Martin: Koster fails to stand up for displaced Joplin voters

(From the Ed Martin for attorney general campaign)

Even though thousands of Missourians may be unable to exercise their right to vote on August 7, Attorney General Chris Koster is following the example of his client, President Obama and staying silent.

"It is an outrage to everyone in this state that Attorney General Chris Koster has not initiated an investigation when thousands of our fellow Missourians may be unable to vote through no fault of their own," Martin said.  "This is not about playing politics, but ensuring that each citizen has the ability to fulfill their right as an American citizen and gets to vote this August."

Martin also stressed the importance of voting and the need for strong leadership from elected officials:
"We have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that each of the 10,000 displaced voters has the ability and right to vote on August 7th.  As a state, our elected officials must hold steady their promise to assist the citizens of Joplin following their tragedy.  With the election to be held in less than a week, I am saddened to see the lack of effort from Governor Jay Nixon, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan and Attorney General Chris Koster.  Each of these officials have sat idly by while the election has grown nearer.  Just the same, our elected officials, Nixon, Carnhan and Koster have an obligation to the citizens of this state to ensure a fair election.  Thus far, the actions of Nixon, Carnhan and Koster call this election process into question.

"We must hold our elected officials to a higher standard. Campaign promises are not enough. We have to fulfill our obligations to each of our citizens. This is not about politics; it's about public service and protecting voters."

After the tornado, President Obama pledged his support for Joplin, but he and his administration have stayed silent. It is no surprise that Koster is simply following the lead of President Obama, just like Eric Holder and Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. Koster is proving once again that being Obama's lawer is more important to him than standing up for the rights of Missourians.