Missouri to investigate Planned Parenthood following video controversy

Source: STL Post Dispatch

Koster is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in 2016 and so far is running unopposed. But he was previously a Republican, and while serving in the state Senate he supported some anti-abortion measures. He switched parties in 2007 after voting for a controversial law that imposed strict requirements on the state’s abortion providers.

Peverill Squire, a political scientist at the University of Missouri, said Koster’s lack of an opponent in the Democratic primary for governor gave him the political ability to investigate Planned Parenthood.

“Democrats don’t really have an alternative to him, so he doesn’t have to behave as a normal Democrat might have to behave,” he said. “He can make himself appeal to the political center and protect himself from attacks Republicans might make.”

Jeremy Walling, a political science professor at Southeast Missouri State University, agreed that Koster had little to lose from his stance. But he said it’s too early to tell what effect it will have on the 2016 election.

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/missouri-to-investigate-planned-parenthood-following-video-controversy/article_7b2d5ac4-2473-543e-93e1-d4737f149885.html