Who says moderates are boring?Republican Rep. B.J. Marsh of the #136 legislative district may miss a lot of votes. But what he lacks in attendance, he makes up for in candor.
As Marsh enters the final three weeks of this session, he's sounding off about term limits, Gov. Matt Blunt and Sen. Hillary Clinton.
"Term Limits Are Bad"
"I just think term limits are bad. They give the lobbyists and the Administration more power," Marsh said.
Marsh said he supports a House Joint Resolution that would allow a person to serve up to 16 total years in the General Assembly.
But not necessarily for himself. "I'm not saying for me, I just think it hurts as far as experience is concerned, in the legislative body," Marsh said.
The #136th
Assuming there is no change in term length, Marsh said he's sure the Republican that runs for his seat will be "a lot more conservative" than him. "That's what the Republicans are after. I'm a moderate. Some of the people in the party area a lot more conservative than I am."
Marsh said he's already heard the names being bandied about as possible G.O.P. contenders. Bob Vanaman and Roy Bright are two.
Marsh doesn't really have an opinion on his replacement just yet.
"To be honest, we have a group of Republicans that want a Baptism carwash on every corner, and we have a group of Democrats who want an abortion clinic on every corner. I think we need moderation," Marsh said.
What does he think about the potential Democratic field, and another run by James Owen? "Craig Hosmer was a good Democratic legislator. Democrats need more like him. Republicans need more like me," Marsh said.
2008 Presidential Race
Marsh said he's not ready to endorse a candidate for President yet. "I'm not ready to go with the group we've got yet," Marsh said. But when pressed, he said he liked Rudy Giuliani and John McCain.
What about Fred Thompson?
"I'm not too crazy about him," Marsh said.
Marsh said no matter what he believes Hillary Clinton will ultimately be on the Democratic ticket. "I think Hillary's a good person. Would I vote for her? It depends who the Republicans had up," Marsh said.
2008 Governor's Race
Marsh also said he doesn't know if he'll support Gov. Matt Blunt for re-election, if he decides to run.
"I wouldn't say I would, I wouldn't say I wouldn't," Marsh said. "I don't know what I might do. I do think he's made some mistakes. I've been disappointed with him at times. I'm not sure of it's him or his staff, but I don't have any communication with the Governor's office," Marsh said.
Would he dare vote for Jay Nixon?
"I wouldn't rule out anything. We don't even know who's running yet," Marsh said.
Keeping His Options Open
Marsh said he is considering running for the District 30 State Senate seat as an independent in 2010.
"I'd love to get in that thing with 10 people in it," Marsh said. "If ultraconservatives jump in, I got to keep my options open."
Marsh said he wouldn't rule out running as a Republican either, depending on the make-up of the field.
He said that he's heard Rep. Bob Dixon, former Rep. Mark Wright and Springfield School Board member Debbie Tolliver mentioned as possible candidates for Sen. Norma Champion's seat.
1 comment:
I believe Rep. Marsh will still be there next session. He will the rep from the 136th until January 1, 2009.
I would like to know what type of "medicine" BJ was on when he spoke to you. We certainly do need more Republicans like Marsh, ones that don't show up. What a disgrace.
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