Week 9: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 9 GRADE: C-

It's Spring break 2009, and the mid-term grades are in. Despite Governor Nixon's repeated calls on the Senate to have his chief economic priority (Quality Jobs expansion) on his desk by now, the Upper Chamber didn't oblige. It's clear that the GOP-controlled Senate didn't see the urgency Nixon did. There were also signs late last week that some Senate Democrats are frustrated that the Governor isn't communicating with them. Because things are only likely to get more tense as we head towards the homestretch, that's a double whammy. Nixon's healthcare deal dominated the week. Get hospitals to raise their own taxes to pay for more healthcare? Seemed like a slam dunk, Dems argued. Not for House Republicans, who gutted much of Nixon's proposals in their budget committee hearings. House Budget Chair Allen Icet seemed to contradict himself in saying that federal stimulus dollars shouldn't be used to fund ongoing programs. He later admitted in doing just that. But Team Nixon is none too pleased with the House budget, and their best hope now is changes in the Senate. You know, the chamber that thumbed their nose at Nixon's jobs bill deadline and is seeking a bit more give and take with the Gov.

NIXON'S MIDTERM GRADE: B/B-
(Based on an average of 9 weeks)
WEEK 9: C-
WEEK 8: C
WEEK 7: A-
WEEK 6: B
WEEK 5: B
WEEK 4 C+
WEEK 3: B
WEEK 2: B-
WEEK 1: A-