Is it Missouri Right to Life, or Right to the Bank

Bob Parker

Recently Missouri Right to Life issued their endorsement of Congresswoman JoAnn Emerson for the 8th Congressional District Republican Primary on August 3rd in Missouri. There are two candidates for the Republican nomination in the 8th District, the veteran of DC, Rep. JoAnn Emerson, and opponent Bob Parker of Raymondville , Missouri . www.electbobparker.com

The endorsement of Emerson from this organization raised the ire of many pro-life advocates in the 8th District. Ken Collins, one of those disgruntled by the endorsement, called MoRTL, and asked them about the criteria they use to endorse candidates. Collins reported, "They told me that if a candidate has a clean record for the previous 2 years, they would consider endorsing them. Also, that they take into account the financial status of the candidates' campaign funds."

Emerson voted in 2005 and 2007 to federally fund embryonic stem cell research. Collins and many others believe that MoRTL's endorsement of Emerson is a betrayal of not just those who support their organization, but of the innocent lives the group has stated they are sworn to protect. Collins draws attention to statements form MoRTL in their October 2008 newsletter as "completely inconsistent" with their Emerson endorsement. The newsletter states: "MRL will not count a vote to fund cloning and killing embryos as any less anti-life than a vote to fund abortions." Collins asks, "How can they award this endorsement when federal funding for the votes Emerson cast have not been repealed? MRL's two year timeline doesn't reverse the consequences of her vote."

One lady wrote a letter to MoRTL regarding her view of this endorsement as a desire on the part of MoRTL to financially profit through political positioning. "I'm truly afraid they're just lining up to take blood money" she said when asked about her letter.

Congressional candidate Bob Parker says he is very concerned by MoRTL's decision to endorse his opponent. He voiced this concern saying, "It is so sad to me that the very people we think are fighting for life, are supporting candidates that are not fully pro life. By going back only two years in the voting records, Missouri Right to Life is doing a huge disservice to not only the voters, but to life itself. Is money and a seat at the table more important now than principal?"

Parker says he is most troubled by the deception voters may be subjected to when groups endorse candidates without openly divulging their criteria for endorsement. "Only if you read the fine print do you realize these ratings are just for the last two years. In other words, if you killed someone 3 years ago, you can now get a murder free rating."

Missourians will decide which candidate for the Republican Party 8th District seat will make it to the General Election on August 3rd.