Attorney General Chris Koster Brushes Off Questions Regarding Federal Health Care Lawsuit

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Intro:	For the second time in as many weeks, Missouri's attorney general turns down KMOX's questions about the federal health care lawsuit. Becky May has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: A room full of reporters awaited Chris Koster's response to the Federal Health care lawsuit.

But Koster brushed off questions on his stance.

Koster referred his comments to his press secretary Nancy Gonder saying it is a process to get an interview.

Gonder says the Attorney General was pressed for time but did release a statement.

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Description: "Actually he has made a comment. When we got the letter we said that we would carefully review the letter and would respond to it. I'd be happy to get you that comment."

KMOX asked for a copy, but Gonder said she couldn't print one out.

She said she would e-mail it to us.

But that e-mail never came.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Becky May, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:	Missouri's House Speaker says the state's attorney general owes it to Missourians to take a stand on health care. Becky May has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: For the second time, Attorney General Chris Koster refused to say his stance on joining the lawsuit against federal health care.

House Speaker Steve Tilley says he wants Koster to take a position.

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Description: "I would advise him to go ahead and take a position either way. I think people are tired of politicians who aren't willing to take a stand. I mean take your stand and tell them why you believe that and move on."

Although Tilley says he thinks Koster should take a stance, Democratic Rep. Tishaura Jones says she understands it is difficult.

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Description: "It's not an easy decision for him. He is a democratic elected official, but has a job to all citizens in the state of Missouri."

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Becky May, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:	Yes, or no: Missouri's House Speaker says he just wants the state's attorney general to take a stance on federal health care. Becky May has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: But after a news conference, Attorney General Chris Koster brushed aside questions about his position on the federal health care lawsuit.

Republican House Speaker Steve Tilley, along with other top Missouri Republicans, sent a letter to Koster urging him to take a position.

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Description: "I would encourage him, not only as his friend but as a constituent of his. I mean he is my Attorney General and we would like to know where he stands on the issue and give us some guidance."

Tilley says his letter addressed the issues that make federal health care unconstitutional.

71 percent of Missourians who voted last August opposed the federal law.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Becky May, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.