2006: What I'll Remember

It's that time of year again.

It's the time to pick winners and losers, the big political plays and neatly separate the big stories and moments of the past 365 days -- from all the rest.

Luckily, some of my colleagues are doing it for me.

*Jason Rosenbaum of the Columbia Daily Tribune Politics Blog does a nice job narrowing the top political stories to 10.

*Ron Davis over at Chatter looks ahead with some eye-popping predictions.

*And Jo Mannies of the St. Louis Post Dispatch notes how political bloggers around the state drove much of the news this year.

It's hard to top all of that. And being away from my notebook and folders back in Springfield, I figured I would just offer up the moments and stories I remember over the past whirlwind of a year. These aren't necessarily the biggest stories, and they aren't in any particular order. But these are the things that have stuck with me for one reason or another.

*To open the session in Jeff City, Republican Speaker Rod Jetton pledging the restoration of MAWD (Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities) as a top priority in the 2006 session and lawmakers failing to deliver.

*After being told by almost everyone I talked to that Rep. Roy Blunt would be elected Majority Leader, he was defeated by Ohio's John Boehner Feb. 2nd in Washington on the second round of caucus voting. When we walked into Blunt's office to interview him just minutes after the vote, he was on the phone with a family member, looking out the window. "I'll be ok. Life goes on," he said.

*After sparring with Sen. Jim Talent at a press conference over his position on stem cell research, the Senator made a special point of coming back to me after the event to further explain his position. This rarely happens, so you could tell this was important to him. He pulled me aside. "I really want you to understand my position on this Dave," he said. "It can get pretty complicated." An aide traveling with him later told me, "It actually helps him to explain it like that." Stem cells ended up being a defining issue in the campaign, the debates and in television ads.

*Interviewing transgendered Congressional candidate Midge Potts at her home. Midge was a fiscal conservative, but opposed to the war and more libertarian on social issues. Still, she ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary, challenging Roy Blunt.

*Trailing Gov. Mark Warner as he raced through Bass Pro in April, seemingly campaigning for President. Teenagers were running up to him, asking him for autographs. He played target practice and looked natural at it. He looked like a sure presidential contender. The local Dems ate him up. Months later he decided against a 2008 run.

*Covering Vice President Dick Cheney in Springfield in April and afterwards interviewing several World War II, Korea and Vietnam Vets. When I asked them why they supported the war in Iraq, most replied, "because they hit us on September 11th."

*Asking Republican Presidential candidate Sen. Sam Brownback in Springfield what he would do if one of his children told him he or she was gay. I remember him saying something about sitting down and talking with them, handling it as a family. But journalistically, I worried if the question was fair or over the line. I'm still not really sure.

*Standing at Sen. Talent's official announcement event in Springfield on June 2nd and watching a woman feverishly walk around handing out campaign literature for Auditor. I had no idea who it was until I saw the brochure. It was Sandra Thomas. She won the Republican nomination for Auditor but lost to Democrat Susan Montee in the general election.

*Beginning this blog over the Memorial Day weekend on a whim, with the help of Brad Belote and inspiration from the many bloggers before me.

*Trailing Sen. Hillary Clinton in Arkansas for a day in July with the pack of journalists. Opting against the "are you running question," I instead tried to get her to talk about Missouri's Senate race and specifically Claire McCaskill. Always careful, Clinton wouldn't bite. I wondered if I was interviewing a future president, but at the same time questioned whether her distance and distrust of the media would hurt her down the road.

*Rep. Mark Wright confronting me after my coverage of his license fee office reform press conference. "So did you bring Harpool with you," Wright asked, after seeing State Senate candidate Doug Harpool in the room. After explaining to Wright that I had nothing to do with Harpool's attendance, he replied, "Well, people on your blog think it does." I explained to him that while we strive to keep the blog an open forum, many of the comments made by its readers are just opinions and not necessarily true. After a lively verbal joust, Wright called to apologize and said the intensity of the campaign was getting to him. Later, Governor Blunt urged Republicans to vote against him for auditor in the primary.

*Primary Night @ Local Dem HQ -- The loyalists were pumped and cheering. The U.S. Senate nominee was spending the evening watching the returns in very red Springfield. In the end, McCaskill's percentage in Greene County ended up making the difference for her.

*Covering Ike Skelton in August, we headed into a local diner in Lebanon where a debate over the war broke out over dinner between two families. It was real, it was spirited and it was raw. The arguments on both sides were solid and well-thought out. We need more of that.

*Questioning Alan Keyes in Springfield over stem cell research, I ask him a round of questions about when life begins, among others. A local newspaper columnist accuses me of "hunting for soundbites." I respond. Journalists should debate this stuff more often. Still, I stand by the questions I asked that day.

*Interviewing Tim Russert via satellite in October, I ask, "Can a red state like Missouri really turn blue in just 2 years?" He responds, "You know, that's a really good question." I guess it can.
*Preparing a Truthwatch piece on McCaskill's "Josh" ad on veterans benefits, I question Josh, McCaskill's spokeswoman and the candidate herself. I ask why Josh doesn't just release his medical records to prove he had to wait for a doctor's appointment. He refuses. McCaskill stands by him. She won't force him to release something private and asks us to trust their word. I don't understand how a campaign claims that type of information "private" after thrusting him into a statewide campaign with national implications. But the ad clearly struck a chord, especially with the other side.

*The KY3 U.S. Senate Debate. I remember Sen. Talent not being able to name a single wasteful spending project. McCaskill didn't either, but I thought as the conservative in the race, Talent would name one. After the debate, this is when some people started thinking the momentum was beginning to swing towards McCaskill. I got several emails from worried Republicans, questioning Talent's performance. McCaskill cites the Springfield and Kansas City debates as the turning point in the campaign.

*Norma Champion's campaign stalling on an interview with me, because Republicans have told her campaign manager to "stay away from me." Finally, an interview is set at her home during the last week in October. Longtime G.O.P. official Mavis Busiek sits in to supervise with a pad and pen. Afterwards she said, "Well, this wasn't as bad as I thought." Champion goes on to beat Doug Harpool by a wide margin in a bad Republican year.

*President Bush rallies for Sen. Talent in Springfield, but looking at the tape over and over, Talent looks tired and dispirited on stage. There was no way of knowing, there was nothing scientific about it, but he looked like he was going to lose. People in my newsroom were talking about it. Was he sick? Did he know something we didn't? The President was here for you! Why wasn't he more excited? It was odd.

*Election Night -- I get a call saying McCaskill is coming down to speak. I start telling Talent supporters. "That's bullshit," says one in disbelief. "No way," says another. Talent fans watch the TV screen stunned. A few female volunteers begin to cry. Noone from Talent's side is answering their cell phones. We're told they are holed up in a room deciding what to do next. McCaskill suddenly declares victory. The Talent people burst out of a side door, hustle to the stage and the Senator concedes quickly and with class. I'm a bit caught off guard. It was all over. But I have to process it all for my live shot. The room falls dead silent but for the TVs in the corner, where people were watching McCaskill celebrate as the next Senator from Missouri.

Book Review: "What It Takes"

Postings have been slow this week because of my vacation back east. But despite the time off, I did accomplish a year-long goal . . . barely. That goal was finishing Richard Ben Cramer's "What It Takes."

As I sit in a Barnes & Noble in Philadelphia, it's appropriate that I recognize the writing of a man who won a Pulitzer for his work for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

"What It Takes" is an incredible journey through the 1988 campaign for President. Published in 1992, I've had the book for years. I began reading it last January. Finishing the 1,051 page monster was an arduous task, but not because of its content. Mostly because during this busy campaign year, historical pieces were placed at the bottom of my priority reading list.

Still, for its ambition, raw emotion and vivid real-life depiction of candidates, "What It Takes" is the best political book I've ever read. Cramer takes you inside each candidate's heart and soul as he makes an epic journey towards his party's nomination. Cramer tracks Bob Dole and George Bush on the Republican side, and Michael Dukakis, Gary Hart, Dick Gephardt and Joe Biden on the Democratic side. The reading is irresistible. His writing takes you inside campaign meetings, and family dinner table conversations like you are sitting right there. At some points, he even takes you inside a candidate's head. It's an ultimate insiders book on presidential politics, and the psychology of "what it really takes."

For just a taste, take this passage, when Dick Gephardt is struggling to craft a message to jumpstart a faltering campaign in Iowa:

--- From Chapter 94, page 812,

"I gotta get it down to five words," Dick explained. "That's what it's gotta . . ." He was drawing a neat square on his legal pad, as if he somehow had to fit the words into that box. "Something people can hold on to . . . five words."

They had to be about him, but couldn't be exactly him . . . or not just him. That was the strangest part. Dick said he knew now: voters wanted someone larger than life. . . Olympian. So it couldn't be that red-haired lawyer from St. Louis who got home from work and fell asleep on the floor of his family room with his mouth open in front of the TV . . . No, they told you to be yourself, but they didn't want you to be like yourself. They wanted you to be like a President! They wanted you to be something huge for them.

"I'll tell you the weird part - is when you stop . . . I was in Louisiana. Little Town . . ." He named the town. "I don't think they'd had a Presidential candidate since, uh . . . Millard Fillmore.

"So I get there, and there's cops and motorcycles and a limousine the size of Ohio. There's the Mayor and marching bands . . . and they treat me like the King of Spain.

"I do my speech, I get back in the limo, get to the airport . . . and two hours later, I'm back in O'Hare . . . hauling my suitcase off the plane . . . carry it half a mile . . . I gotta wait in line for a lousy hot dog!

"All of a sudden, I'm back. I'm a . . . a, uh . . ." He was hunting a word.

"I'm a, uh . . . a shit-bum!"

But he wasn't going to finish as a bum. No . . . he stared down at his pad, as if he must hold the answer. But there were no words in that box.

------------

The book is filled with fun anecdotes like the one above that give you a real sense of the human frailties and reality of the people running for President. It taught me numerous lessons about the political process and taught me a lesson or two about how to cover it.

If you love politics and want a lifetime of political education in one sitting, read "What It Takes."

Sure it's over a thousand pages. But it is sooo worth it.

Real World New Jersey: Holiday Dinner

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Edwards Announces Today

Former Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards will officially announce his candidacy for president Thursday in New Orleans.

In a sign of the ever-growing influence of the Internet and grass/netroots, Edwards leaked the news online.

"Better a day earlier than a day late," said Jennifer Palmieri, an Edwards adviser, according to the Associated Press.

If you have any doubts, his website already boasts the logo, "John Edwards 08."

Yep, he's in. But can he topple the titans of Hillary and Obama?

The latest New Hampshire poll has him running third, but still within striking distance.

Iowa is clearly his stomping ground in the early going. The latest polling there has him deadlocked 22%-22% with a surging Barack Obama.

Carnahan's Not Running, She's Getting Married

A big sigh of relief for Missouri Democrats fearing a party fight in 2008 . . .

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan told the Associated Press today she won't run for Governor in 2008, seemingly clearing the Democratic field for Attorney General Jay Nixon.

David Lieb of the Associated Press grabs the boffo scoop.

Props to the vacationing Steve Kraske of the K.C. Star for advancing the piece on Carnahan.

I'm off this week too, but clearly not working as hard.

That's cuz being home in Jersey is too much fun.

Blunt Promises "Tempting Alternatives"

Democrats are promising a better-run Congress in January with more collegiality and civility and less secrets.

The New York Times previews what's being promised by both sides.

"After chafing for years under what they saw as flagrant Republican abuse of Congressional power and procedures, the incoming majority has promised to restore House and Senate practices to those more closely resembling the textbook version of how a bill becomes law: daylight debate, serious amendments and minority party participation," writes Carl Hulse.

But Missouri's 7th District Congressman Roy Blunt says the G.O.P. will play some political hardball along the way.

"The opposition leadership said it would take the opportunity to put forward initiatives that could be potentially troublesome for newly elected Democrats in Republican-leaning districts who within months will have to defend their hard-won seats," writes Hulse.

''There are going to be days when we will offer alternatives in ways that are going to be very appealing to Democrats in districts the president carried just two years ago,'' said Representative Roy Blunt of Missouri, who will be the second-ranking House Republican in the 110th Congress.

Gephardt Aide to Head McCaskill Staff

WASHINGTON (AP) - Democratic Sen.-elect Claire McCaskill has chosen an aide to former Rep. Dick Gephardt, D-Mo., as her chief of staff, her office announced Tuesday.

Sean Kennedy, 36, spent nearly a decade as Gephardt's legislative director and counsel until 2004, when Kennedy became a lobbyist for SBC Communications, now part of AT&T.

Kennedy also served as deputy policy director for Gephardt's 2004 presidential campaign.

McCaskill, who defeated Republican Sen. Jim Talent this year, will be sworn in during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 4.

President Gerald Ford Is Dead

The nation's 38th and only unelected President is dead.

Former President Gerald Ford will be remembered for assuming power after the Watergate scandal, and guiding the nation through one of its most divisive periods, while granting President Richard Nixon a full and unconditional pardon.

Ford was the oldest surviving U.S. President.

While he had suffered two strokes over the past few years and been hospitalized multiple times, the exact cause of his death is still unclear.

He was 93.

Winning State Senate Seat Didn't Come Cheap

The holidays have given us time to look at the final money figures from the campaign. We start with the 30th district senate seat in Springfield. The post-election reports came into the MEC office a few weeks back.

In 2002, then-Rep. Norma Champion ran against fellow house member Rep. Criag Hosmer for the seat being vacated by Roseann Bentley. That campaign spent $166,993.18.

This year against Democrat Doug Harpool, Champion's campaign raised more than $305,000 and spent in excess of $312,000. Harpool loaned himself $25,000 a week before the campaign. The final tally: $223K raised, $212K spent in a losing effort.

Up the interstate in Sen. Frank Barnitz's district, the money was just as abundant. The Democratic incumbent raised $325,000 for his re-election and spent nearly all of it ($315,301). Republican Susie Snyders raised more money ($347K+) but spent only $257,948. Snyders relied heavily on last minute contributions from legislative district campaign committees. She, like other Republican campaigns, put a lot of money into Marshfield-based consultant John Thompson.

For kicks, I wanted to look at the efficiency of a campaign. That is, ask the question: do candidates get their money's worth in spending tens of thousands of dollars? Here are some samples:

Sen. Norma Champion $8.59/vote
Doug Harpool $7.91/vote

Sen. Frank Barnitz $10.36/vote
Susie Snyders $9.34/vote

And in the 32nd District Senate race where the Republican incumbent, Sen. Gary Nodler, ran against an independent candidate, Nodler spent $1.05 per vote, a good sign for an incumbent. But his opponent, Kim Wright, had to spend just 47 cents per vote to earn the 20,000+ votes she received. She handily lost but she made the most of the limited resources she had.

By contrast to everyone, the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures had to spent $28.13 per vote to get Amendment 2 passed.

Book Review: Bankrupt - The Intellectual and Moral Bankruptcy of Today's Democratic Party

Bankrupt is the work of David Limbaugh, a Cape Girardeau-based attorney and brother of Rush Limbaugh. I must have gone into the book with the wrong expectations. I expected a deep thoughtful and historical look at problems in the Democratic Party, key events, key decisions and key figures that produced the party we see today.

Instead, I was treated to a rant more suited to the Rush radio show. Right out of the gate, Limbaugh uses top Democrats' own words to hilight contradiction and absurdities in Democrats' positions on Iraq and the War on Terror. From there, it's one issue right after another: values, partisanship, the 2000 election, and so on. His favorite targets are some of the most visible Democrats of recent years: Howard Dean, John Kerry, Joe Biden, Al Gore, Bill Clinton.

My problem with the book is that Limbaugh commits the same acts of hyperbole and hypocrisy he's grilling the Democrats for. "They promote abortion on demand" (p. 119) and (The Democratic Party) "has become the home for those pushing the 'culture of death'" (p. 121) are just two examples where Limbaugh's partisanship distracts from his intention. He's right about some things and hung up on others.

He also writes about Democrats' attacks on John Ashcroft during his confirmation hearings to become the U.S. Attorney General. In that section, Limbaugh offers his prophetic blurb: "In truth, Ashcroft almost surely would have won if Carnahan hadn't died. Ashcroft was ahead in the polls by double digits shortly before Carnahan's death" (p. 263-264).

(CNN and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch both reported the two were in a near dead-heat in late September and October 2000. )

Again, I went into the book with the wrong expectations. If you're looking for 350+ page diatribe against Democrats, enumerating the stupid things they say and do and why they don't often make sense, this book is for you, but not what I was looking for.

Christmas Stocking Stuffers

Enjoy these stocking stuffers for your Christmas reading . . .

*G.O.P BLAME GAME - The National Republican Senate Campaign Committee was apparently against the last-minute visit by President Bush to Missouri for Senator Talent. The A.P. reports it was Talent's people who finally decided W should go to conservative strongholds like Springfield and Joplin, but stay away from St. Louis and Kansas City. But campaign officials complain that the NRSC was off the air for two weeks in Missouri in early September, "leaving Talent without protection as he faced attacks from McCaskill . . . and the Democratic Senate campaign committee."

*"PLEASE SHRED" - The D.C. Gossip Blog Wonkette posts a piece about Sen. Talent's house cleaning efforts in his Washington office.

"Jim Talent Hides the Bodies," reads the headline:

"First, Senator Talent — a smart man, if a somewhat conspicuous one:
There is a huge tower of boxes in the hallway of the 4th floor of the Russell Senate Office Building labeled “Senator Talent’s Office. Please Shred”. We like the directness. Anyone manage to snag a picture?"

*HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! - The Kansas City Star Buzz Blog reports that all MoDot workers are getting an extra day off this weekend because the agency completed a major road initiative a year early. Cost to taxpayers for the vaca? Almost a million bucks. But some of their readers think it is "crap" to say this is "costing" the state money, and applaud the reward.

*POLLWATCH - In what could be the final SurveyUSA tracking poll rating of his career, outgoing Sen. Jim Talent receives the approval of 40% of Missourians in December. Sen. Kit Bond registers 54%. Here's something to ponder . . . where will Sen. Claire McCaskill rank one month from now when her first SurveyUSA approval rating is revealed? Guesses anybody?

"A Broken System"

State officials said it was an isolated problem.

It's not.

Some lawmakers said they weren't aware there was a problem.

There is.

Another Springfield daycare center is set to close because of delayed payments for foster children and low reimbursement rates for services.

Watch the KY3 News @ 10 story by clicking HERE.

Then tell me there isn't a problem.

Special Session for MOHELA, but not MAWD?

Governor Blunt indicated Wednesday he is considering calling a special session of the legislature to deal with MOHELA. That's the sale of student loan assets to raise money for building projects and scholarships on the state's public university and college campuses.

In May, lawmakers couldn't agree on the issue, but Blunt and the MOHELA worked over the summer to get a deal done, provided lawmakers approve it in 2007.

Huh.

Lawmakers couldn't agree on MOHELA, but Blunt thinks a special session is in order to work it out, even while lawmakers are already at work.

But lawmakers, Democrat and Republican alike, agreed a special session was needed in September to restore the MAWD program cut in 2005. But Blunt passed on that notion because he didn't get the Medicaid fraud package he wanted.

McCaskill Likely to Join Senate Moderate Group

The Times Picayune reports that Louisiana Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu and Maine Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe will co-chair the centrist coalition of senators when Congress reconvenes next month.

Will Missouri Sen.-elect Claire McCaskill become a member? Bets are she will.

The Times Picayune reports that the group will be looking for a new name when it meets Jan. 11. It's lost some high-profile moderate Republicans, including Sen. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island and Sen. Mike DeWine of Ohio.

"Several of the freshly elected Democratic senators who defeated conservative Republicans are likely to join the centrist group. Among them are Jim Webb in Virginia, Bob Casey in Pennsylvania, Claire McCaskill in Missouri and Jon Tester in Montana," the Picayune reports.

Mayor Bloomberg Gave to McCaskill

Check out this sugarplum from the Associated Press . . .

Republican New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg donated money to Democratic U.S. Senator-elect Claire McCaskill during the 2006 campaign.

The A.P. has penned a piece about Bloomberg's 3rd party presidential prospects.

--He has built a reputation as a political independent, a social moderate and fiscal conservative. This past election, he donated money to Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Claire McCaskill, a Democrat who unseated a Republican incumbent for Senate in Missouri.

Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is also preparing for a possible presidential run, campaigned for Sen. Jim Talent in Kansas City during the cycle.

Political Insider: Talent Could Challenge Blunt

It's not like it hasn't been whispered between political consultants or Democrats with wishful thinking . . . Outgoing Sen. Jim Talent could challenge Matt Blunt for Governor in the 2008 G.O.P. primary!

Just going on my gut instinct, I can't imagine the scenario where Talent would challenge Blunt. He seems too loyal and not exactly one to rustle feathers. Talent's not a hell raiser. And Kit Bond was right when he said, "he's a workhorse, not a showhorse." It's just not in Talent's character.

Still, the ultra-insider website Political Insider is speculating that Talent could make the leap.

Sen. Jim Talent (R-MO): His intentions are unclear. Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt (R) is the nation's least popular governor facing reelection in 2008, so Talent may decide to wage a primary challenge. Talent ran for Governor once before in 2000 and was narrowly defeated by Bob Holden (D).

I doubt that this is based on any actual reporting and just pure speculation.

Political reporters can fantasize about a Robin Carnahan vs. Jay Nixon primary on one side and a Jim Talent vs. Matt Blunt primary on the other. It'd be a heck of a final four to watch. But odds are probably neither will happen.

Now if Blunt doesn't run, that changes everything.

More Trouble for Mitt, More Room for Mike?

Twelve years ago, Mitt Romney supported gay rights and a woman's right to an abortion and distanced himself from Ronald Reagan.

There's been quite a transformation since then.

Conservatives were in a tizzy about Romney's past stands on social issues, but now it's been revealed that the Massachusetts Governor refused to endorse the conservative "Contract with America" and put some distance between himself and the conservative icon of our time.

The Washington Post reports on the concerns:

"In his 1994 debate with Kennedy, Romney also refused to endorse the "Contract With America," which House Republicans had proudly presented as their campaign manifesto, and he balked when Kennedy tried to link him to the Reagan administration. "I was an independent during the time of Reagan-Bush," Romney retorted.

"Questions about Romney's conservative credentials could provide an opening for several other Republicans exploring 2008 candidacies, among them Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.) and outgoing Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee."

Are these the reasons Governor Matt Blunt may be holding off on a public endorsement of Romney?

National Journal's "Show-Me" State Lesson

The National Journal's Chuck Todd offers his 50 Lessons for the Political Soul in a fun column published today.

The lesson from the Show-Me State is that Missouri remains the nation's bellwether.

"I've been a believer that Missouri was on its way to permanent red status, but given the current governor's '08 vulnerabilities and the effective populist message incoming Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) sold, the state showed me it's still the country's bellwether."

The lesson from Arkansas is that it could become a potential battleground pick-up for Dems in the 2008 presidential election.

"Democrats should still believe in a place called Hope, because Arkansas is still bluer than the rest of the South."

Room on the Right to Challenge Blunt? Sen. Bartle Leaves Door Open

Though most assume he's running, Governor Matt Blunt has been coy about his plans to seek re-election in 2008, saying he hasn't yet decided on his plans.

Blunt supports embryonic stem cell research and opposes a proposed resolution to overturn constitutional Amendment 2. It's a position that angers many in the social conservative wing of the Republican party.

After hearing the passion from conservative Sen. Matt Bartle (R-Lee's Summit) yesterday on the stem cell issue, I asked him whether he would support an "anti-cloning candidate for Governor in 2008."

Bartle was just as coy and careful as Blunt in his response. He didn't say yes, but didn't rule it out either.

"My focus is on passing this ban," Bartle responded. "We are fresh out of an election. Everybody's election weary. I haven't done much thinking on what is going to happen in the next election cycle. We don't even know who all is going to be running, what their position is going to be. I just haven't done much planning for that. We are focused today on laying out this human cloning ban, which I hope doesn't get caught up in statewide office holder politics," he added.

Catanese - So you're leaving the door open to it?

Bartle - "I would love to see . . . Missourians are going to be excited about people supporting this human cloning ban."

Stem Cell II: What Will Be Different This Time

In their Springfield press conference Tuesday outlining a proposal to ban the cloning of human embryos, Sen. Matt Bartle and Rep. Jim Lembke contended that a majority of Missourians came out to vote against "human cloning" this past November, but that some mistakenly voted "yes" on Amendment 2.

As Republican Roseanne Bentley points out, this debate all revolves around how you define human cloning.

In the Bartle-Lembke amendment, this is how it is defined:

"No person may clone or attempt to clone a human being. Clone a human being means to produce a human zygote, human blastocyst or human embryo by means other than the fertilization of an egg of a human female by the sperm of a human male."

But as Bentley and other pro-embryonic stem cell advocates argue, in the somatic cell nuclear transfer process, "you take a cell from a person's body such as a skin cell, and put it into an unfertilized egg, so there's no sperm there, so I don't consider that fertilized."

The Bartle-Lembke amendment would ban the somatic cell nuclear transfer process, which is sometimes referred to as "therapeutic cloning."

"Our opponents know that cloning is a loser when it comes to this issue and they don't use the word cloning anymore, in fact they want to say they're not cloning. But four years ago, when we were debating this they say we are cloning, we're cloning embryos for research purposes," Rep. Lembke said.

Rep. Lembke also pointed out that support for Amendment 2 declined as time went on.

"We really believe if the proponents had spent another $5 million and had another week, they would've lost it on their own," Rep. Lembke said. "Opinions were moving against it in the final weeks."

"The more they learn about human cloning, the more likely they are to oppose it," Bartle added.

But why go through this again when Missourians have already spoken?

"Missourians can choose to amend their constitution any time they want by a simple majority vote," Sen. Bartle said.

Bartle and Lembke have introduced legislation to ban "human cloning" before, but their bills have never even reached the floor for a vote.

What's the difference this year? First off, it's not an election year.
Secondly, "it was suppressed by leadership in both the House and the Senate," according to Lembke.

But weren't those Republican leaders, I asked?

"It was suppressed by leaders in the House and Senate," Lembke replied.

"That were Republicans," I pressed.

"If that's, yes, I guess," Lembke said.

The Missouri Coaltion for Lifesaving Cures is ramping up to pressure lawmakers to "defend the will of the people." "This is nothing more than an attempt by a few politicians to push their failed agenda of outlawing stem cell research and cures in our state," said coalition chairman Donn Rubin. "We have fought this issue on the floors of our state legislature in the past and will do so again if necessary."

Bartle and Lembke said they haven't yet circulated the proposed resolution to their colleagues, but predicted broad support, especially from lawmakers around the Ozarks, where Amendment 2 failed.

"We expect rural Democrats to hear the will of their constituents and join the effort," Bartle said.
"This time the lawmakers won't be pressured from the Governor," Lembke said, adding that there would be more pressure on the leadership to schedule a vote, because some are running for higher office.

"Many dynamics are at play this year," said Lembke (who is pictured above).

But how this battle will impact the Republican party in the future rests on the minds of many in the G.O.P.

Stem Cells, The Sequel

Just when you thought it was settled, a new proposed resolution ramps up with aims to undo the recently passed constitutional amendment to protect embryonic stem cell research.

Sen. Matt Bartle (R-Lee's Summit) and Rep. Jim Lembke (R-St. Louis) toured the state Tuesday to announce a proposal that would strip language from Amendment 2 and replace it with "a genuine ban on human cloning."

You can watch my KY3 News @ 10 report on the plan HERE.

If this resolution is passed by the state House and Senate, it would be put to the voters on the November 2008 ballot for final approval.

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon (#140th), Rep. Charlie Denison (#135th) and Rep.-elect Shane Schoeller (#139th) also attended the press conference at the Springfield-Branson airport, but did not comment on the plan.

More to come on my Q & A with Bartle & Lembke . . .

Nixon vs. Carnahan "Not Good" for Dems?

A flurry of reports seem to indicate that Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is considering running for Governor in 2008, setting up a primary clash with Attorney General Jay Nixon for the party's nomination.

It all started with reports surfacing on the conservative blog The Source. Then Jo Mannies of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch got political consultant Tony Wyche to dish that Carnahan has been making calls about her future, "not ruling anything out." Then Jason Rosenbaum of the Columbia Daily Tribune intensified the buzz.

It's a fantasy for political reporters, and apparently a nightmare for the Democratic party.

Let us join the fray.

A Greene County Democratic source tells the KY3 Political Blog that there are growing concerns within the party apparatus that the 2008 calendar could include a contentious Democratic primary battle between Nixon and Carnahan.

"It's not good. It was my understanding there was not going to be a primary, but there are concerns now," says the source. "The door is not closed and that's not something I'm comfortable with. As a person who wants to see success for the Democratic party, I'm conflicted myself," adds the source referring to the choice between Carnahan and Nixon.

The source says that Nixon has already put a good amount of time solidifying the support among Democrats in Greene County, but that the Carnahan name alone still holds a lot of weight in pure loyalty.

"He already has a lot of people on board in Southwest Missouri. There's a lot of good feeling what has been accomplished in the 7th (Congressional District), He's already brought some people on board," the source says, referring to Nixon's tapping of Craig Hosmer as his campaign treasurer.

Still, the source acknowledges that some are still mystified by that Carnahan name.
"It's a logical thing for Robin to be interested in. It would just be a potentially complicated situation. For the good of everybody, we should not have a primary."

So which candidate would be a tougher challenge to Gov. Matt Blunt, presuming he runs again?

May the buzz continue . . .

Emerson Goes to Cuba

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson is just back from a trip to Cuba, designed to look for ways to boost agricultural exports to the communist nation that would benefit some Missouri farmers.

Emerson was part of a 10-member bipartisan delegation to visit Cuba.

"Every single person with whom we met said they want to have negotiations to start building dialogue and communication between them and Washington, which is a different tone than they've taken in the past," Emerson said, according to the Associated Press.

The Bush administration has said it will not open talks with Cuba until it becomes a democracy.

Emerson believes the U.S. should lift travel restrictions and open up trade with Cuba.

Rep. Skelton: More Troops Won't Change A Thing

Rep. Ike Skelton, incoming chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, says an increase of U.S. troops in Iraq "won't change a thing, and at worst could exacerbate the situation even further," according to a statement posted on ThinkProgress.org.

Skelton says:

“The recent speculation in the press regarding an increase of 20,000 to 30,000 or even 50,000 troops in Iraq has left me with many concerns. Everything I’ve heard and everything I know to be true lead me to believe that this increase at best won’t change a thing, and at worst could exacerbate the situation even further. I am also extremely concerned about the additional burden that would be placed on the Army and Marine Corps."

“The Iraqis need to understand that responsibility for the future of that country is theirs. Beginning the redeployment of some number of American forces would send that message. I urge the President to carefully consider this option to help move the political situation in Iraq forward."

Minimum Wage Fallout @ MSU

Missouri State University is estimating that the state's minimum wage hike will cost the school $460,000 a year.

Two weeks from today, Missouri's minimum wage will jump from $5.15 to $6.50 an hour. MSU is already preparing its departments for the fallout, urging cost-saving measures and cutbacks.

Watch my KY3 News @ 10 report on the minimum wage impact on MSU by clicking HERE.

Amendment 2 Fight Carries On

From the press release pile Monday:

Jefferson City – Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, and Rep. Jim Lembke, R-St. Louis, will announce plans to place in the Missouri Constitution a genuine ban on human cloning and to close loopholes in current Missouri law allowing for the cloning of human beings.

35% Approve of Governor Blunt

35% of Missourians approve of the job Governor Matt Blunt is doing, according to the latest monthly SurveyUSA tracking poll.

That's down 3 points from last month.

Only 64% of Republicans give Blunt a positive nod, while independents break against him 63%-35%. By region, Blunt remains strongest in the Ozarks, where he registers a 39% approval rating.

President Bush receives a 37% job approval rating from Missourians in December. That's actually up 3 points from last month. 44% of those surveyed in southwest Missouri approve of the President right now. Regionally, Bush gets his lowest rating in St. Louis, where just 30% approve.

Is Romney's Loss Huckabee's Gain?

Gov. Mitt Romney's early run for President had been running quite smoothly up until this week.

Call this the first bump in the road.

Reports surfaced that in 1994 Romney had essentially the same position on gay rights as Sen. Ted Kennedy. Romney even called the religious right "extremists." In Romney's U.S. Senate challenge to Kennedy, he had also run as supporter of abortion rights.

Romney has since changed his mind on such social issues. But conservatives are still demanding an explanation.

On ABC's This Week, political pundit E.J. Dionne said he believes the flare up over Romney will benefit outgoing Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, if he indeed decides to run.

"The person who this is good for is Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas," Dionne said on the Sunday morning program. "There is room on the right end of the Republican spectrum, not the far right . . . but I think Huckabee has some real potential as an evangelical Christian who speaks in kind of a warm and open way," Dionne said.

"If Romney falters as a result of this, I think it's an opening for Huckabee," Dionne added.

Huckabee tested his fundraising prowess this weekend in Little Rock.

Huckabee raised around $500,000 for his Hope for America PAC, which pulls in money for state and local candidates. Political observers said the event was a crucial test for whether he'll be able to raise enough money to run for president.

Huckabee said he won't announce his big decision until after leaving office in January.

Meanwhile, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told Tim Russert Sunday that he would wait until September 2007 to officially decide whether to get in.

Edwards In, Bayh Out

Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards , fresh off an NBC/WSJ poll that had him beating Sen. John McCain in November 2008, announced he would be seeking the Democratic nomination for president. Edwards did not reveal in which America he would seek the nomination.

Meanwhile, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh spent two weeks exploring a run for the White House. Evidently he didn't find much, saying Saturday he didn't think he could win. We didn't think so either.

Gov. Blunt Proposes "Health Care Homes"

Governor Matt Blunt unveiled the first piece of his Medicaid reform package in Springfield today, urging the creation of health care home centers around the state.

You can watch my Friday KY3 News @ 10 report on the Governor's initiative by clicking HERE.

This is the first recommendation by the state Medicaid Commission that the Governor has endorsed. The basic idea behind Blunt's plan is to create one central point or contact for Medicaid recipients to turn to for all their medical needs. Blunt said the health care homes are not so much buildings as they are a consistent doctor or nurse a Medicaid participant can work with, to track medical history, recommend preventive measures, set up a wellness plan and head-off future illnesses and diseases down the road.

"Establishing a health care home is the best way to provide a primary health care delivery model that focuses on wellness and prevention," Blunt said at the Jordan Valley Health Clinic Friday. "The health care home works to prevent the situation where one doctor is unaware of the medical treatment that's being delivered by another doctor, that may be delivering contradictory or duplicative services."

"So it's not as much about building as it is about somebody that sits down with a person, does a health risk assessment and helps to develop a plan of action to prevent those catastrophic events so detrimental to the well being of the participant and so expensive for taxpayers," Blunt added.

Blunt said the main problem is that unlike people with regular insurance, most Medicaid recipients do not have a primary care physician and instead go to specialists and the emergency room too often.

"The benefits of a health care home are countless, this is a very significant change," Blunt said.

Blunt calls for $60 million dollars over six years to help create and coordinate new centers with similar federal programs, called Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers. He wants to include all that funding in this year's budget and said Springfield would get $10 million of the pie.
Blunt is also proposing $750,000 in next year's fiscal budget to allow for a collaboration of mental health centers with FQHCs.

Blunt said he will also recommend an additional $5 million next year for a healthcare information technology initiative that will allow these centers to build electronic health systems to "close the digital divide that exists between providers."

Blunt acknowledged that this plan would involve asking physicians to do more than they do today, and compensating them accordingly for that. How to incentivize people to enter into these plans and participate in the wellness program is still being debated within the Blunt Administration.

"There are a number of other proposals related to that question and we'll have a good discussion about that in the future, but really not today," Blunt said. "We need to provide some innovative incentives to encourage people to do that. That's another recommendation and another discussion."

Blunt acknowledged that this plan would push some costs higher, mainly physician reimbursements and pharmaceutical consumption. But he called them "prudent investments" that would keep recipients "out of emergency rooms and often unnecessary hospitalizations."

Tim Swinfard of the Missouri Coalition of Community Health Centers stood next to the Governor to applaud the plan. "It doesn't just focus on what brought (the patient) in today or what's the illness. It focuses on this partnership to take this person to a better place over their life span."

We'll have more on the Governor's Health Care Home plan and reaction to it in future posts.

Blunt Talks Healthcare In Springfield

Gov. Matt Blunt will discuss healthcare during a stop in Springfield on Friday.

The Governor is slated to hold a press conference at 1 p.m. at the Jordan Valley Community Health Center at 630 West Kearney.

We've also been told that Blunt will be stopping by the KY3 studios for an interview opportunity later in the day.

Questions anyone?

Blunt Taps Chrismer

Governor Matt Blunt has tapped Sen. Jim Talent's spokesman Rich Chrismer to be his Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications.

From the Governor's release:

“Rich Chrismer is one of the most experienced communications professionals working in Missouri government and politics,” Blunt said. “I look forward to working with Rich as we continue to build a stronger Missouri for future generations.”

Chrismer, 31 of St. Charles, has been a key member of Sen. Jim Talent's staff for nine years serving as director of communications, managing Talent's press office in the United States Senate and serving as spokesman for his 2002 and 2006 Senate campaigns and the 2000 governor's race. Chrismer was also a senior communications advisor for Bush/Cheney Missouri in 2004. Previously, Chrismer served as Talent's press secretary in the United States House of Representatives.

Chrismer is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned a bachelor's degree in English.

Chrismer will replace Brian Hauswirth, who has served as the Interim Communications Director. On loan from the Department of Corrections, Hauswirth has worked to enhance the governor’s ongoing mission to bring real and positive change to Missouri state government.

“I appreciate Brian Hauswirth’s commitment to improving Missouri, his tireless investment to ensure effective communications and his willingness to assist us during this transition,” Blunt said. “Brian is an exceptional communications team member. I am pleased he will have a continued role working for the people of Missouri.”

Hauswirth will return to the Department of Corrections. Chrismer will begin his new duties next week.

We wish Chrismer the best of luck in his new position.

Sen. Johnson Critical; S.D. Governor now in spotlight

Word spread Thursday about Sen. Tim Johnson. As of 9:00 am CST, Johnson was in critical condition after having surgery for a
brain hemorrhage.

The fate of the world (or at least the U.S. Senate) would seem to rest in the hands of Republican South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds. If Johnson is unable to be a Senator, Rounds would appoint his replacement for the next two years. A Republican choice brings the Senate to a 50-50 split with Vice President Cheney giving the GOP the majority.

One can suspect Rounds would in fact pick a Republican to replace the Democrat. He did so with a state senate seat. Rounds is in his second term as governor. He's best known for signing sweeping restrictions on abortion. He handily won re-election last month. According to Wiki, Rounds was thought to be considering running against Johnson in 2008 (Talk about awkward.) but he has suggested he would not run.

Sen. Bond Number 2 on Intel

U.S. Senator Kit Bond will be the vice-chairman of the Senate Intelligence committee come January.

Jo Mannies of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has the dish.

“Intelligence is the most effective tool we have to protect the safety of American citizens. I look forward to working with Chairman Rockefeller to advance our national security interests by strengthening the Intelligence Community," Bond said in a statement, according to Political Fix.

Sen. Johnson: Not A Stroke?

Political blogs and websites virtually exploded this afternoon when news surfaced that Democratic Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota had possibly suffered a stroke.

Balance of Power Hangs in the Balance?, blared the headlines.

But now word from Johnson's spokesman that the Senator did not in fact suffer a heart attack or stroke.

So which is it?

And does power still hang in the balance?

By the way, journalistically I understand why it is natural to talk about the potential political implications. But for some reason I feel like we should all hang back a bit and hope the guy is ok first for the sake of his family and friends before we begin pontificating.

NBC/WSJ Poll: Hillary v. Rudy

The latest NBC/Wall Street Journal poll has New York Sen. Hillary Clinton leading the pack of Demcorats thinking about running for president in 2008. Among Democrats, 37% said they would vote for Clinton as the nominee if the primary were held today. Illinois Sen. and current media darling Barack Obama was second with 18%. He was followed by former N.C. senator John Edwards (14%) and 2004 nominee Sen. John Kerry (11%).

Republicans tilted toward former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani with 34% support. Arizona senator John McCain was a close second (29%) followed by Newt Gingrich (10%), and Gov. Mitt Romney (8%).

The poll also asked respondents to pick between McCain and Edwards in a head to head match-up. Edwards wins, 43-41%.

House Dems Call to Reverse Medicaid Cuts

Missouri House Democrats held a press conference in Jefferson City today, calling on Governor Blunt and the Republican majority to restore Medicaid cuts and instead pursue measures to fight fraud.

Democrats noted that they initially opposed the cuts that removed more than 100,000 Missourians from the rolls and today said they have since been proven right about the consequences.

"The governor's plan for revisiting the issue falls well short of improving health care access in Missouri," Rep. Margaret Donnelly (D-St. Louis) said.

“Changing the name of the Medicaid program and the agency that runs it, as the governor suggests, simply isn’t reform,” Donnelly said. “New names aren’t going to lead to better medical care for a single Missourian. Real reform requires concrete action to restore and expand health care coverage, and it must come quickly. Health care delayed is health care denied.”

So what's their plan?

In a press release, House Dems outlined said they believed any changed to Medicaid must adhere to these principles:

*Ensures that more Missourians have healthcare coverage than back in 2005, when the cuts were made

*Doesn't jeopardize Missouri's share of federal funds

*Attacks corporate fraud in Medicaid system

*Doesn't create unnecessary technological barriers to health care access

*Recognizes that access to basic health care is a right, not a reward for healthy living.

*Promotes independence for the disabled and elderly

This list of generalities is clearly a shot aimed at a recent report commissioned by the Department of Social Services, which recommends the state move towards more an incentive-based health care system.

In addition to restoring cuts, Democrats proposed two other health care proposals during the 2007 session.

From the release:

One such proposal would create the Missouri Health Care Authority to coordinate all of the state’s health care purchases and ensure the state gets the lowest prices. This is modeled on an existing authority in Kansas.

Democrats also will file a version of HB 1332, which would establish a state surgeon general to promote policies that encourage healthier living and prevent the spread of disease. The surgeon general would be a licensed physician appointed by the governor. He or she would chair the newly established Missouri Health Care Authority.

To encourage larger businesses to offer private health insurance to their employees, Democrats will sponsor legislation to disqualify companies that employ 500 or more workers in Missouri from receiving state or local tax breaks if they do not provide health coverage. The measure will be similar to a Democratic bill filed in 2006.

Democrats will also work in the state budget process to secure funding for anti-smoking programs to reduce tobacco use by Missourians, particularly teens. None of the money Missouri receives each year as part of a national settlement with the tobacco industry over the cost of treating sick smokers to date has been allocated from smoking prevention and cessation.

Romney Lands Blunt Aide

It's good to have Blunt friends.

Gov. Mitt Romney has hired a former aide to Rep. Roy Blunt to be the political director for his all-but-announced 2008 presidential bid.

Chris Cilliza has the scoop on the Washington Post's political blog:

Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Mass.) continues to pick up staff talent from Capitol Hill, hiring Joe Wall to serve as assistant political director for his all-but-certain 2008 presidential bid. Wall was Majority Whip Roy Blunt's (R-Mo.) floor assistant during the recently concluded Congress -- meaning that he was on the House floor during most votes and developed strong relations with lawmakers.

Meanwhile, Jason Rosenbaum at the Columbia Daily Tribune's Politics Blog reports that Gov. Matt Blunt is now being a bit evasive about his tacit support for Romney.

Rep. Denison's Bills

#135th District Rep. Charlie Denison has pre-filed two pieces of legislation for the 2007 session.

HB 115 toughens penalties on those who vandalize a cemetery.

HB 116 gives a tax break to Missourians for long-term care insurance they aren't reimbursed for. "For all taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2007, a resident individual may deduct from such individual's Missouri taxable income an amount equal to one hundred percent of all nonreimbursed amounts paid by such individual for qualified long-term care insurance premiums to the extent such amounts are included in the individual's taxable income," reads the text of Denison's bill.

Bond Backs Off

The Environmental Protection Agency has given California a waiver that will allow the state to cut emissions by requiring a new type of small engine that reduces pollution.

And why should Missouri care? Well, maybe it won't.

But the key to all of this happening was Missouri's senior Sen. Kit Bond.

The Associated Press reports:

The EPA action Monday ended several years of political dispute driven by Republican Sen. Kit Bond, whose state of Missouri is home to two factories owned by Briggs & Stratton Corp., the nation's largest small-engine maker.

Briggs & Stratton had resisted installing catalytic converters on its engines, and Bond had sought to block California from instituting its regulation. The state has unique authority under the Clean Air Act to set tougher pollution standards than the federal government, once it gets an EPA waiver.

Bond backed off under pressure from Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., but he did succeed in blocking other states from being able to copy California's rule, something the Clean Air Act normally allows. Instead, he required the EPA to write a national standard.

Bond had questioned whether mowers with catalytic converters could spark fires, but an EPA study earlier this year found there was no safety problem.

Gov. Blunt's Conservative Rallying Call

Governor Matt Blunt pens a column in the latest issue of the conservative magazine Human Events, urging members of his party to return to its roots of fiscal restraint and moral order.

The Governor says a return to these principles will win back the trust of voters and return Republicans to power. Blunt stirs up memories of conservative icon Barry Goldwater and economist Milton Friedman when he stresses the importance of fiscal responsibility.

"First, we must live by the conviction that public measures ought to be judged by their prudence; we ought to demand fiscal responsibility and deny the short-term benefits of political advantage or popularity," Blunt writes.

"Too many people elected as conservatives became convinced that big-government programs guided by conservative ideas were good for the country. They were wrong. Big government conservatism is a contradiction in terms and should have no place in the Republican Party. It is time that Republicans return to their roots and remind the American people that the party of Barry Goldwater, Ronald Reagan, and the Contract with America is the only party that can truly govern responsibly."

Blunt even uses stronger language, when he calls for a return to an "enduring moral order." Specifically, Blunt only notes gay marriage as an issue which conservatives should unite around to fight. But the Governor cites Democrats like Rep.-elect Heath Shuler and Sen.-elect Jim Webb as being able to successfully run and win by positioning themselves as "conservatives."

"The unfortunate truth is that the general public also made it clear that the Republican Party is no longer offering a clear path of progress on important issues relating to our basic values," Blunt writes.

Blunt then touts his own accomplishments as part of "the way back."

Overall, Blunt wraps his victory around the theme of smaller government: Eliminating programs, cutting workers, and his most controversial call - shrinking the size of Medicaid.

"Carrying out this type of reform can be very challenging, but the American people have made it clear that they want their nation governed by conservative principles and we owe it to them to do exactly that," Blunt writes.

Two questions come to mind: 1) Is this column a subtle launching pad to a vice-presidential bid? 2) Will Governor Blunt's Medicaid reforms/cuts be a political plus or minus come 2008?

Our friend, Tony Messenger, speculates that Blunt is positioning himself nationally. Roy Temple at Fired Up! thinks Blunt's critique could be aimed at his Dad.

Jay Nixon, "RoboCall Cop"

Attorney General and 2008 candidate for Governor Jay Nixon was in Springfield today touting legislation to crack down on "robo" or automated telephone calls from politicians.

Watch the KY3 News @ 10 report HERE.

Nixon is urging lawmakers to pass a bill banning such computerized political calls for the approximately 2.3 million Missourians who are signed up on the state's Do Not Call list.

"The peace and quiet they enjoy from the telemarketing calls is interrupted every 2 years by these robocalls, and 2006 is clearly the worst year yet," Nixon said in a press conference today with Rep. Sara Lampe and Greene County Commissioner Dave Coonrod.

"We need to close the loophole that allows the onslaught of automated political calls during the election season," Lampe added.

Currently, automated political calls are exempt from the list. Nixon said his office received more than 600 complaints about the calls in the weeks before the 2006 election.

Nixon also wants to combine this legislation with language that adds cell phones, fax numbers and text messages to the Do Not Call list.

In 2004 and 2006, political automated call bans passed the Senate, but died in the House.

"I think with the broad bipartisan support we have, this is the year to get it done," Nixon said. "I'd like to get it done early, not get tied up near the end of the session."

Campaign officials said they use these automated calls because they are cheap, costing as low as 6 cents per contact.

"When you can just call some company in Virginia and buy 10,000 or 20,000 calls spewing venom with absolutely no ability for the person receiving that attack to respond, that's not good for democracy," Nixon said.

But some contend this proposal still doesn't go far enough, because it doesn't ban live political calls from campaign volunteers or phone banks.

Registered Republican John Sellars said, on some days, he would receive seven or eight calls in one night. "Thank God it's not a cell phone where your getting charged by the minute. I'd come in, there would be 10, 15, 20 minutes worth of answering messages," Sellars said.

But Sellars said there should be no distinction between live calls and computerized calls. "I think they should both be banned. They're not going far enough. I don't want the call, if I wanted the call, I'd left my name off the list," he said. "Who says politicians can be above the law?"

Sellars said he was appalled by some of the robocalls made against Rep. Sara Lampe and State Senate candidate Doug Harpool. He said attacks against Sen. Jim Talent and Claire McCaskill were equally over-the-top.

But Nixon said banning live calls could raise some free speech issues. "We don't want to cross that at this particular juncture," Nixon said. "Plus if there's a live person on the line talking to you, you can ask questions back and demand from them answers."

Rep. Viebrock's Bills

As we ramp up for the 94th General Assembly, we'll periodically take some time to look at legislation your local lawmakers are sponsoring.

#134 District Rep. Jim Viebrock has pre-filed two bills that should be familiar, at least to some of his constituents.

HB46 stems from the Zobel horse case. The bill prohibits larger farm animals from being impounded until the State Vet has determined the animal is seriously ill or "in imminent danger of loss of life." If the animal is taken into custody, it requires the authority make a good effort to notify the owner. Viebrock proposed the same bill last session and it died.

HB76 makes the use of a wireless electronic recording device in a polling place an election offense. Viebrock has taken two previous stabs at passing this bill.

Watching & Waiting For Gov. Huckabee

Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee says he'll soon decide whether or not he'll run for President in 2008.

Huckabee will probably make the call around the holidays (don't they all?) and then announce it to the impatient press corps shortly thereafter.

But some in the punditry just can't wait, and therefore Huckabee will pay for it in the early buzz. Take Chris Cilliza of The Washington Post, who is already knocking Huckabee off his top 5 list. Cilliza takes a shot at Huckabee for failing to get his organization up and running in key early primary/caucus states.

"On the Republican side, we drop Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee from the top 5 as he continues to show no signs of building any sort of organization in states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. In the words of the famous philosopher Yogi Berra "It gets late early out there"; it is getting late in the presidential game for Huckabee, who enjoys neither the name recognition nor the demonstrated fundraising capacity that others in the GOP field possess."

Still, there are some indications Huckabee is taking steps behind-the-scenes to get his ducks lined up. The Boston Globe reports that Huckabee has already named his New Hampshire chair.
A big clue to Huckabee's decision may be his forthcoming book, "From Hope to Higher Ground," which is due out next month. Bottom line, when you run for President, you've got to have a book. Huckabee says he'll ultimately make his decision about '08 after reading support in early states and gauging reaction to the book.

If he enters, Huckabee will immediately become a lower-tier candidate on the G.O.P. side, but he will attempt to carve out running room on the right. Key question: Who is the better true-blue conservative candidate? Huckabee or Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, who is already in.

Rothenberg: Talent Didn't Deserve to Lose

What do Harold Ford Jr. and Jim Talent have in common?

They are both candidates in the 2006 election cycle who didn't deserve to lose, according to political pro Stu Rothenberg.

Rothenberg gives out his awards in his latest column. But bottom line: he names Talent as one of the Best Unsuccessful Candidates of the year.

"They shouldn't give up on politics just yet," Rothenberg writes.

Book Review: Tempting Faith: An Inside Story of Political Seduction

The Book: David Kuo has spent years working at the nexus of politics and faith. Here he recounts how he got involved in the efforts of people like Bill Bennett and Ralph Reed, what drew him to a candidate named George W. Bush, and the frustrations he ultimately faced trying to implement President Bush’s faith-based initiatives.

My Take: I came away from the book understanding Kuo’s frustrations, but also believing Kuo carried some political naiveté for far too long in his career. Politicians have overpromised and underdelivered since the House of Burgesses. To believe lofty ambitions like pouring billions of dollars into faith-based groups wouldn’t be ensnared in Washington politics and ultimately be derailed by anti-faith forces is seeing the world through rose-colored glasses for too long. Holding on to those dreams in a post-9/11 world is admirable, but not realistic.

I suggest reading the first and last chapter. The rest is Kuo’s narrative. These two chapters deliver his bottom line: Christians should fast from mixing politics and faith for a little while. Let’s get back to letting Jesus motivate our actions, rather than winning or losing elections.

I also recommend reading chapter five. Kuo worked for a time for then-Sen. John Ashcroft. Here he relates a story that really opened my eyes to Ashcroft’s disposition:

Ironically, the most uncertain voice I was across was Ashcroft’s. His most common saying was “It is against my religion to impose my religion,” and he meant it. We tried putting all sorts of religious provisions into Charitable Choice. I wanted to insert language making it easier for explicitly religious groups to use the money for religious material that could also have educational value. We waned to allow vouchers to let welfare recipients to go places like Teen Challenge where they could receive Jesus. Ashcroft pushed back: “Uhhh…I’m very uncomfortable with some of this.”

One day as we drove to the airport, Ashcroft said, “You know, none of us have it quite just right. Baptists think they’ve got it right. So do the Mormons. But you know what? No one does have it quite right. We’re all off. We’re all some shade of gray. I just pray that God is patient.”

I won’t give them all away here, but there are other good tidbits in there about Ashcroft in the book.

True or False?

The following is the list of the top 5 most probable Republican and Democratic nominees for President in 2008 in order of electability as of today.

Republican
1. John McCain
2. Rudy Giuliani
3. Mitt Romney
4. Newt Gingrich
5. Sam Brownback

Democratic
1. Hillary Clinton
2. Barack Obama
3. John Edwards
4. Al Gore
5. Tom Vilsack

True or False? And why?

(I will do this periodically. These rankings are based on what I read, polling information and pure buzz. They are based on the likelihood that the candidate would be nominated if the election was held on this date. Nothin' scientific here folks, just plain ole' fun.)

Sen.-elect McCaskill, Can You Hear Me Now?

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that lobbyists in Washington are already courting newly elected Democrats, including Missouri Sen.-elect Claire McCaskill.

Verizons Communications Inc. earlier this week sponsored a reception for McCaskill, according to the Journal.

The Journal notes:

For instance, receptions such as those being held this week, coinciding with the return of Congress for its lame-duck session, are prime networking opportunity for lobbying shops looking to hire Democrats, and aides looking to cash in on their new status.

Moreover, this year's packed schedule of fund-raisers and "debt reduction" events comes as incoming Democratic leaders tout a curb on the influence of lobbyists in Congress as a top priority when they take over next month.

Democrats are pushing to change lobbying rules after a string of scandals that tarnished Republican leaders and contributed to the defeat of several incumbents. Among the most notorious was that involving former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who financed elaborate trips and provided free dinners to lawmakers and key aides to win help for his clients.

The left-leaning Huffington Post certainly doesn't like the sound or smell of it all.

Jim Talent's Goodbye

Sen. Jim Talent gave his final speech on the U.S. Senate floor today.

And as the Associated Press reports, it was classic Talent.

"The Missouri Republican chose instead to deliver a weighty, 30-minute address urging Congress to boost military spending and warned that nothing is more important to the country that its security," writes Sam Hananel of the A.P.

A moving money graph:

Talent also paid tribute to American troops, saying he visited on Thursday with the wife and children of Army Sgt. 1st Class Randall L. Lamberson, 36, of Springfield, Mo., who was killed in an explosion in Iraq on April 10. "I asked her how she was able to bear her grief with such grace and fortitude," Talent said of his conversation with Lamberson's wife, Dana. She told Talent that she just remembered what her husband always said when times were tough: "Life is only as difficult as you make it." Talent said such encounters have convinced him that "America's time of leadership is not done. I ask the Senate to honestly face the true cost of defending this nation."

The article notes that Sen. Kit Bond gave Talent a tribute on the floor, calling him "a workhorse, not a showhorse."

Bond recalled election night, when Talent got word that he had lost the race to Democrat Claire McCaskill.

"He was a man of unfailing good humor and courage," Bond said. "With style he thanked his Lord, his friends and gracefully accepted his fate."

The A.P. also notes that this year's contest will go down as the most expensive in state history.

$27 million bucks spent! That's the two candidates combined.

Talent spent $15.65 million; McCaskill tore through $11.2 million.

Despite being outspent by more than $4 million, McCaskill won the race with 49.6 percent of the vote to 47.3 percent for Talent.

Report: Change Medicaid to Mo HealthNet

The Departments of Social Services, Mental Health and Senior Services have submitted 14 recommendations in a 25-page report to Governor Matt Blunt on how to fix Medicaid.

Step one, change the name. Medicaid, will be known as HealthNet, if Governor Blunt has his way.

Within the recommendations there is a major focus on wellness. The report recommends that (Medicaid) recipients participate in health risk assessments, as well as develop a plan with a coordinator to improve their health status and "encourage healthy behavior."

Incentives through credits would be given to (Medicaid) recipients who agree to take part in an agreed list of behaviors. Home healthcare providers would become a big part of the program. Physicians reimbursement rates would be increased in line with Medicare rates and pay for performance methods could be implemented.

There's a vague recommendation to "expand strategies that reduce waste, fraud and abuse."

Finally, reducing the amount of uninsured would be a goal of Mo HealthNet by small employer premium offsets, extending HealthNet to those with disabilities, extending coverage to youth aging out of the foster care system and redefining eligibility for children.

"I understand their recommendations are built on the foundation created by the joint Medicaid Reform Commission and look forward to working with members of the General Assembly to continue the work they initiated," Governor Blunt said in a release.

The Governor will review the recommendations and then work to craft legislation with lawmakers. He is expected to present a formal recommendation to the general assembly early next year.

You can read the entire report HERE, then click on the Medicaid Transformation Report on the left tab.