Fire & Police Endorse Rushefsky, Steck

Springfield Firefighters Local 152 and the Springfield Police Officers Association have endorsed Cindy Rushefsky and Coach Jack Steck for City Council.

The Springfield Metropolitan Republican Club is hosting a forum for candidates at 7 p.m. at the Library Center on South Campbell.

For the open seat, it's Dan Chiles versus Coach Jack Steck.

In Zone 2, it's incumbent Sheila Wright (pictured) versus Cindy Rushefsky.

There seems to be a growing movement against the re-election of Wright, especially in the blogosphere.

Do you smell an ouster of an incumbent in the making?

We'll find out in April.

There's Something About Rudy

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani can't possibly win the 2008 Republican nomination for President, according to the bigfeet of political punditry.

He's pro-choice. For gay rights. Favors gun control. He's even appointed some left of center judges. And oh, by-the-way, he's been married thrice.

But there is something appealing to Republican primary voters about Rudy -- at least for now. And it isn't just happening in progressive states like California and New York.

The numbers in primary states in the deep south and upper midwest are telling.

Yes, it's early. A bunch of this has to do with name-ID. A lot can change. But right now, there's something about Rudy.

Take a look at these two polls out from Strategic Vision.

Giuliani tops the pack in Georgia and Wisconsin.

GEORGIA REPUBLICANS
Rudy Giuliani 28%
John McCain 21%
Newt Gingrich 14%

WISCONSIN REPUBLICANS
Rudy Giuliani 26%
Tommy Thompson 22%
John McCain 15%

Georgia picks its presidential preferences March 4th, 2008, but the state is considering moving up its primary to February 5, 2008. Wisconsin primary voters cast ballots on February 19, 2008.

For those who doubt Rudy's electability, find me a poll that doesn't show him at the head of the pack!

Huckabee For U.S. Senate?

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has tapped an Alaska Congressman to serve as the Capitol Hill chairman of his 2008 presidential campaign.

Rep. Don Young will lead the effort to recruit supporters and raise money for Huckabee. Rep. John Boozman of Arkansas is the only other member of Congress to have announced his support for Huckabee. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds is the only Governor backing Huckabee so far. As you'll read here, pro-lifers are happy.

But some in Arkansas and Washington are already calling for Huckabee to challenge Mark Pryor for his U.S. Senate seat instead. "One state GOP source familiar with Huckabee’s campaign said a Senate bid could indeed materialize and that it’s something Huckabee has considered and analyzed," writes the Washington newspaper The Hill.

When could Huckabee bag his White House dreams for a shot at the Senate? Mark down Aug. 11 on your calendar. That's when Republicans hold a straw poll in Iowa, an early but crucial indication of real support in the state.

In the latest Zogby poll of presidential candidates, Huckabee doesn't even register. His main rival for the conservative crown of the G.O.P., Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, seems to be gaining a bit more traction, netting 4%.

Still, political observers believe the Natural State could be a battleground in 2008, depending on the general election match-up. The Politico reports that Democrats are looking to bring Arkansas back into their blue fold.

From The Politico:

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who is seeking the 2008 GOP nomination, said that his state still has strong Democratic tendencies and that Republicans will have to appeal in the right fashion -- something Huckabee is emphasizing in his fledgling campaign.

"Arkansas is kind of an eclectic state when it comes to politics," Huckabee told The Politico. "It's clearly a tough environment for Republicans. This is an organizationally Democratic state."

While social issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage and gun rights are important to Arkansans, successful Republican candidates need to also emphasize education and conservation, Huckabee said.

"They cannot be seen as harsh or strident," he said.

So if it's Huckabee versus Hillary, who wins?

The Rolla Terror Hoax

It was just a hoax. But it looked scarily real for awhile outside the Civil Engineering building at the University of Missouri Rolla.

Watch my KY3 News @ 10 report HERE.

A 22-year-old international graduate student is behind bars after making terrorist threats, claiming he had a bomb and a letter laced with anthrax.

Authorities have determined there was no bomb and that the white substance was powdered sugar.

But as the Rolla Chief of Police put it, "it was a good test."

A coincidence that the Governor received the state's 2006 homeland security report on the same day?

Weird.

How the War on Terror Impacts Springfield Police

Recruiting and retaining city police officers has been an ongoing challenge for the Springfield Police Department. The department is 35 officers of its authorized strength because of budget shortfall, training time and injuries.

But there's also another factor making the search for good officers difficult. It's not only big cities with bigger salaries that lure officers away. It's also the explosion of new Homeland Security jobs since 9/11 and the ongoing war in Iraq.

Watch my KY3 News @ 10 story on the topic HERE.

Rep. Roy Blunt says he will look into seeking federal grants for overtime pay of existing officers to help alleviate the problem. Chief Lynn Rowe says he's not optimistic about getting more help from the city budget.

After the story aired, a viewer wrote:

"If you happen to do a follow up you might ask why they are not hiring back police that have left on good terms that already have their certifications and have completed the academy."

"They refuse to hire anyone back. And instead hire in new people and put them through the academy.. which I believe is around 75k a person. Paid for by the tax payers."

Ferrell Fallout: Dems Accuse Blunt of Cover-Up

The Missouri Democratic Party is blasting Gov. Matt Blunt for not firing Department of Agriculture Director Fred Ferrell earlier.

For the details surrounding Ferrell's resignation, click HERE.

"It's offensive that only after Gov. Blunt's attempts to cover up sexual harassment in his administration failed, did our governor finally fire Fred Ferrell," said Jack Cardetti, Missouri Democratic Party Spokesman.

"Had Matt Blunt taken sexual harassment in his administration seriously, he would have fired Fred Ferrell last May, instead of attempting to cover up this scandal.

"Matt Blunt must now explain why he knew about this sexual harassment since last May, and waited until his appointee became a political embarrassment to fire him," Cardetti said.

And not that we didn't expect this, but FiredUp Missouri is having a field day with the scandal.

Ag Director Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

The Director of Missouri's Agriculture Department has resigned at the request of Governor Matt Blunt.

According to the Governor's office, Blunt requested Ferrell's resignation today, amid allegations Ferrell sexually harassed an employee.

"When I first learned of this inappropriate behavior, I believed that through an apology, discipline, significant sensitivity training and a fine, it might be possible for the Director to continue in his position. Prior to this week, it was the general belief that the issues involving the Missouri Agriculture Director were being resolved in a manner consistent with the goals of all parties involved with these very disappointing events. It has now become apparent that he can no longer lead the department effectively and I have today asked for and accepted his resignation," said Blunt in a statement.

A secretary, Heather Elder, has filed court papers against Ferrell. She's accusing him of making sexual comments and frequently hugging her, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

From Virginia Young's piece:

The secretary, Heather Elder, 36, said that Ferrell, 66, had placed his cheek on her cheek and made comments such as "How is my beautiful girl today?" and "How's my princess?" He once said he would like to see her in a wet T-shirt contest, according to the suit. In response, Ferrell, a farmer from Charleston, Mo., issued a statement saying that he had apologized to Elder. Ferrell said he "never meant to hurt anyone by my actions. I have made amends to her and everyone involved, and I am grateful for the lessons I have learned from this experience."
Sunday, the Democratic Party put out a letter from a group of female lawmakers calling on Blunt to explain why he kept Ferrell in his position.

"We, the undersigned women legislators, on behalf of female state employees and women throughout the state, are writing to demand an explanation of your decision to keep a departmental director in power who you knew was guilty of repeated sexually inappropriate comments and actions. In addition, you must explain how, and under what authority, you decided to authorize a large payment to one of the victims in an attempt to keep any of this from becoming public. Your decision to keep this man in power, potentially leaving other female employees in harms way, while you worked to keep his actions secret from the public violated the public trust and merits a full public accounting."

Senator Joan Bray, Senator Jolie Justus, Representative Margaret Donnelly, Representative Robin Wright-Jones, Representative Patricia M. Yaeger, Representative Gina Walsh and
Representative Jene M. Lowe signed the letter.

Jason Rosenbaum over at The Columbia Tribune Politics Blog has a wrap-up of all the events.

For now, Deputy Director Matt Boatright will serve as Interim Director. A search for a new director will begin immediately.

Rudy & Hillary Are California Dreamin'

The conventional wisdom goes that if California moves up its primary from June to February 2008, the change would benefit big-name candidates with tons of money, who could blanket the state with television ads.

The General Assembly there has already moved on the measure and the Governor is poised to sign on.

That's why I bring you the latest primary poll from the Sunshine State.

REPUBLICANS
Rudy Giuliani 41%
John McCain 17%
Mitt Romney 11%

Everyone else falls under 10%. The poll was taken by Datamar Inc. between Feb. 9-13 of 851 likely G.O.P. primary voters and has a margin of error of 3.4%.

DEMOCRATS
Hillary Clinton 34%
Barack Obama 24%
John Edwards 16%

Everyone else is under 10%. The poll was taken by Datamar Inc. between Feb. 9-13 of 865 likely Democratic primary voters and has a margin of error of 3.3%.

Talent: Increase Military Funding By $34B

In an article for conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, former Sen. Jim Talent outlines why be believes the U.S. government needs to build up a larger military force and support it with significant funding increases.

Talent compares this point in history to a similar situation that President Reagan faced in 1981.

"The strategic buildup Reagan initiated made possible the end of the Cold War, and the peace and prosperity that America enjoyed throughout the 1990s, and up until 9/11," Talent writes.

Talent says the military faces a grave situation at this time. ". . . Because of decisions over the last 15 years -- driven more by budgetary than by military considerations -- the Army is too small, the Navy and Marine Corps may well be too small, and much of the equipment in all the services is too old and increasingly unreliable. Without a substantial increase in procurement spending, beginning now and sustained over the next five to ten years -- an increase measured not in billions but in tens of billions of dollars per year above current estimates -- the U.S. will be unable to modernize its forces to the degree necessary to preserve its security with the necessary margin of safety," Talent writes.

What does Missouri's former Senator recommend to fix the problem?

*Adopt the President's 2008 budget, which would boost defense spending by more than 10% over the next year.

*Increase military budget at least $30 billion higher per year in the future to fund new fighting vehicles, submarines and choppers

*On top of the $30 B, invest about $4 billion per year or more in increased Army force structure
*Maintain defense spending at no less than 4% of GDP thereafter

Vilsack Drops Presidential Bid

Updated: Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack told reporters at a press conference that he's dropping out of the race for the 2008 Democratic nomination because he doesn't believe he can raise the necessary money for a national campaign.

"It is money and only money that is the reason we're leaving today," Vilsack said.

From the Associated Press:

DES MOINES, Iowa - Democrat Tom Vilsack is abandoning his bid for the presidency after struggling against better-known, better-financed rivals, a senior campaign official told The Associated Press on Friday.

Vilsack left office in January and traveled through states holding early tests of strength. He had faced a tough challenge from rivals such as New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and John Edwards, who have had more success raising money and attracting attention -- even in Vilsack's home state of Iowa.

In addition, three independent sources have told The Hotline Vilsack is dropping out.

An announcement is scheduled for 11 a.m.

The question is which Democratic candidate this benefits most?

Developing . . .

Why Protestors Are Good for Claire

About 15 protestors stood outside the Teamsters Union in northern Springfield Thursday night to demonstrate against Sen. Claire McCaskill for her refusal to work to cut off funding for the war in Iraq.

Watch the full KY3 News @ 10 report HERE.

McCaskill has been trailed by anti-war protestors around the state all week. To these protestors, Sen. McCaskill should be doing more to fight the war in Iraq. Voting for a non-binding resolution won't cut it. Any position other than bringing home the troops now is no better than the Republicans.

"Remaining in Iraq is an abuse of our loved ones. Each day that Congress fails to act to de-fund this unjustifiable war, an average of three U.S. service members will die," said Stacy Hafley of Columbia, Mo., a wife of an Iraq veteran.

"If Senator McCaskill votes for the upcoming 2007 supplemental appropriation that will continue the war in Iraq, this will no longer be President Bush's war. It will be hers. She will have bought it, and will own it," said Tina Bushey of Belleville, Mo.

For her part, McCaskill has walked this political tightrope pretty well.

"When I was asked during the campaign, I was very clear," McCaskill said at a press conference today. "It is very dangerous, dangerous for this Congress to begin to try to defund the Department of Defense."

At her thank-you rally for supporters, McCaskill acknowledged the protestors that greeted her outside. She told her supporters to be friendly to them, and honor their opinions even if they disagreed with them.

A Springfield Democratic activist at the event told me the protestors were the best thing that could happen to McCaskill here. "Are you kidding? I say, let them go. It's great. It makes her look like a centrist," he said.

Another told me that while some Greene County Democrats worried about how "it would make Claire look," she believed it would help McCaskill look tough in conservative country.

"These are the same people that protest Roy Blunt's position on the war. That's good for Claire politically. The difference is this: Do you know any Republicans who would acknowledge the protestors and defend their right to protest outloud? If you do, name them," she said. "She did it just right."

The group of protestors outside wasn't a large group. They remain on the leftside of the Democratic party. They could be called "on the fringe." But that label was also at one time given to Howard Dean, who vocally opposed this war when it was popular. His position ultimately became the position of the majority of Americans and he became chairman of his party.

The question is whether the opinion of these demonstrators will be the majority opinion of the country six months, a year or even two years from now, as this war continues.

Bush, Blunt Get February Bump

40% of Missourians approve of President Bush, according to the February SurveyUSA tracking poll.

19% of Republicans disapprove and just 9% of Democrats give W. the nod. Bush loses independents by 15 points. President Bush does best in the Ozarks where 46% approve.

It's a 3 point bump for Bush since January statewide, and a 5 point increase for him in the Ozarks.

41% of Missourians approve of Gov. Matt Blunt, according to the same poll. Notable: Almost a third of Republicans disapprove of the Governor from their own party. But the Governor's gap among independents isn't horrible. He loses them 43%-51%. He barely wins pro-lifers 49%-46% (ahem, stem cells). He wins the Ozarks by 4, 49%-45%.

Overall, Blunt's up 4 points since January.

All in all, not bad for two Republicans under fire.

Jay Nixon shouldn't get too comfortable yet. Bigger political comebacks have happened before.

Get 'Er Done

The State Senate moved forward on two big issues involving television and telephones this week.

A bill to allow statewide cable franchise agreements moved forward. This legislation will presumably pave the way for AT&T to move into the Ozarks and compete with Mediacom for cable customers.

"Through this legislation, technology and competition can work together for Missourians to lower prices, increase choice and expand information available in all regions and areas of Missouri," said Gov. Matt Blunt.

The Senate also added cells phones, faxes and political "robo-calls" to the do-not-call list. The Senate gave first round approval which aims to end unsolicited advertising.

"On cell phones, you have to pay if you receive a call, and on faxes you have to pay for paper, ink and other costs receiving a fax," said Senate sponsor Kevin Engler. "Missourians should not longer have to foot the cost of these unsolicited ads," he added.

Senate President Michael Gibbons said more than 600 consumers complained about these types of calls leading up to the 2006 elections.

The bill needs a second round of approval.

And if you read this blog, I probably don't need to explain that both bills need House approval before they are sent to the Governor for signature.

Blunt Open to McCaskill's Military Hospital Bill

Rep. Roy Blunt said he is open to looking at Sen. Claire McCaskill's legislation designed at improving oversight at military hospitals like Walter Reed.

McCaskill was in Springfield Thursday discussing a bill that would aim to improve standards at medical facilities and simplify the paperwork process for recovering soldiers.

"If the Senator wants to pursue that, I don't have any problem with the idea," Blunt said. "I think we want to be careful about specifics of the idea."

Blunt said Congressional oversight is important, but added, "I think you can overdo it."

The 7th District Congressman also said he would like to see a consolidation of the two major military hospitals, referring to Walter Reed and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda , Maryland.

"There's no real justification to have two of them, when they are both struggling. We need to have one at top quality," Blunt said.

In her press conference, McCaskill also referred to the talk surrounding consolidation. She believes that's one of the reasons parts of Walter Reed started to deteriorate. "You had silos of bureaucracies not speaking to each other. You had some . . . looking towards shutting it down, looking at capital costs, thinking investing more money would be a waste," McCaskill said.

Rep. Schoeller Touts Job Act

Rep. Shane Schoeller (#139th) is praising legislation passed by the House that eliminates the tax credit limits under two big Blunt administration economic programs.

According to Schoeller, under the current Jobs Act the tax credits typically reach the cap before the year ends. The result is that some proposed projects can’t take advantage of the credits and opt to move to another state where similar incentives are guaranteed.

"Eliminating the limits on tax credits allows our state and local economic development professionals all over the state to work in a frictionless environment to attract and retain quality jobs in Missouri,” said Rep. Richard, chairman of the House Special Committee on Job Creation and Economic Development and sponsor of the legislation.

The Quality Jobs Act was passed in 2005 and targets three areas important to Missouri’s future – small and expanding businesses, advanced technology companies, and high impact projects. The act requires the employer to produce jobs in order to receive state benefits and the more jobs, the greater the benefit. Qualifying businesses are required to create a minimum number of new jobs at competitive wage levels, offer health insurance to the new employees and pay at least half of their health insurance.

"We have witnessed this job growth success in our area with the addition of 43 new jobs at Tuthill Vacuum and Blowers through MQJ and 700 new jobs at T-Mobile through the EEZ program. Together they add an additional 22.3 million dollars in salary locally, and they are quality jobs that pay higher than the average daily wage for Greene County. It is a highly competitive world we live in and we must take every step we can to ensure businesses see Missouri as a place that can offer them the environment and incentives they need to be successful,” said Schoeller.

According to a study to be released later this week, the Quality Jobs program has created more than 12,500 jobs. To date, 104 projects have been approved in Missouri, creating jobs with an average annual wage of $46,856. Total annual wages earned by workers in jobs created by these projects are estimated to exceed $630 million by the fifth year of the program. Total return on the state’s investment is estimated to be $3.18 million in additional state tax revenue for each dollar invested in the program through withholding taxes and tax credits.

Iowa SV Poll: Giuliani & Edwards

Early indications show that no 2008 presidential candidate really yet has a geographic advantage or ideological lock on the voters in Iowa.

The latest 2008 presidential poll in Iowa was taken by Strategic Vision. The leader in both polls isn't considered the party's frontrunner.

REPUBLICANS
Rudy Giuliani 29%
John McCain 22%
Newt Gingrich 11%

Every other candidate - yes, including Mitt Romney - is below 10%.

DEMOCRATS
John Edwards 24%
Hillary Clinton 18%
Barack Obama 18%
Tom Vilsack 14%

All other candidates fall below the 10% mark.

The poll was taken of 600 Republican and 600 Democratic likely caucus goers between Feb. 16-18. It has a margin of error of 4%.

McCaskill Encourages Anti-War Protestors

As anti-war advocates plan to protest Sen. Claire McCaskill's appearance in Springfield on Thursday, the junior Senator is encouraging them to express their opinions against the war.

But she's not budging on NOT cutting funding.

That statement comes from McCaskill's communications director Adrianne Marsh, in response to reports that dozens of military families and peace group members plan to crash McCaskill's thank-you party in Springfield Thursday evening.

"Claire supports this group for these people to protest and encourages them to express their opinions against the war," Marsh tells the KY3 Political Notebook.

Marsh says there was a scheduled meeting between military families and McCaskill's staff, and "this group was welcomed with open arms."

"The staff listened to their concerns and told them that Claire empathized with their desire to redeploy our troops out of Iraq. Our staff also explained that Claire believes that we need to meet military and political benchmarks on both sides to ensure the best chance at stability within the region," Marsh says.

"Clearly the group disagreed with her position not to cut off funding. However, Claire is interested in ensuring our troops and veterans have the resources they need. Cutting off funding would risk that. It's simply not the answer. She will continue to work with a bipartisan group in Congress to put an end to the President's troop escalation plan," she says.

McCaskill's office says the Senator will hold a press conference before greeting supporters from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Teamsters Hall on East Division.

Immigration Forum Ignites Debate

A forum designed to inform Springfield's growing Hispanic community about their legal rights is drawing some controversy.

The Springfield Bar Association says the event will help immigrants learn about the law, but the Ozarks chapter of the Minutemen says it's a bad idea.

Watch my KY3 News @ 10 report on the debate HERE.

The event, sponsored by Grupo Latinoamericano, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the Bar Association, will be held Thursday, Feb. 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the OTC Information Commons West Rooms 100 A & B.

The Minutemen tell me they may some delegates to attend the event, but will not protest it.

Huckabee Watch: The "Impeccable" Conservative?

Does darkhorse Republican candidate for president Mike Huckabee really have a chance in Iowa?

The Des Moines Register pens a piece with the headline, "No individual in the presidential race completely matches the values of the state's conservatives."

A wide-open field among the G.O.P herd in Iowa leaves an opening for the former Arkansas Governor?

The Plymouth County G.O.P. chairman says a dark-horse candidate like Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback or Huckabee could have a shot. Both are reportedly "popular with the base."

Key graph:

"I don't think we have to give up on any of the tenets of true conservativism," Huckabee said on a recent Iowa trip. "My record on conservative litmus-test issues is impeccable and consistent," he added. Some Iowa Republicans might quibble with Huckabee, who signed legislation extending state health and education benefits to illegal immigrants in Arkansas. Likewise, Brownback is among the few Senate Republicans to speak out against President Bush's plan to send more troops to Iraq, a policy most conservatives solidly support.

All of the candidates have pushed hard to project popularity with the party's right by signing key Iowa conservative figures or campaigning with them in the state. Huckabee last month landed former lieutenant governor nominee Bob Vander Plaats of Sioux City, a figure in conservative-heavy western Iowa.

McCaskill "Felt Sick" Reading About Walter Reed

A Washington Post story that exposed dire conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center has spurred Sen. Claire McCaskill to co-sponsor legislation that would increase inspections at active duty medical hospitals.

The Post reports that soldiers in facilities at Walter Reed face neglect in quarters with "mouse droppings, belly-up cockroaches, stained carpets, cheap mattresses" scattered throughout.

"Caring for our returning heroes is one of the things we can still get right about this war, and that's why the deterioration of the conditions at Walter Reed is both appalling and unacceptable," said U.S. Senator Barack Obama, who is sponsoring the legislation with McCaskill. "The brave men and women wounded at war should receive the best we have to offer and the highest quality of care, and that's why this legislation would cut red tape, improve service, and require frequent inspections of all active duty military hospitals."

"I felt sick when I read these articles about how our injured American military men and women are being treated at Walter Reed," said Sen. McCaskill. "They sacrificed and fought bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan. They shouldn't have to fight a whole new war at home to receive the service and compensation they deserve."

According to a McCaskill release, the proposed legislation would:

*Simplify the paperwork process for recovering soldiers
*Improve the ratio of caseworkers to recovering soldiers
*Increase the training of caseworkers;
*Require more frequent IG inspections of hospital facilities and standards of care
*Establish timelines and benchmarks for repairs to substandard facilities
*Provide recovering soldiers with psychological counseling
*Require regular reporting to Congress on: the total number of recovering soldiers at military hospitals; the number of caseworkers; the average waiting time for treatment; and the number of suicide attempts, accidental deaths or drug overdoses.

Blunt & Carnahan Launch Small Biz Website

An unlikely pair - Governor Matt Blunt and Secretary of State Robin Carnahan launched a new website today designed to make it easier for Missourians to start their own small business.

The name isn't exactly catchy - Missouri Business Portal - but the idea is to create one-stop shopping for business owners to interact with state agencies. The website provides tools to help Missourians start a business, and maintain reporting requirements with the government.

While Blunt used the new site to plug "a growing economy," Carnahan stuck to playing up the idea.

Users can research ideas and get help in writing business plans, as well as find links to cities and counties to comply with local business requirements. The site also provides information on taxes, filings, employment issues and steps required to end a business.

Anti-War Protest Could Greet McCaskill

Groups calling for an end to the war in Iraq are planning to protest Sen. Claire McCaskill when she thanks campaign supporters at an event in Springfield on Thursday.

A source who has been in contact with the Peace Network of the Ozarks and Military Families Speak Out tells the KY3 Political Notebook that both groups are demanding a meeting with Sen. McCaskill in order to call off the protest.

The source says dozens of anti-war protestors from around the state are planning to show up at McCaskill's "thank-you" party to send a message.

"They'd like her to put her name on something that cuts off the funding. While she's not going to do that, they hope this pushes her in the direction of taking a hardline stance, not wishy-washy," the source says.

The groups involved do not believe McCaskill has done enough to end the war in Iraq.

"They are upset because Claire won't agree to meet with them," says the source. "They supposedly had a scheduled meeting and Claire did not show up. All of it blew up from there. They are upset because she's not pushing hard enough to end the war."

A member of the Greene County Democratic party says that party officials are worried that the protest will "just show divisions in the party, make Claire look bad, and be a useful tool for Republicans."

The Southwest Missouri chapter of Democracy For America has been involved in speaking with both sides in order to "open up lines of communication" and come to an agreement.

Right now, the source says the groups have not yet heard back from McCaskill's office about a possible meeting.

"If the protest goes on, the message will be, 'We were happy to work for McCaskill's election. She was much better than one of President Bush's yes-men. But now we must show her we need to work aggressively for peace, and for an end to the war,'" explains the source.

Sus Derechos

The Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association is sponsoring a program intended to reach out to Hispanics in Southwest Missouri -- and it's not without some controversy.

"Sus Derechos: Your Rights," is the brainchild of Crista Hogan of the Bar Association. This Thursday, the Association will bring in a Kansas City immigration attorney to talk to Hispanics about their rights under current law and their responsibilities as citizens.

It's part of a quarterly project by the Bar Foundation, Grupo Latinoamericano, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

"It's not a rally or propaganda," Hogan tells the KY3 Political Notebook. "It's about filling a potential need in our community for information about immigration law, real estate issues, employment issues and other questions."

Hogan says she's already received a good amount of feedback about Thursday's event, which will feature Kansas City immigration attorney Payal Mehta. The forum will take place at the OTC Information Commons West Rooms 100 A & B.

The program will be presented in English and Spanish.

We're hearing some groups, like the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps, aren't happy about the event and may threaten to show up Thursday. Some have already called Hogan arguing that lawyers shouldn't be helping possible illegal immigrants learn more about their rights.

Decision 2010: Who Wants In?

Will Sen. Kit Bond run for re-election in 2010? If he retires, who's the frontrunner G.O.P. open-seat candidate?

From The Hotline:

A DC-based Dem strategist "speculated" that Sec/State Robin Carnahan (D) might challenge Sen. Kit Bond (R) when Bond's seat comes up for re-election in 2010. Another Dem mentioned as a possible Bond challenger is Jackson Co. Exec. Mike Sanders (D). GOPers "say Bond is unlikely to face a primary challenge. But if he chose to retire, the names mentioned as possible GOP open-seat candidates" include ex-Sen. Jim Talent (R), Rep. Sam Graves (R-06), and Rep. Kenny Hulshof (R-09). "And if there's one thing MO's residents have shown in recent years, it's that no incumbent is safe there." A MO-based GOP strategist: "I consider all of our (Democratic House) seats safe, just as I consider all of their seats safe" (Drucker, Roll Call, 2/13).

Pick Your Claire Caption

Ok kids, this is just for fun!

A good buddy with an eye on the beltway sent me a link today from FishBowl DC. (via mediabistro.com)

They are looking for you to pick a caption for this picture of Claire whispering to Sen. Barack Obama.

Our favorite?

"You know, if you're looking for a VP candidate, Missouri IS a swing state..."

-OR-

"You even smell clean."

So try not to take yourself so seriously . . . and pick a caption!

A Plan for the Uninsured

Gov. Matt Blunt today endorsed a legislative plan aimed at increasing the number of Missourians who have health insurance.

Around 700,000 Missourians do not have coverage.

State Rep. Doug Ervin is introducing legislation that would allow Missourians, including the uninsured, to purchase health care with pre-tax dollars and allow employees to keep their health care plan if they change jobs.

The bill is HB 818.

"House Bill 818 will help . . .reorienting our state's health care policy toward the objectives of the individual and away from the employer, the insurer, providers, and government through portability and fairer tax treatment among all consumers of health care goods and services," said Rep. Ervin.

Blunt called Ervin's bill "a significant step forward" towards reducing the number of Missourians who lack coverage.

Claire Thanks Springfield Next Thursday

The best for last?

Sen. Claire McCaskill will hold a thank you event for campaign supporters in Springfield next Thursday, Feb. 22nd.

The reception will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Teamsters Hall on 1850 E. Division.

Click Here to RSVP

We're also told that McCaskill will make some sort of policy announcement during the day here.

Details are forthcoming . . .

National Journal Bumps Up Huckabee

The National Journal, a Washington publication tracking the 2008 presidential race like a hawk, has bumped up former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee into the top five contenders for the Republican nomination.

National Journal ranks Huckabee #5 among the 10 G.O.P. candidates.

Here's their top 5, placed in the order of the candidate most likely to win the Republican primary:

1. John McCain
2. Mitt Romney
3. Rudy Giuliani
4. Sam Brownback
5. Mike Huckabee

Huckabee jumps up two slots since the last ranking.

Why? The Journal writes it up:

"He's begun to recruit the top-tier cast-offs -- those who weren't recruited by McCain and Romney and some who were but refused to join those teams. His campaign kick-off was overshadowed, and we're waiting to see the first national story about his relationship with Republicans in Arkansas and the Little Rock press corps. Trust us. Almanac Profile"

I'm still wondering why NJ still places Romney over Rudy right now, while every poll I can find shows "America's Mayor" at or near the top of the pack. No respect . . . yet?

Restaurants Not Enforcing Nixa Smoking Ban

Nixa's Mayor says a ban on smoking in restaurants within city limits goes into effect immediately.

But some restaurants are refusing to enforce the ban until they hear from the city officially and in writing. At the Longhorn Grill in Nixa on Tuesday, patrons continued to puff away.

Meanwhile, a Nixa alderman is considering introducing an amendment to the ordinance that would allow restaurants to have smoking sections -- as long as they provide a separate area for non-smokers.

Watch my KY3 News @ 10 report HERE.

Blunt Calls Iraq Resolution "A Vote for the Status Quo"

On the House floor, Rep. Roy Blunt today spoke strongly against a Congressional resolution opposing the troop surge in Iraq.

"What this resolution will not do is take a position on what we should do as we face the challenge of our generation," Blunt said on the House floor.

Blunt warned against the Congress making any tactical decisions, and said those should be left up to commanders in the field. "The resolution today is about the exact number of troops. Will the one tomorrow or next week be a vote on which block in Baghdad to target or which car to stop?," Blunt asked.

"Actions do have consequences. And this resolution the Democrats advanced today is a vote for the status quo. It's a vote for the current strategy, because it's a vote not to change that strategy," Blunt said.

"The current strategy isn't working and, as a Southwest Missourian told me yesterday, "We're there." He went on to say, "It really doesn't matter how we got there or what we thought, we're in a fight that won't stop if we leave."

Blunt said the language of the nonbinding resolution allows Congress to have it both ways, by "disproving the tactics, but supporting the troops."

"It doesn't say we'll fund the troops in the future or not fund the troops. It doesn't say we'll supply the troops in the future or not supply the troops," Blunt said. "This resolution just says enough not to say anything at all."

McCaskill Postpones Iraq Trip

Sen. Claire McCaskill has postponed a trip to Iraq to speak at a memorial service for the late Lt. Governor Harriett Woods.

McCaskill said she was honored to be included in the ceremony, and immediately postponed her participation in the Congressional trip to Iraq that would have conflicted with the Memorial Service.

“Harriet Woods was an amazing woman who taught me lessons that I use each and every day. I am honored and humbled to be able to talk about what her wisdom and leadership meant to Missourians,” McCaskill said. “The decision to postpone my participation in a Congressional trip to Iraq was not difficult. While there will be other upcoming opportunities to go to Iraq, this is a once in a lifetime chance to say thank you to a woman who changed my life and helped shape Missouri’s history.”

No word yet on when McCaskill will reschedule her trip to Iraq.

Frontenac Gets Romney, Springfield Gets The Geezer

Greene County Republicans gather for their Lincoln Day event this Saturday, Feb. 17th at the Discovery Center from 5 to 8 p.m.

It's pretty hard to beat this past weekend's event in Frontenac with G.O.P. presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Special guests at the Springfield gala will include Gov. Matt Blunt, Rep. Roy Blunt and Richard Struckoff's band, "The Geezer."

The release bills the event as a an evening of "laughter, fun, friendship," and of course, a whole bunch of money raisin'.

Interested in attending? Tickets are $35. Contact event chairman Leigh Anne Garren at 417-869-7281 or email her at grcogop@sbcglobal.net.

McCaskill's Frustrations, Bond's No Vote, Blunt's V-Day, Skelton's Resolution

Here's a quick wrap of what our Congressional delegation has been doing and saying in Washington recently:

*On Iraq, Sen. Claire McCaskill says she's frustrated by a Senate rule that lets the minority party put the majority in a corner. 60 members must agree to force a debate or vote. ''Maybe after I'm here awhile I'll understand it,'' she said, "but right now it seems like we ought to be able to vote and see where the majority is, not where 60 are."

*What do Hillary Clinton and Sen. Kit Bond have in common? Both opposed the confirmation of Gen. George Casey as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to the K.C. Star. Also voting "no," John Sununu, John McCain, John Ensign and Lindsey Graham, many of whom are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

*Would new ethics rules put a damper on a Valentine's Day dinner between Rep. Roy Blunt and his wife, Abigail, who is a lobbyist for Altria? The D.C. paper Roll Call dishes. New rules ban members from receiving gifts and meals from lobbyists. So does that mean Abigail couldn't buy dinner for Roy? If they had just started dating today, "I'm confident that the new rules would not impact them, because Congressman Blunt is an old-fashioned gentleman who always picks up the tab," said his spokeswoman, Burson Snyder.

*Members of the House are expected to vote on an Iraq resolution co-sponsored by Missouri's Rep. Ike Skelton by week's end. The one-page resolution states that backers "will continue to support and protect" U.S. troops in Iraq but that "Congress disapproves of the decision" to increase U.S. force levels there. Skelton also spoke to CNN's Lou Dobbs today and said, "We stand in the shoes of the people who send us here. This is a debate reflecting the American people, the American people's wish, quite frankly. And it does not appear that people are supporting the increase in troops. It didn't work back in September, October and why should it work now?"

Nixa Bans Smoking in Restaurants

After more than a year of indecision, the Nixa Board of Alderman approved an ordinance banning smoking in all restaurants effective immediately.

Watch my KY3 News @ 10 report HERE.

This is a classic argument that involves the role of government, the common good, economic benefits versus health effects.

Health care advocates say the ban is needed to curb the impact of secondhand smoking. But businesses say this ordinance will push them -- and their tax dollars -- outside of city limits.

Some businesses say they wouldn't have a problem with the ban if it was county or statewide, because at least it would be a fair playing field.

So that's the next question. Should Missouri pass a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants? Or should government at all levels just butt out?

Huckabee's "Major" Announcement

Dubbing it a "major announcement" for his campaign, Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said South Carolina's "First Family of Politics," is endorsing him for President. Former South Carolina First Lady Iris Campbell will serve as Honorary South Carolina State Chair of Huckabee's Presidential Exploratory Committee -- and Campbell's youngest son, Mike Campbell, will serve as a Senior National Advisor to the campaign.

On a scale from 1 to 10, the Hotline rates it a 6 on the "significance scale." Why? "Iris Rhodes Campbell is the wife of the late Carroll Campbell II, beloved SC governor from '87 to '94,, and before that, a critical player in the movement to make SC a must-win primary for GOP presidential candidates. Seen as a bit of a kingmaker for GOP presidential candidates. Did we mention: beloved by many rank-and-file Republicans?"

South Carolina is the third state in line, after New Hampshire and Iowa, to hold a primary or caucus in the presidential election.

The Dems: Latest Iowa/N.H. Poll

Zogby International offers up the most recent numbers from Iowa and New Hampshire on the Democratic Party's battle for President:

IOWA
Hillary Clinton 24%
John Edwards 24%
Barack Obama 18%
Tom Vilsack 9%

The rest of the candidates register 3% or less.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Hillary Clinton 27%
Barack Obama 23%
John Edwards 13%

Every other candidate registers 3% or less.

TREND: Edwards was doing a lot better in both states -- until Hillary officially announced and visited. In both states, Edwards lost ground to Hillary. Obama remained a stable number 2. Zogby already sees a 2-candidate race in N.H, with Edwards' significant drop-off there.

Romney Reviews

Frontenac was the epicenter of Missouri politics this weekend as state Republican leaders gathered for Lincoln Days to hear from presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

All the bigfoot politicos were there to cover it; here's a wrap:

Romney told reporters that, "Missouri is part of the heartland of America and the heartland ultimately decides who the nominee will be." The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Romney's aim was "to portray himself as the best mix of conservative values and proven government experience."

The Columbia Daily Tribune reports that Romney praised Gov. Matt Blunt heavily, saying "he's making waves across the country." Also, Jason Rosenbaum reports that Gov. Blunt and Speaker Rod Jetton agree that Romney is "the most conservative" among top-tier G.O.P. hopefuls.

The Associated Press reports that many top G.O.P. officials are signing on with Romney's campaign or "leaning towards him." "Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, House Speaker Rod Jetton and state Republican Party Chairman Doug Russell, among others, also are leaning toward Romney," writes David Lieb.

-Romney's Vulnerability-

The fact that so many Missouri Republicans are leaping on with Romney so early may tell us more about the stark political and ideological divide among the current crop of G.O.P. candidates. While John McCain and Rudy Giuliani lead the pack, many on the right grumble about their conservative credentials. Meanwhile, true-and-blue Republicans like Sam Brownback and Mike Huckabee are considered longshots, and possibly not viable for the general election.

Romney is seen as the "most conservative candidate," who can win. But the more I read about Romney, the more questions I have about his governing philosophy and why it has changed. Hard-core conservatives have quietly grumbled for years that while although they have elected Republicans, much has not changed on the big red meat issues. Abortion remains legal. Gays, if anything, are making more progress towards "civil unions" and partner benefits in states across the country. Government spending has grown astronomically.

But the Republican party continues to champion and re-elect candidates to the right of center. Question: If conservatives believe previous elected candidates have betrayed them on principals in the past, what makes them believe that -- once Romney is elected -- he'll be as conservative as he claims?

And while Giuliani may have some problems on the right, he probably won't face the charge of being "politically expedient" come election time. The argument goes, that at least the G.O.P. would know what they'd be getting (pro-choice, pro-gay rights) with Giuliani. Meanwhile, Mitt Romney may be "right," for now, but questions about his credibility and authenticity on conservative issues will undoubtedly have to be answered before he's crowned "G.O.P. nominee." It's just curious to me that more conservative Missouri Republicans don't have those same questions, and are jumping on so fast.

Romney makes his formal announcement for the Presidency on Tuesday in Michigan.

Cable Competition Coming to Springfield?

Advocates and opponents agree that a bill that would bring cable TV competition to Springfield has a "better than ever" chance of becoming law this year.

Watch my KY3 News @ 10 report HERE.

A bill that would create a statewide franchise agreement is moving through the state Senate right now. Supporters hope they will get SB284 through the upper chamber by next week.

The issue: Why not create a law that would allow a company like AT&T to come in and compete with Mediacom for customers?

AT&T says a statewide agreement would allow the company to come into the area and provide new services and competition that would in effect, lower prices for customers. But the city of Springfield argues that this bill would allow AT&T to play by different rules that wouldn't provide service and choice to many lower-income customers.

McCaskill May Wait to Endorse for President

Sen. Claire McCaskill may wait to endorse a Democratic candidate for President until after Missouri's primary in order to lure the top candidates to the state over the coming months.

When I asked McCaskill's communications director Adrianne Marsh today about a possible presidential endorsement any time soon, she signaled that the junior Senator would most likely hold off on a public announcement.

"She's not so that they will all come to win the hearts and minds of our voters, since the primary is so soon after Iowa," Marsh said. "She is concerned about ensuring all the candidates make their case in Missouri."

When I pressed Marsh on who McCaskill might favor, she said the Senator is "interested in who Missouri voters endorse."

Missouri will hold its Democratic and Republican primaries on February 5th, about three weeks after the Iowa caucuses.

"She works with just about everyone running at this point," Marsh said. "She has a chance to strong arm them into coming to Missouri if she plays her cards right."

"Missouri is notorious for choosing Presidents. (The primary) will be an excellent indicator," she added.

During the campaign, when we asked McCaskill if she thought Sen. Hillary Clinton would be a good President, McCaskill ducked. "Maybe for New York, but not for Missouri," she replied.

In Iowa Early, It's Hillary & Rudy

Attention Horserace lovers . . . the Iowa caucuses are less than a year away.

The Dems will caucus on Jan. 14th. Republicans will caucus on Jan. 21st.

Here's the latest poll of 600 likely Republican and 600 likely Democratic caucus-goers in Iowa:


DEMOCRATS
Hillary Clinton 31%
John Edwards 18%
Barack Obama 14%
Tom Vilsack 12%

Everyone else is in single digits.

REPUBLICANS
Rudy Giuliani 27%
John McCain 22%
Newt Gingrich 16%
Mitt Romney 11%

The rest are in single digits.

The poll was taken Jan. 29 - Feb. 1st and has a margin of error of 4%.

The Death Penalty in Missouri

Gov. Matt Blunt wants a mandatory death penalty for the murder of law enforcement officers in Missouri.

As USA Today reports, a half-dozen states, including Missouri, are considering tougher death penalty measures at a time when many states are scaling back its use.

In his State of the State address, Gov. Blunt declared, "I am asking you to pass legislation that makes the death penalty mandatory in cases involving the murder of a law enforcement officer."
Law enforcement agencies across the state immediately applauded his plan, but some critics question whether Blunt's proposal is smart or even legal.

Watch my KY3 News @ 10 report on the debate HERE.

Meanwhile, there's also a push for a death penalty moratorium in Missouri - by a Republican who supports the death penalty. Rep. Bill Deeken (R-Jefferson City) has proposed legislation that would put an end to all executions until 2011 and set up a commission to review the implementation of the death penalty in past cases.

It's House Bill 445, but even Deeken says it's not expected to pass this year.

More Presidential "Debates" Planned

In addition to the super-early debates in Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina we've told you about, ABC News has announced forums for the fall and early winter: Iowa in August then New Hampshire events in October and January.

The most peculiar part of the debates is the fact that some of them will be moderated by George Stephanopoulos, a former staffer in the Bill Clinton White House and a key member of the 1992 campaign that got him elected.

It strikes me as a huge conflict of interest for that man to be up there attempting to moderate an event with a participant who was both his boss's wife and a fellow key member of that 1992 campaign.

How can we possibly believe he'll play an impartial role in the forum?

Whip the Pork!

The Senate Democratic leadership has appointed Sen. Claire McCaskill as one of 11 deputy whips for the 110th Congress.

Assistant Majority Leader Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that McCaskill will be part of the team that will mobilize the Democratic caucus to stay in line during important votes.

U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer will serve as Chief Deputy Whip. McCaskill is one of four freshman Senators to receive the duty. "A razor-thin Democratic majority means that every vote counts and there is no room for error," said Sen. Durbin.

This comes as Missouri's junior Senator has been fending off criticism for voting against an amendment to crackdown on pork projects. Tony Messenger of the News-Leader has owned this story.

The Citizens Against Government Waste labeled McCaskill one of their "porkers of the month," for her vote to "try to keep earmarks in the dark."

McCaskill's camp has said Claire voted against the amendment because she felt some language needed to be stronger.

In our KY3 debate, neither Jim Talent nor Claire McCaskill could name a specific Missouri project that they considered "wasteful." As the incumbent that probably hurt Talent more than it did McCaskill. But next time she's faced with that question, the former state auditor won't have Talent to blame anymore.

Key Committee Approves MOHELA Sale; Democrats Slam Sell-Off as Prejudiced

The Missouri Senate Education committee today approved a plan to sell off a portion of the state's student loans and transfer proceeds to university construction projects.

The Governor hailed the committee passage of his Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative, which would transfer $350 million from the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority to the Missouri Development Finance Board. $335 million would go towards projects at 13 state universities and 12 community colleges. The remaining $15 million would go to the Missouri Technology Corp., to attract and retain technology companies and commercialize research.

“The comprehensive higher education package will streamline scholarship programs, infuse accountability, and help families plan for and afford college. The continued movement of the Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative and the entire higher education bill is a significant step forward," Gov. Blunt said in a news release.

The Missouri Democratic Party blasted the plan as an ill-conceived mistake. "Selling MOHELA would have always made college less affordable and less accessible for Missouri college students, but now Missouri won't even get research facilities in return for this sacrifice," said Mo. Democratic Party spokesman Jack Cardetti.

Cardetti claims the MOHELA plan no longer includes the construction of research facilities on several campuses, and says the Governor should abandon the initiative.

State Sen. Minority Leader Maida Coleman says the plan guts projects for urban areas, and keeps projects in "rural-Republican areas." Coleman calls it "political prejudice." The Arch City Chronicle has the release.

Lampe Calls for Elimination of "State of Transportation" Address

Springfield State Rep. Sara Lampe has filed legislation to repeal the law requiring the director of the Missouri Department of Transportation to annually deliver a State of Transportation address before a joint session of the General Assembly.

The Springfield Democrat said the speech has outlived its original intent since it was first delivered in 2004.

“Every year the director tells us MoDOT is doing a good job with what it has but needs substantially more money to deliver a top-notch transportation system. The message is similar to what every other department director tells us,” Lampe said. “Members of the General Assembly know of MoDOT’s needs. They also know it has been 20 years since Missouri voters last approved a tax hike. Although I respect Pete Rahn, his time probably would be better spent convincing Missouri voters of MoDOT’s needs than preaching to the choir.”

According to the Lampe release, the only other joint sessions held each year are for the governor’s constitutionally required State of the State address and the traditional State of the Judiciary address by the chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court. Since the judiciary and the executive are co-equal branches of state government, Lampe said is important for them to appear before the third co-equal branch, the Legislature.

“MoDOT is part of the executive branch, which is overseen by the governor,” Lampe said. “As a result, transportation issues are more properly dealt with in the governor’s State of the State address. Having a separate speech on transportation is, at best, redundant.”

Sen. Joan Bray has filed the legislation in the Senate. Lampe filed the bill in the House this morning.

Huckabee Watch: "No Advantage Being the Frontrunner Now"

2008 White House hopeful Mike Huckabee said there's no real advantage to being the G.O.P. frontrunner now, because he has nowhere to go but up.

CQPolitics.com has a report on Huckabee's realistic look at his status in the crowded race for the Republican nomination.

"There’s really no advantage in being in first place right now,” said Huckabee at the breakfast, organized by the Christian Science Monitor. “If you’re in first place right now, there’s really only one direction you can go, and it’s not a good one.”

More tidbits from the piece:

*Huckabee began fundraising last week in Iowa

*While he's way behind the big dogs now, he believes the money will follow when his conservative message gets out.

*Huckabee said, “As people begin to drill deep into the issues that are perhaps represented by some of the perceived front-runners,” he believes it will become “clear” that those candidates “may not be in step with the majority of the Republican base.”

*But some on the right are already attacking the former Arkansas Governor. The Club for Growth has called him a "tax raiser." "Frankly, I don’t know why the Club for Growth has taken the position they have,” said Huckabee, who denied the group’s characterization of him as a “tax raiser.” Huckabee said he implemented more than 90 different tax cuts during his tenure as governor, and signed the first-ever broad-based tax cut in Arkansas. He defended the taxes that he did increase, stating the actions had broad support and were necessary to repair roads and deal with other important local problems.

*And on the assertion that Governor's lack the needed foreign policy experience to run the country? "All governors may not have what I call ‘Washington’s’ view, but what they do have is the perspective of being commander in chief where 80 percent of our National Guard men and women have ended up deploying to Iraq,” said Huckabee.

Supervising Physician Assistants

Several rural Ozarks health clinics could be forced to close this summer as a result of a new state rule requiring supervision of physician assistants.

Watch my KY3 News @ 10 story on the debate by clicking HERE.

The State Board of Healing Arts, the licensing board for doctors, has proposed that physician assistants in rural areas be supervised by doctors for 100% of clinic hours if lawmakers don't act.

There are two opposing bills pending in the legislature right now that could address how long physician assistants need to be supervised.

Rep. Robert Schaaf (R-St. Joseph) has a bill that says supervising physicians in rural clinics must be present a minimum of 80% of the clinic hours. The Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons is the group strongly lobbying for this bill. They want strict rules restricting physician assistants from treating patients without supervision.

Rep. David Sater (R-Cassville) has a bill that says supervising physicians in those clinics must be present just 10% of the time. The Missouri Academy of Physician Assistants is pushing hard for this bill. They believe PAs are being unfairly targeted, and say thousands will lose access to quality health care if the rule is passed.

Rep. Schaaf tells the KY3 Political Notebook that physician assistants who currently see patients without a doctor present are already breaking the law. Schaaf said the current statute already requires supervision. "They are erroneously ignoring the law. They have not been enforcing it," Schaaf said.

But Connie Farrow, a spokeswoman for the Missouri PAs, says the Board of Healing has installed an exception to the 100% rule for rural clinics that will expire this summer -- if lawmakers fail to change it.

"Physician assistants were never intended to be autonomous. And they do not have the training of a physician. We have to stand up for principle as well as expedience. It may be expedient for them to do this, but it is not principled," Schaaf said.

The President of the Missouri Academy of Physician Assistants says health clinics will be forced to close in rural areas of our state where there is a physician shortage. "Patients will be forced to travel greater distances for medical treatment," Winter said, endorsing Rep. Sater's HB 497.

If lawmakers fail to act on both bills, the Board of Healing's 100% supervision rule will go into effect this August. The rural medical clinic in Hartville, Mo. said that strict rule would most likely force them to close their doors.

Hillary, the Unbeatable?

If you haven't yet done so, you must check out and then place in your favorites list, "The Politico," a new website just launched last month that is already producing hot political news daily.

Today's headline: GOP Views Clinton As Virtually Unbeatable?

The story is a juicy one and also includes video of Tom Delay arguing that if Republicans don't get a charismatic candidate, they will be beaten in the general . . . by Hillary! (And that it may end up being the best thing for the conservative movement? Huh? Do the conservatives want to throw this one away for the future?!)

So we figure it is time for another periodic installment of 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:

Republicans
1. John McCain
2. Rudy Guiliani
3. Mitt Romney
4. Sam Brownback
5. Newt Gingrich

Click here to check out our early December ratings. You'll note I left McCain, Guiliani and Romney 1-2-3. I moved Brownback up over Gingrich, simply because he's announced and Newt says he'll wait until the fall. Still, don't count out Newt. He's actually running third in some polls in Iowa. I expect a late Newt surge, if he decides to get in, as "an ideas candidate." He hooks me when I catch him on CSPAN, simply because he talks about new, thought-provoking ideas.

Democrats
1. Hillary Clinton
2. Barack Obama
3. John Edwards
4. Al Gore
5. Bill Richardson

Nothing in my mind changes the top 3 here either. Al Gore remains at four, just because he's polling well (like Newt, in Iowa) and he hasn't even announced he is running. I decided to drop Vilsack off because I haven't heard much from him since he announced. I decided to replace Vilsack with Gov. Bill Richardson. He's a Governor, he's from the battleground southwest and he's Hispanic.

So again, True or False.

What's your list, and why?

Should Missouri Apologize for Slavery?

State Rep. Talibdin El-Amin filed a resolution in the Missouri House that formally apologizes for the state's role in slavery.

“There seems to be a reluctance to speaking about Missouri’s past,” said El-Amin, D-St. Louis.

“I want to begin a dialogue about the state’s racial history so Missourians of different backgrounds can better understand one another. Addressing the past will help us build toward the future," El-Amin said in a release.

Philippe Francois Renault introduced slavery to what would become the state of Missouri in 1720 when he brought 500 slaves with him to work lead mines in what are now St. Louis and Jefferson Counties. The enslavement of blacks continued in Missouri until the ratification of the state Constitution of 1865, which outlawed the practice.

“The unresolved racial issues of Missouri’s past spawned the racial issues of Missouri’s present,” El-Amin said. “If we are serious about moving forward as a state, Missourians must talk more about race. Formally acknowledging and apologizing for Missouri’s role in slavery is an appropriate place to start.”

Lampe: Wrong to Hear "State of Transportation"

Rep. Sara Lampe believes state lawmakers should hear a State of Education address, rather than a State of Transportation address.

Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn will deliver the annual State of Transportation address this Wednesday in Jefferson City.

"I think it's wrong for us to be hearing a State of Transportation address," Lampe told me in a recent interview. "Why don't we hear about the state of our children, the state of family, the state of women?," she asked.

"We're going to hear a State of Transportation address, and we don't know what the state of education is because we never get to hear that in the General Assembly," she said. "I'm troubled by that."

Lampe raises an interesting point. Why does transportation get its own separate address? Why not education? Or healthcare? Or even the economy?

This was just part of my recent conversation with Lampe about her passion - education. "One of the things we hear over and over is more money for education," Lampe said. "The problem with the phrase is yeah, there's more money for education, but everything costs more. We aren't really talking about an increase. We're just talking about more money."

She compared it to your monthly credit card bill. "I think it's like getting your credit card bill and only paying the finance charge and not paying towards the principal. We're never going to get out of this hole in education if we don't start paying towards the principal, which is having a vision," she said.

"Process Has Changed"

Rep. Lampe serves on the Education Appropriation Committee, and said the mission has "been totally changed." "We will do no mark-ups in committee. It's all going to be done in budget," she said. "They say this is the amount you have. You can't add to it. You can't expand it, all you can do is steal Peter to pay Paul and you have to shuffle it around."

Rep. Lampe said if she had her way, she would "first back-up and look at the formula again, because it is not adequate and not equitable."

But Lampe said the political problem is that lawmakers won't go back and address a formula they just finished making law. "Nobody's going to touch it. They don't want to touch it because of the lawsuit out there. They don't want to touch it because they are saying it is our formula, we voted it in, we're not going to budge with it," she said. "You have to start there: What should it be? It is worth the investment."

I asked Lampe to give an example of an education program that has been impacted by the current formula. She pointed to Missouri's gifted program.

The Gifted Program

"The formula took money away from the gifted education program to make the formula work," she said. "They took that money out of categoricals and rolled it in to make it work. Now funding for gifted programs is non-existent. Folks will tell you, oh it's in the formula. But the only reason the gifted program has existed for years back to 1973 is because money was allocated specifically for that. You had to write a grant for that. It's no longer there. The state department had to meet 2 weeks ago and change regulations because there was no money for that. Are gifted programs going to be non-existent in Missouri?," Lampe asked.

So would Lampe pour more money into education?

You betcha. "Am I asking for more money as it relates to education? Always. We always need more money in education. And the amount we need is exactly what the Department of Elementary and Secondary education and area superintendents say they need. They know what it takes to educate a kid. They know what it takes to lower class size. They know what it takes to hire counselors," she said.

"I was sitting next to (Nixa Superintendent Stephen) Kleinsmith the other day at a meeting," Lampe said. "He said under the old formula they received more. He said if they did not have the budget director they have, they would have not been prepared for this 7 year cutback," Lampe added.

Remember that "Waste & Fraud"?

Attorney General Jay Nixon fired off a press release today announcing that he has handed over a $3.1 million dollar check to the Department of Social Services from a Medicaid fraud settlement with pharmaceutical company Schering-Plough.

Nixon said it is part of a $91 million-dollar nationwide settlement with the company known for its anti-allergy medication Claritin.

Nixon said the settlement resolves allegations that "the Delaware-based company's marketing and distribution practices of Claritin and other drugs resulted in the Medicaid program paying too much in reimbursement in some cases not receiving the full amount of rebates in others." Schering-Plough allegedly misreported prices to the Health Care Financing Administration for Claritin. Those misreported prices meant Medicaid programs failed to receive millions in rebates.

According to Nixon, $7.3 million will go back to taxpayers and more than $3.1 million will go back into Medicaid (ahem . . . Mo. HealthNet.)

I'm sure we'll be hearing much more about provider fraud from Nixon as we inch closer to 2008.

Don't Vote Tuesday

I always wonder why mediatypes (especially on television) urge people to get out and vote in elections. I feel wary about doing that. It's not that I don't think voting is important. This politics business is kind of a passion for me. I just think that if you're not informed, you probably shouldn't vote. And I also think not voting in an election can make as big of a statement as casting a ballot. You certainly shouldn't have to vote. It's the candidates job to get you to vote. I just get a bit queasy when the media instructs people to "do their duty." We should stick to telling people what an election is about, and stop telling them they need to vote.

Either way, there are some elections tomorrow. In Springfield, 3 candidates are vying to win 2 slots for an open city council seat. Manufacturer Dan Chiles, computer programmer Randel Hanes and Missouri State University swim coach Jack Steck are running for the citywide open council seat D.

I got to catch up with the three of them. Here are some mini-bios of the candidates. It's a a shorthand cheat-sheet, in case you're one of those proud patriots who will take 3 and half minutes of your time and fill out a ballot Tuesday.

Dan Chiles
Website: http://www.danchiles.com/
Why he's running: The environment. "We don't have to worry about rising oceans, but we need to think about our obligations to the world." Energy. "We have the possibility of fuel shortages here in Springfield because we don't have oil wells here. Good government. "I want to take care of smaller things, like getting the potholes filled and keeping a good water supply."
Why he won't attack his opponents: "They're nice guys!"
How he thinks the city handled the ice storm: "I thought they did a remarkable job. I'm really proud of the work they did."
Sales tax renewal: YES
Who he's counting on Tuesday: "Hot coal voters. There's a few thousand people who would walk over hot coals to vote. They vote every single time no matter what."
Money Quote: "They may like me, they may not like me, but people here know me."

Randel Hanes
Website: http://www.randelhhanes.com/
Why he's running: Friends have told him to throw his hat in again. "I want to sound off against repeated unanimous city council decisions."
A "No" vote he would've cast: Red light cameras. "The city spent over a million dollars on this. I just would've spent the money differently. We should've been upgrading our communications system, police vehicles before we even considered the idea of what I would've thought is more of a luxury."
What else council did wrong: Pit Bull ordinance. "Having the animal injected with a ID chip and forcing the owner to spayed or neuter the animals that are not show dogs are not good remedies."
Sales tax renewal: YES

Jack Steck
Website: Not that I could find
Why he's running: "I've got some issues with some of the things happening in the city. I'm disturbed with what's going on in the police department. Anytime you have police picketing in front of city hall, something is wrong."
What he knows about his opponents: "A little bit. I recognize the Chiles name."
His beef with the council: "A $1.7 million dollar embezzlement. The largest public embezzlement in the state of Missouri! The city council, and city manager, the buck has to stop with them."
How he thinks the city handled the ice storm: "They did a good job, but they were not prepared. I just don't think there was a plan in place. We need to learn and prepare."
How long he was without power: 9 days

Who Will Win?
Chiles has probably got the best name I.D. in town, and he may be the most organized. The News-Leader endorsed him, but look what that did for Doug Harpool and Jim Talent (No offense to FOB (friend of blog) Mr. Messenger:) Hanes has run before, so that could help. But as a former college swimmer, you can't rule out a swim coach. Steck (not STACK) probably has some name I.D. Could we see a Chiles-Steck face-off?

Champion proposes better drug tracking

Monday morning, Sen. Norma Champion, R-Springfield, will join Greene County law enforcement officers to talk about Senate Bill 85.

Champion's proposal would create a new program to monitor the distribution of controlled drugs. Pharmacies would have to keep tabs on each prescription, patient and prescriber. That information would be turned over the state once a month to see if there has been any violation of law or breach of professional standards. The information would be kept private except for doctors, law enforcement, and Medicaid personnel. There's also language there that would let me see my record. Anyone who's identified as an addict will be encouraged to get treatment. And the whole thing can go away after six years if people aren't happy with it.

We talked with Ron Fitzwater, CEO of the Missouri Pharmacy Association. He says philosophically the MPA agrees with the proposal but wants to work with Champion and other lawmakers on some of the logistics. There are concerns over handling situations where husbands and wives pick up prescriptions for their spouses. How do you track that information at a drive-through window? Fitzwater said there are models in other states.

Medicaid. Medicare. Meth ingredients. Now another government-mandated proposal? We'll be interested in getting pharmacists' take on the idea.

Decision 2007: Does Anyone Care?

The saying goes that while all the hoopla goes to the Presidential candidates, Congressmen and Senate races, the people that will most impact your life will be local officials . . .

Mayors . . . Planning Board members . . . City Councilmen.

So why do substantially more people turn out to vote in Presidential elections than city council slots?

Maybe it is a certain romanticism, optimism, or nationalism . . . about our country's future. Maybe it's the media's fault. We certainly get more psyched up to interview a John Edwards or Sam Brownback than we do a Tom Carlson or . . . what's the name of the guy running for council in Zone 2 again?

The bottom line is that national politicians debate things like resolutions that condemn a war, or immigration policy -- that may impact many of us indirectly, but won't influence our daily lives.

The City Council can determine whether they can take pictures of you driving through a stoplight, and then penalize you for it. They can determine what busy intersections will be widened. Or how old you can be to hang out in a bar.

Still, this coming Tuesday, only about 3 percent of registered voters in Springfield are projected to cast ballots on people who will make those types of decisions.

It's not a question of whether it will happen, it's a question of why.

People are just getting over the last election, they are preoccupied with the ice storm, it is Superbowl weekend, and it will be cold . . . but are those really the reasons most people won't go and vote on Tuesday? Or is it a bigger issue?

Are people in Springfield really just happy with their government? Or are they too busy to care?
Watch my KY3 News @ 10 report HERE.

And then, give me a reason to vote -OR- to not vote on Tuesday.

Follow-Up: Stevenson Motion Rejected

A motion by a Joplin state representative to eliminate new rules for Missouri's assisted living facilities failed to gain support in a key legislative committee.

The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) approved a substitute motion last week by Sen. Luann Ridgeway that keeps in place many of the Department of Health and Senior Services rules originally proposed.

Rep. Bryan Stevenson had been pushing a motion in JCAR that would have gutted nearly two dozen proposed rules for residential facilities. Rep. Stevenson's motion would have loosened or eliminated requirements for staffing, evacuation plans, immunizations and medical reviews at assisted living facilities.

For more information about Stevenson's failed motion, click HERE to read an earlier post.

"The safety of our seniors is more secure now with this substitute motion," Rep. Sam Page told the KY3 Political Notebook in an interview. "It doesn't compromise the safety of our seniors as the original motion did."

Sen. Ridgeway's motion, which was approved unanimously by the committee, kept key language on the following items:

*Background checks for on-site employees
*"Sufficient monitoring" of employees that do work in a facility
*Ability of staff to evacuate residents in 5 minutes
*Individual service plans, which advocates say protects residents with mental illnesses
*Requirement of routine immunizations of residents
*Mandating a resident receive doctor's approval before re-entry to a residential facility
*Specific staffing requirements for facilities

"My big problems with the original (Stevenson motion) included eliminating the background checks, eliminating an evacuation plan, and some staffing concerns," Rep. Page said. "Those were the most troubling, but they were resolved."

Page said the biggest fight brewed over the staffing requirements for facilities. The new rules outline minimum personnel requirements at certain times of the day.

"The process worked, his motion was rejected," Rep. Page said.