Ind. lawmakers vote to strip Planned Parenthood of federal funds

News outlets report that this step, which would make this state the first to cut off all government funding for Planned Parenthood, could put Gov. Mitch Daniels, a possible Republican presidential hopeful, in a difficult position.

Politico: Indiana Votes To Defund Planned Parenthood
The Indiana State Legislature has voted to strip Planned Parenthood of its federal funding, putting the state on a path to barring the group from receiving public dollars. The legislation now hits the desk of Gov. Mitch Daniels, putting the presidential contender who has famously called for a "truce" on social issues squarely in the middle of a contentious, national debate over Planned Parenthood's federal funding (Kliff, 4/27).

The Associated Press: Daniels Mulls Presidential Run, Contentious Bills
As Indiana's Republican governor mulls a presidential run in 2012, his home state is becoming a showcase of conservative ideas, poised to create the nation's broadest private school voucher system and become the first to cut off all government funding for Planned Parenthood. And while Gov. Mitch Daniels has pushed the voucher program, the Planned Parenthood measure could present a political predicament for him as he nears an announcement on whether he will run for president (Martin and Davies, 4/28).

National Journal: Daniels Faces Defining Decision On Abortion Bill
The Indiana House of Representatives voted 66-32 on Wednesday to approve a controversial bill tightening the state's abortion restrictions and cutting off funding to Planned Parenthood, which now awaits the signature of Gov. Mitch Daniels (R), a potential presidential candidate who has yet to comment publicly on the politically sensitive legislation. Daniels has seven days to take action on the bill, and has three options once it arrives on his desk: 1) Sign the bill into law; 2) Veto the bill; 3) Do nothing, and allow the bill to become law after seven days without taking a stance (Alberta, 4/27).