Daniels faces difficult decision on Planned Parenthood funding

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who irked many conservatives last year with his call for a "truce" on social issues, has been thrust into the debate over federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

The state's Republican-led legislature has sent to the governor's desk a measure to defund the group. If Daniels signs it, Planned Parenthood would be barred from receiving federal dollars in Indiana. The measure also bans abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, with an exception for the health of the mother. 

Planned Parenthood warns that the measure will cost the state some $4 million in Medicaid family-planning funds from the federal government.

For Daniels, who is weighing a decision on a 2012 presidential run, the bill presents an opportunity to assauge concerns among social conservatives who could stand between him and the GOP nomination next year.  

Once the bill hits his desk, Daniels has a week to decide whether or not to veto the measure. He could also take no action, and the bill would become law without his signature.

Daniels is nearing a final decision on 2012. He has said he will decide sometime after the current legislative session comes to a close in Indiana — that happens Friday.

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