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Jay Nixon dodges question on tort reform

August 1, 2012

Another day; another uncomfortable political issue; another evasion from Jay Nixon.  This time, Nixon is refusing to take a position on the Missouri Supreme Court’s decision striking down caps on medical malpractice lawsuits.

Speaking in Springfield today, Nixon avoided taking a position by claiming he was “reviewing” the ruling. Not surprisingly, this was the same language Nixon used when trying to deflect uncomfortable questions about the US Supreme Court’s ruling on Obamacare—and now, more than a month later, we still do not have ANY additional information from Nixon.

Just like his Obamacare dodge, Nixon’s latest evasion comes on an issue that he has a history of supporting.  In fact, going all the way back to his tenure in the State Senate during the 1980s, Jay Nixon has opposed tort reform.  And more recently, he has been a darling of the trial attorneys, who have given more than $5 million dollars to Nixon’s campaign since 2006.

“Jay Nixon is a darling of the trial lawyers, so it’s no surprise that he has consistently opposed common-sense reforms meant to end frivolous lawsuits that drive up medical costs and drive doctors out of the state,” said Lloyd Smith, Executive Director of the Missouri GOP.  “Now, instead of leading, Nixon is stalling the press and desperately trying to avoid taking a position on this politically sensitive issue.”