Mitch Daniels Defunds Planned Parenthood

Despite his earlier call to avoid social issues, Indiana Governor and possible presidential candidate Mitch Daniels has weighed into the most contentious of social issues: abortion.

Daniels signed into law a measure that would nullify all existing contracts between the state and planned parenthood clinics and would prevent the creation of future contracts. This will basically remove the possibility of state or federal  funds being used in Planned Parenthood’s abortion clinics.

The ACLU and Women’s Health Organization, both progressive leaning, pro-abortion activist groups, almost immediately filed suit in the district court of Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on the grounds of the new law being unconstitutional. The judge is expected to rule Wednesday.

Taking on these kinds of issues is likely to build support from social conservatives as Daniels considers a Presidential run. Monday, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said he would “give real consideration” to supporting Daniels.