There's always been a political dimension to the anti-vax movement, attracting those on the far left (who believe good vibes and holistic medicine are cure-alls for deadly diseases) and the far right (who insist mandatory shots are a Big Government Conspiracy).

But given alarming outbreaks of measles and pertussis, politicians are now under new scrutiny for their beliefs and policy prescriptions -- as well they should be.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who's hoping his tough-talk persona will catapult him to the White House, hasn't turned his fire on anti-vaxxers. In fact, the Republican announced in 2009 that "I stand" with parents who believe vaccines are linked to autism, even though there's no scientific proof.

And this week, Christie said parents should have a "choice" on vaccinations, which can only be seen as pandering to anti-vaxxers on the right. After a firestorm, his spokesperson tried to walk it back.

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