Local NBC affiliate KSHB did decide to run a controversial anti-abortion ad from Democratic presidential candidate Randall Terry, who's on the ballot today in Missouri.

Terry said several days ago that he wanted to purchase time on the station to air the ad, which features graphic images of aborted fetuses, in the Super Bowl pregame show. The station reported Sunday night that it did not air the spot.

But it did decide to air the commercial in its newscasts Monday, according to a station news release:

"Political discourse is crucial in an open and democratic society," said station General Manager Mike Vrabac. "While some individuals may not agree with his position, under FCC regulations, Mr. Terry has the legal right to run the ad in our state. The station cannot legally deny access or edit the spot in any way."

Some stations have argued that the must-carry rules for political ads don't apply in Terry's case, because he is not considered a "bona fide" Democratic candidate.

More on the controversy here.