FREEDOM, INC. ENDORSES KOSTER FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

Kansas City Senator Yvonne Wilson Also Announces Support of Koster

Kansas City, MO – Freedom, Inc., Kansas City's major African American political organization, today announced its endorsement of Chris Koster for Attorney General. Democratic State Senator Yvonne Wilson also endorsed Koster, adding to the mounting support for the Koster campaign in Kansas City's African American community.

"Our next Attorney General needs to be someone who understands the profound challenges facing the African American community, and urban communities around the state of Missouri," said Craig Bland, the President of Freedom, Inc. "In his time as a Kansas City-area prosecutor and in the State Senate, Chris Koster has fought for safe streets, a quality public education system, and against corporate interests on behalf of hard-working consumers. Freedom, Inc., is proud to endorse his candidacy for Attorney General."

"I am honored to have the endorsement of Freedom, Inc., as well as the support of such influential and inspirational leaders as Craig Bland, Senator Yvonne Wilson and Alvin Brooks," Koster said. "As the next Attorney General, I look forward to using my decade of law enforcement experience to build upon the foundation of this relationship as we work together to tackle the challenges facing the African American community and all of Missouri."

Senator Yvonne Wilson said: "Chris Koster is the most prepared and best qualified Democrat to take over the Attorney General's Office in January 2009. I look forward to working with him to improve the lives of the working people of our community who are struggling with unprecedented gas prices, mortgages they simply cannot pay, and a social safety net that is on the verge of crumbling around us."

Former Kansas City Mayor Pro-Tem and City Councilman, Freedom Board Member and civil rights leader Alvin Brooks said: "I know Chris Koster to be a man of conviction and purpose. As Attorney General, Chris Koster will do what he always has throughout his distinguished career in public service – fight for equal justice and protection for all Missourians."

Freedom, Inc. was created in 1962 during the heart of the civil rights movement, and is widely-respected for its political and social activism. This display of support in the African American community follows recent endorsements by St. Louis Congressman William Lacy Clay, Jr., Former St. Louis Mayor Freeman Bosley, Jr., and other state and local elected officials across Missouri.