Obviously, I have been a pro-choice candidate for my entire political career, and obviously there is controversy always surrounding this issue.

The political system loves the extremes, it doesn't so much show a lot love for the moderates.

When I was a prosecutor in Kansas City, my job was to fight for justice and safety for all citizens in my community. Equal access to justice under the law is an American value embedded in the fabric of our legal and political system - the idea that anybody, powerful or not, can have their day in court.

Along with my colleagues Mark Warner and Sheldon Whitehouse, I have been working to end the process of secret holds, which is when senators anonymously block legislation or nominations without explanation.

The controversy from 2000 is going to hurt her as a candidate.

If there were a third-party candidate on the ballot who is pro-choice, that candidate could draw heavily from Casey backers among liberal Democrats, enough to make it a close race.