Chris Koster in 2016 MO Governor's race

On Gun Control: Endorsed by NRA; overrode veto of gun rights

Koster backed the GOP Legislature's hallmark accomplishment--a 2014 income tax cut enacted by overriding Nixon's veto--and also sided with Republicans when they overrode Nixon's veto of a gun-rights law this September.

On Budget & Economy: Invest $2 billion and create up to 40,000 new jobs.

Chris Koster: We need to continue to maintain a small and efficient government with a business-friendly regulatory environment and AAA credit rating. Prioritizing workforce training programs and fully funding education will grow our economy. Finally, expanding health care will allow Missouri to invest nearly $2 billion in federal dollars annually and create up to 40,000 new jobs.

On Education: Increase our investment in education

Chris Koster: First, we need to do more to stimulate economic development in Missouri through a comprehensive economic development bill. Second, we need to increase our investment in education to keep our workforce globally competitive. Finally, we must protect our communities from crime through representative police forces and no leniency for criminals who use a gun.

On Health Care: Closed "tobacco loophole": $50M more in cigarette settlement

In 1998, Missouri and 45 other states sued the 5 biggest tobacco companies for selling cigarettes which they knew caused cancer. The settlement said that Missouri would receive roughly $130 million a year. All nonparticipating tobacco companies (other than the big 5) were required to pay into an escrow fund. The "loophole" is that, without "diligent enforcement" against the smaller companies, the bigger companies would lose market share (8%, it turns out) and would hold back part of the $130 million ($50 million in 2014, it turns out).

Koster negotiated a deal with the big 5 tobacco companies to return that $50 million to Missouri, on the condition the state "diligently enforce" on the smaller cigarette makers. We rate this claim True.

On Jobs: Right-to-work is an attack on working people

"Right-to-work" isn't just an attack on working men and women, it's an attack on the long-held values of our state.

On Civil Rights: Oppose SJR39: gay discrimination isn't religious liberty

Opponents of the proposal say its passage could cost Missouri jobs as businesses and other organizations already are hinting of boycotts. Proponents of the measure say the state Constitution already protects members of the clergy from perming ceremonies that oppose their religious beliefs.

SJR 39 is backed by conservatives because they say it safeguards those who oppose gay marriage. Many Democrats oppose it precisely because they view the measure as a legal permit to discriminate against same-sex couples. Chris Koster, the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor, also opposes SJR 39.

On Energy & Oil: New EPA regulations on CO2 emissions are federal overreach

On Abortion: Planned Parenthood didn't illegally dispose of fetal tissue

`As a result of our investigation, the office of the MO Attorney General has found no evidence that PPSLR has engaged in unlawful disposal of fetal organs or tissue,` the report states.

A state Senate `sanctity of life` committee was formed by Sen. Kurt Schaefer. The Columbia clinic proved to be a productive target for the ruthlessly ambitious Schaefer, a Republican who wants to replace Koster, a Democrat, as attorney general. Schaefer got the Mizzou administration to revoke a doctor's admitting privilege and cause the Columbia clinic to cease performing abortions.

On Crime: Deliver justice to those who break our laws

Chris is a hands-on Attorney General, personally prosecuting many high profile cases and arguing before the United States Supreme Court on behalf of Missouri. As one of Missouri's most experienced prosecutors, Chris has personally convicted some of our state's most notorious murders and has overseen more than 100 murder convictions during his career. As Attorney General, one of his most important duties is supervising our state's legal process surrounding the imposition of the death penalty.

On Education: 2007: Left GOP to support high-quality public schools

On Environment: Sue the EPA for over-expanding Clean Water Act

"The EPA has exceeded their legal authority in defining what constitutes waterways," Koster said. "Thousands of acres of privately owned land in Missouri would suddenly be subject to federal water regulation. Missouri farmers will be particularly harmed by the federal government's restrictions on how their land can be used." Koster says the agencies' official definition of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) extends their authority to include "ponds, streams that flow only briefly during or after rainstorms, and channels that are usually dry." The definition also expands to floodplains, even if the plains are dry 99 years out of 100, Koster says.

On Civil Rights: Equality and inclusion should include same-sex couples

On Civil Rights: Gay marriage is another step toward inclusion and equality

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, a Democrat: "The history of our country has always been one of moving toward inclusion and equality. I applaud the court for their courage and strong sense of fairness. Missourians should be seen as equals under the law; regardless of their gender, race, or whom they love."

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, a Democrat: "Today's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges is a major victory for equality and an important step toward a fairer and more just society for all Americans. No one should be discriminated against because of who they are or who they love. In the coming days, I will be taking all necessary and appropriate actions to ensure this decision is implemented throughout the state of Missouri."

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, a Democrat: "SCOTUS has spoken! #Equality" (Twitter)

On Health Care: ObamaCare generates jobs as well as cuts healthcare costs

"The Affordable Care Act has succeeded at adding thousands of Missourians to the rolls of the insured, and continues to reduce costs. But its effect on Missouri's economy could be even more beneficial: it could create up to 24,000 jobs in our state and generate billions in labor income.

"Today's ruling was a positive step forward. The subsidies are an important part of building our health care infrastructure and providing affordable care to low- and middle-income families. I hope our state legislature will now see the economic value in Medicaid expansion and bring Missouri's tax dollars back."

On Civil Rights: Judges can allow same-sex marriage despite voter amendment

Koster cited legal reasons to not weigh in. But conservatives smelled politics. They pointed to statements Koster made in June when he announced that he backs same-sex marriage. But he also acknowledged his obligation to "defend the laws of the state of Missouri," including its gay marriage ban, no matter what.

Koster's apparent pivot this month could be the result of the increasing pressure he's under from leaders of his own party.

On Gun Control: Supported voter amendment on right to bear arms

On Health Care: Expanding Medicaid provides immediate fiscal stimulus

As lawmakers cut taxes to promote job growth in Missouri, they should simultaneously expand Medicaid. More than any other legislative act, Medicaid expansion will provide immediate fiscal stimulus to Missouri's economy.

Under the proposed program, each dollar Missouri dedicates to Medicaid expansion will return 19 dollars in new investment to our state, an annual return of 1,900 percent on our tax dollars.

Medicaid expansion is not supported by only Democrats. It is supported by many right-leaning groups and prominent Republicans as well, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and former U.S. Sen. Kit Bond.

On Tax Reform: Cut personal income tax, capital gains, and tax on dividends

The two most impactful steps lawmakers can take today to create a top 10 business climate are these: cut taxes and expand Medicaid. By trimming Missouri's top individual tax rate from 6 percent, we effectively cut three separate taxes at once: the personal income tax rate, the capital gains tax rate, and Missouri's tax on dividends and interest. Most national rankings analyze these three tax rates separately, so by cutting Missouri's 6 percent tax rate, we will improve in three categories simultaneously.

On Drugs: Helping meth cooks get ingredients leads to jail

On Immigration: Strengthen laws against hiring illegal aliens