urged the Democrats to court pro-life candidates if they are to have any hope of retaking the 24 House seats they need for a majority. (Reuters)

"The problem is they have this ideological purity at the top where you can't oppose any abortion at any time along the continuum," says Marjorie Dannenfelser of the conservative Susan B Anthony List. "At the same time, a third of Democrats identity as pro-life according to Gallup."

Some say opposing all pro-life candidates will not help the Democrats.

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"Their strategy is hurting the party," says Kristen Day of Democrats for Life of America."Being told I don't belong in the Democratic Party. You can't be a Democrat if youre pro-life,and I can't be pro-life cause I'm a Democrat."

Spencer, the House candidate, is trying to circumventthe divide.

"Ive alreadyinformed the Democratic Party here in Little Rock that I don't want to receive any of their money," he said. "I welcome their support and their advice but I don't wish for their money. And the DCCC, in Washington, I've already had that discussion with them as well."

The Democratic Party, meanwhile, is trying to straddle the line. A new program, called "A Better Deal,"avoids any mention of abortion rights.

ROSIE O'DONNELL: WOMEN SHOULD FORM THEIR OWN PARTY IF DEMOCRATS DON'T DEFEND ABORTION RIGHTS

And while House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi appeared to welcome pro-life candidates in a May interview with the Washington Post, last week she retreated to a familiar position.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi appeared to welcome pro-life candidates in a May interview with the Washington Post, but she backed away from the position last week. (AP)

"I respect a woman's right to choose," she told reportersat her weekly press conference.

The rift may be widening. After Lujan's call to welcome pro-life candidates into the Democratic fold, actress and party activist, Rose ODonnell tweeted: "Women should form their own party if Dems do this."

Doug McKelway joined Fox News Channel (FNC) in November 2010 and serves as a Washington-based correspondent. Click here for more information on Doug McKelway.

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Democrats divided over whether party should welcome pro-life candidates - Fox News