Martin Targets Martinez In Letter

In a move designed to ramp up efforts to derail Governor Jay Nixon's most important cabinet nominee, Matt Blunt's former chief of staff is alerting thousands of conservatives around the state about the immigration views of Economic Development Director designee, Linda Martinez.

Ed Martin's letter, that began landing in mailboxes across the state Saturday, asks Missourians to support Republican Sens. Brad Lager and Jim Lembke's efforts to "seek answers" about Martinez's previous comments on illegal immigration.

Martin's letter from Missourians For Illegal Immigration Law Enforcement begins, "Linda Martinez is the most pro-illegal immigrant cabinet director ever appointed in Missouri's history."

"We are concerned that Linda Martinez might seek to use her position to promote special benefits for illegal immigrants or provide special economic incentives for businesses that hire illegal workers," Martin goes on. Janet Renner of Missourians Against Illegal Immigration also signed the letter.

In an interview on CNN in 2006, as an attorney, Martinez expressed her opposition to an ordinance designed to prevent landlords from renting to illegal immigrants. "The power to control immigration issues is addressed by the Constitution and delegated solely to the federal government. It's not to be administered on a local basis by cities and states. It's supposed to be mandated on a national basis -- a consistent national policy so there's not a patchwork of ordinances," Martinez said to Lou Dobbs.

Based on those comments, Martin believes that "we must assume" Martinez is against banning sanctuary cities for illegals, opposes E-verify to check legal employment status, and would not cancel state contracts for businesses who hire illegals, among other things.

Martin's letter asks supporters to send an e-mail with statements of support to MoforImmigrationLawEnforcement@gmail.com.

The Notebook has asked the Nixon administration for a response and will publish it as soon as we receive it.

Site Set Up To Draft Schoeller For Congress

A website has been created to help lure State House Rep. Shane Schoeller into a run for the 7th District U.S. House seat.
***
Jeremy Cady, a former Republican candidate for State House, created the group dedicated to help convince Schoeller "in making the final decision to run."

Last week, Schoeller first told The Notebook he was seriously considering it.

www.DraftShane.com is a one page site with sections labeled "Freedom," "Family," and "Future" and also has a place to provide your name, phone number and e-mail as a supporter.

G.O.P. candidates mentioned as possible contenders for the 7th are: Rep. Schoeller, Joplin State Sen. Gary Nodler, Mt. Vernon State Sen. Jack Goodman, Former Springfield State Rep. B.J. Marsh

7th District Congressman Roy Blunt is widely respected to announce he's running for the U.S. Senate in 2010.

Dixon Files Resolution Opposing FOCA

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon introduced a House Resolution that expresses strong opposition to the federal "Freedom of Choice Act," also known as FOCA.

***

FOCA would codify a woman's right to choose an abortion, and could override state restrictions. 110 members of the House have co-sponsored the legislation. A separate resolution has been filed in the Senate.

"The vast majority of Missourians will agree that any federal legislation that would encourage partial-birth abortion or invalidate any current state laws dealing with partial-birth abortion should never be given serious consideration," said Rep. Dixon. "We hope to send a message to our federal delegation that we are counting on them to do the right thing."

FOCA legislation has not yet been introduced in Congress, but President Obama has indicated his support for the measure.

If passed and signed into federal law, Dixon believes FOCA would invalidate such laws on parental consent and health and safety requirements for abortion clinics.

Private Schools "Disheartened" About Scholarship Cuts

Independent Colleges and Universities say they are disheartened about Governor Jay Nixon's budget proposal that would cut scholarships to their schools.

In a statement released Friday, Central Methodist University president Marianne Inman said Nixon's budget would reduce Access Missouri scholarships to independent institutions by 38%.

Right now the maximum award for students at private schools is $4,600.

Nixon wants to change that to $2,850.

Under Nixon's plan, public school students using scholarships would see a 25% bump from $2,150 to $2,850.

"This is the equivalent of a tax increase for some lower-income families in our state," says Inman.

***

Inman says the average family income of Access Missouri recipients at 4-year private schools is about $1400 less than those at public schools. She also says private school students are more likely to complete their schooling in four years.

"If Gov. Nixon and the General Assembly are truly committed to helping working families, then they must protect Access Missouri as it currently exists so that Missouri students with demonstrated financial need have access to a college education in our state," says Inman.

Independent College and Universities of Missouri local members include College of the Ozarks and Southwest Baptist University.

RNC Elects First Black Chair

Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele is elected the new chairman of the Republican National Committee.

It's the first African American chair in G.O.P history.

Steele defeated South Carolina GOP chair Katon Dawson in the final round of voting 91 to 77.

Incumbent Chair Mike Duncan bowed out of the race after two rounds.

Steele's victory speech can be found HERE.

It's unclear who Missouri's RNC members voted for. GOP spokesperson Tina Hervey reminds The Notebook it was a secret ballot, but provided this statement by G.O.P. Chair David Cole:

"There is no greater testament to the strength of the Republican Party than today’s election of former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele as the new Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Chairman Steele will be a tireless advocate for our core Republican principles of lower taxes, small government, strong national defense and more freedom. Rather than simply rejecting the ideas of our opposition, we need to offer bold, visionary solutions of our own. Michael Steele understands this challenge and has the talent necessary to reach out across the country and share the Republican message in a credible way that will connect with voters, motivate volunteers, and lead us to victory."

(Oh, and did I mention we called it?)

McCaskill Wants Salary Cap

"WE HAVE A BUNCH OF IDIOTS ON WALL STREET . . ."

Sen. Claire McCaskill took to the U.S. Senate floor this morning to announce she's introducing legislation that would cap compensation for employees of any private company that accepts federal dollars.
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WATCH THE ENTIRE SPEECH HERE

According to McCaskill's office, employees would not be able to make more than the President of the United States until the company no longer relies on federal assistance under the financial rescue program.

Asked about McCaskill's plan at the daily White House briefing, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said: "I think it is very safe to assume that when a plan is outlined for financial stability that it will include and address executive compensation and bonuses."

He added, "I think you will see the president and his economic team outline a plan to deal with what he found irresponsible yesterday."

Yesterday, President Obama said reports about CEO bonuses in 2008 were "outrageous."

"When you see something like that from the president, I think you can understand that that was from his gut and that was real," Gibbs noted.

VIEW A MUST-WATCH CLIP OF MCCASKILL'S SPEECH BELOW:

Who Will Head The RNC?

Republican National Committee members will decide today in D.C.

Missouri's GOP members will cast 3 votes
***
They'll choose between current chair Mike Duncan, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, South Carolina GOP Chair Katon Dawson and Michigan GOP Chair Saul Anuzis

The Notebook's Guess: Steele over Duncan by a hair

Mike Huckabee's former campaign manager Chip Saltsman has withdrawn his candidacy.

At least two rounds of balloting is expected with no clear frontrunner.
A candidate needs to attain 85 votes to lock up a victory.

DEVELOPING . . .

Round The Horn

Good Friday morning.

We hope you begin this TGIF a bit warmer than The Notebook. It's been a rough 'n tumble week covering ice and snow for the TV. So to catch up for our time on the road, and trampling through the sleet, we go 'round the horn to kick off the weekend.

Let's get to it . . . The Lite Guv leads . . .

KINDER TAKES HIS STAND -- Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder called a press gaggle in his Jefferson City office Thursday to make his case against Governor Jay Nixon's plan to halt MOHELA construction projects. Will we look back at this as the first shot across the bow for 2012? (Nah, as much time as our friends in the printing press spend on it, no average voter can spell MOHELA, let alone 'splain it.) “At this hour, MOHELA has funded $242 million of the projects. Right now, there is still $120 million in the bank for these projects. The Governor’s staff has said they don’t believe that MOHELA will make the remaining payments. At the same time, the Governor has built a budget with the promises of federal stimulus coming to Missouri," Kinder said during the presser in his office Thursday. Nixon campaigned against Gov. Matt Blunt's MOHELA plan. It shouldn't have been diverted from its purpose of student loans, Nixon argued. Now he's got a budget deficit as an excuse to follow through. “In this economy, we should keep people employed as long as possible to continue working on the projects which have such a high probability for economic success," Kinder went on. "Then, make the transition seamless into federal stimulus dollars to fund the remaining work that needs to be done.”

VIEBROCK: THE AUDACITY OF JAY NIXON . . . Rep. Jim Viebrock of the #134th House District writes in his weekly update that he "found it remarkable that for the first half of (Jay Nixon's State of the State) address he was touting positions and accomplishments that we (the Republicans) had crafted and pushed through the process over the last couple of years." Viebrock then went on to criticize Nixon's budget plan that in part, is dependant on federal stimulus funds. "To create a new budget under the assumption that money might come later, could potentially embarrass the Nixon administration in the event that withholds then become necessary down the line," Viebrock wrote.

NO PAY RAISE -- The State Senate voted against a recommendation to increase pay for state lawmakers and judges. Let's not give them too much credit. This really wasn't a tough call. A state commission recommended a raise of $1,500 for cost of living reasons for elected officials. Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields said, "this decision was a no-brainer, absolutely no pay raises for state elected officials." Sen. Jim Lembke, who carried the measure, added, "the last thing we need is to give ourselves a raise while jobs are being lost throughout the state." The House voted on Monday 129-31 to shoot down the pay raise as well.

QUICK QUESTION -- Who's a more sympathetic figure this week -- Ted Haggard or Rod Blagojevich?

TIMETABLE -- How much pressure does President Obama face in sticking to his 16-month timetable to withdraw troops from Iraq? Missouri's senior most official on military matters says the timetable is less important than the ultimate goal. "It helps for him to aim for it,” said Representative Ike Skelton, Democrat of Missouri and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, in an article in the International Herald Tribune. "If you can draw your troops down to within the ballpark and they’re safe, that’s what counts."

BTW: Rep. Skelton voted FOR the stimulus BUT warns he really wants stimuli -- "While the economic recovery legislation is an important part of our country’s effort to stimulate the economy, it should not be perceived as a silver bullet that will cure all economic ills," he said in his speech on the House floor.

CALL HER MADAME OVERSIGHT -- Sen. Claire McCaskill has been appointed the new chair of a Senate subcommittee focused on Contracting Oversight. It will fall under Sen. Joe Lieberman's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Lieberman on Claire: "With her background as a prosecutor and state auditor, Senator McCaskill has unique investigative experience that will be crucial for this new subcommittee. I am certain that she will approach her new responsibilities with unmatched vigor to improve the value of all the taxpayer dollars devoted to federal contracting." Claire on the gig: "Last year we made major strides in contracting accountability by establishing the Wartime Contracting Commission, and while I look forward to those investigations, we all know that outrageous contracting abuses occur in every facet of government. I can't wait to get to work saving huge money for taxpayers. They deserve it."

PONDER THIS -- If you're Jim Talent, is someone really trying to convince you that waiting '10 out and running against McCaskill in 2012 is the better shot? I'd bet against that right now. It's waay early. But two years in, McCaskill looks like she's making all the right moves . . . grilling Democratic Obama appointees, fighting earmarks, raking up waste and abuse, focusing on veteran's care and problems at Ft. Wood. Talk to some rational Republicans privately, and off-the-record, and they think Claire's doing a good job. Sure, McCaskill could pop off and say something offensive that the G.O.P. HQ will jump on. But that's when that Obama warchest will come in handy . . .

SARAH STEELMAN, by the way, landed safely in Washington late Thursday night for her Friday meetings with the NRSC.

THEN, (FOR JT,) THERE'S THIS . . . WILL THE NAME TREVOR BLACKANN APPEAR IN A 2010 PRIMARY AD . . .? Another former aide to Jack Abramoff has been charged. This time it's wire fraud. The name is Todd Boulanger. Why do we care? Boulanger was a close friend of Trevor Blackann, who pleaded guilty in November to filing a bad tax return that was missing $4,100 in illegal gifts from lobbyists, including Abramoff. Blackann was also an aide to Sen. Kit Bond and Rep. Roy Blunt.

GRADING PAPERS . . . Send your suggestions about how to grade Gov. Nixon's big budget week (week #3) to dcatanese@ky3.com.

Lager Blocks Martinez

HELD UP

As expected, Senate confirmation of Governor Jay Nixon's nominee to head the Department of Economic Development has been delayed.

But the surprise is that it is Sen. Brad Lager --- not Sen. Jim Lembke --- who is putting on the breaks.

FROM THE A.P: Linda Martinez, (far left-top above) previously worked as an attorney for clients who sought economic development incentives. Lager, the Republican nominee for State Treasurer last year, wants a list of the clients Martinez worked for during the past year to guard against potential conflicts of interest. Martinez says she would recuse herself from making decisions involving those clients. Senators postponed her confirmation Thursday but are expected to bring it back up next week.

Senators did confirm Nixon's appointees to direct the departments of Agriculture, Corrections, Labor and Industrial Relations, Public Safety and Social Services.

McCaskill Not Yet Committed On Stimulus

Could Missouri's top Obama ally defy her President on his first big piece of legislation?

The U.S. House approved an $819 billion dollar federal stimulus package Monday, 244-188.

Not a single Republican supported the measure -- not even Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, who was personally courted by Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel with a visit to the White House.

But the House package includes some BIG MO' for Missouri:

$1.2 BILLION for state budget aid

$688 M for highways and bridges

$75 M for mass transit

$344 M for school modernization

$488 M for Pell grants

$13 M for Head Start

STILL: Sen. Claire McCaskill's office said that McCaskill has not yet decided on how to vote. McCaskill spokesperson Maria Speiser said there was some encouraging news because the Senate version, approved by the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday, included more accountability measures. Those include: No earmarks, and more transparency about each funded project. The question is if some of the spending that's considered wasteful in the bill, is even labeled as "an earmark."

"Claire plans to keep her eye on these provisions and others as it moves forward and won’t make a decision about the bill until she sees the final product," Speiser wrote in an e-mail Wednesday afternoon.

Did Pat Leahy Compare Bond to Blago?

It sure seems like it.

Earlier Wednesday, The Washington Times scooped up that Sen. Kit Bond planned to support Eric Holder for Attorney General after the nominee assured him he wouldn't prosecute intelligence officials engaged in harsh interrogation techniques.

According to Talking Points Memo, Judiciary Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy denied that that type of exchange could have happened?

"It would be completely wrong if a senator said, 'I'll vote for you if you promise to withhold prosecution of a crime'," Leahy told Talking Points Memo. "No senator would make a request like that. It'd be improper."

"Maybe Governor [Rod] Blagojevich [D-IL]" would have sought such an assurance, Leahy quipped. He never specifically referenced Bond, who declined to answer questions about the while leaving the Senate chamber this afternoon.

Lembke Wants Martinez To Answer Immigration Questions

New St. Louis State Senator Jim Lembke has sent a letter to Governor Jay Nixon's nominee to head Economic Development, asking her to outline her views on immigration before she's confirmed.

***

Lembke's letter to Economic Development nominee Linda Martinez states he has "a few questions regarding the correlation between job protection and illegal immigration."

These are the four listed in Lembke's letter:

• Over the last two years, the Legislature has worked on measures to curb the proliferation of illegal immigration in Missouri. How will you work with the legislature to see that illegal immigration is curbed in Missouri?
• Do you think Missouri has the constitutional authority to enact any laws regarding undocumented workers/illegal aliens? If so give an example.
• How would you protect the prevailing wage from being devalued by undocumented workers?
• Do you believe state-funded welfare benefits should be available to illegal immigrants?
  

Some conservatives are upset/energized over Martinez's previous comments about illegal immigration that she made during appearance on Lou Dobbs' CNN program back in 2006. At that time, Martinez, a St. Louis attorney, represented opponents of an ordinance designed to prevent landlords from renting to illegal immigrants.

During her CNN appearance, Martinez said local ordinances should not be able to address the issue. "The power to control immigration issues is addressed by the Constitution and delegated solely to the federal government. It's not to be administered on a local basis by cities and states. It's supposed to be mandated on a national basis -- a consistent national policy so there's not a patchwork of ordinances," Martinez said.

Read the rest of the transcript from her appearance HERE.

WT: Bond Will Support Holder

The Washington Times is reporting that Sen. Kit Bond will support Eric Holder's nomination for Attorney General because Holder has assured him privately that he will not prosecute former Bush administration officials involved in enhanced interrogation programs.

***

"I made it clear that trying to prosecute political leaders would generate a political firestorm the Obama administration doesn't need," Bond said in an interview. "I was concerned about previous statements he made and others had made. He gave me assurances that he would not take those steps that would cause major disruptions in our intelligence system or cause political warfare. We don't need that kind of political warfare. He gave me assurances he is looking forward. I believe he will look forward to keep the nation safe and not look backwards to prosecute intelligence operators who were fighting terror and kept our country safe since 9/11."

B.J. Marsh Considering The 7th

Former Springfield State House member B.J. Marsh says he'll look at a run for Congress if Roy Blunt opts for a U.S. Senate run.

"I'm going to take a look at it. I have so many customers from my travel business from Joplin to Carthage to all over this area, I think my name I.D. would be pretty good," Marsh told The Notebook Wednesday.

***

Marsh had previously been eyeing a possible run for the #30th District State Senate seat, and even flirted with an independent candidacy. He said that's still on the table, but that Sen. Kit Bond's announcement changes his options, and will most likely open up the 7th Congressional District.

"I'm not a very cocky person," Marsh said. "But you just got to look at name I.D. I was raised in the Greenfield, Miller area, ran around in Joplin for awhile. Almost half of my customers come from Joplin and Mt. Vernon. I have probably between 6 and 8 thousand customers there."

When asked about a potential rival candidacy of Sen. Gary Nodler, Marsh said: "I think the candidate that comes out of the east is going to win because of the large population. Now if you get 2 people from here, then Nodler probably gets it."

Also mentions he's heard Sen. Jack Goodman is seriously considering a run, but continued to emphasize the name identification advantage he would bring to the race.

Asked about his weaknesses, Marsh replied: Age. He's 68 and has battled health problems. "My age would probably be a negative, even though it shouldn't be. I really don't think my health is an issue, David. Doctors have given me a clear run. You never know at my age, but my health is controlled with a Pacemaker. I don't have a heart problem. It's controlled."

Marsh also said he's waiting to hear if there might be an opportunity for him in the Nixon administration doing something in economic development or tourism. "There's a possibility. I was asked if there was anything I might be interested in, and I might be. If it's something I like doing, I might not run for anything."

On Nixon's job so far: "I sure think he's doing a good job. He's keeping his promises and following through with what he campaigned on. There seems to be a lot more bipartisanship up there than I've seen in a long time, even among Republicans. I think we need that and I really think he's going to do good."

Kinder, Nixon Recognize Ice Storm

Noticeably, there were no mentions during the State of the State festivities Tuesday night, but on Wednesday both Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and Governor Jay Nixon recognized the thousands that remain without power in the southern most parts of Missouri.

***

KINDER'S STATEMENT:

"Over past 24 hours, many towns and communities across the southern portion of our state have been crippled by devastating winter weather. These storms have resulted in mass power outages, transportation problems and the need to open warming shelters in many towns. From speaking with local government officials, it appears that Scott and Stoddard Counties have been some of the hardest hit in our state. A short time ago, I sent a letter to Gov. Nixon asking him to declare a state of emergency for the regions hit hardest by this storm. At this hour, it is apparent that these towns need our help. During this crisis, we must respond quickly with the full resources of the State Emergency Management Agency and the Missouri National Guard."

***

NIXON ORDERS NATIONAL GUARD HELP:

"Several cities in southeast Missouri are without power, and members of the Guard will help ensure that crucial service providers such as hospitals, nursing homes and water treatment facilities are able to function,” Gov. Nixon said. “I commend the men and women of the Missouri National Guard for always being at the ready to help their fellow Missourians."

Guard soldiers will be supporting locals in southern and southeast Missouri. It isn't clear if any Guard troops are in southwest Missouri, but thousands of residents in Barry, Stone and Taney counties remain without power.

The winter storm event has received blanket coverage on KY3 newscasts, as well as other southwest Missouri T.V. stations.

On The Wolf

Tune into Springfield's 100.5 The Wolf today around noon to hear me talk with Clint about a little blogging, a little politics and probably something a little unexpected.

Or listen HERE LIVE.

"My Budget Invests In People"

NIXON'S STATE OF THE STATE

Covering icy weather in Arkansas, I listened to Governor Jay Nixon's first State of the State address on the radio in a news car on a slick Highway 65. (Read Nixon's entire speech and Watch how KY3 News @ 10 played it briefly, buried in weather coverage, HERE.) The first impression I got from the speech is that it seemed well-delivered, in part because Nixon spoke slower (than he usually does) during important points.

Secondly, it was striking how centrist, pragmatic and dare I say Republicany, it seemed? Some Democrats may argue with the way I'm pegging the ideology, but the words/phrases used in the speech are many of the words Matt Blunt used to make his case. "We must help small businesses grow . . . We believe in fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets . . .The Quality Jobs Act has worked . . . That's why my budget provides full funding for ethanol and bio-fuels . . . We won't raise taxes . . .We are embarking on an unprecedented initiative to make government leaner and more efficient . . .I will appoint a Taxpayer Protection Commission . . ." I could go on . . .

The most controversial plank of Nixon's budget was left for the latter end of the speech. His new budget would expand healthcare coverage to 62,000 more Missourians; 35,000 adults and 27,000 children. He acknowledged he'll need federal money to do this. But the Associated Press quotes House Speaker Ron Richard with the reaction of the night: "Expand Medicaid? We're not going to do that."

The other big news in the speech was Nixon's big cuts: eliminating about 1300 state employees, and cutting 50 state programs. "Many bureaucratic positions will be consolidated or eliminated altogether. Hundreds of additional positions that are currently unoccupied will not be filled," Nixon said.

Though it's clear Nixon wants Elementary and Secondary administrators to tighten their staffing belts, most educators are probably happy. But one proposed cut that will grab their attention --- a 17 percent cut for the state's "virtual school program" that provides online courses for K thru 12 students.

There was no mention of the looming issue of transportation funding in his address.

KINDER RESPONDS
The Republican Party's top leader in Missouri responded, and these seem to be Lt. Gov Peter Kinder's biggest points of contention:

• "Our Republican legislators are leading the effort to expand Missouri’s Quality Jobs Act to attract more business to our state. The folks at the Missouri Department of Economic Development are the ones tasked with finding new, innovative ways to brings jobs to our communities. But tonight, the Governor has cut over $23 million from that department. That’s $23 million being taken from future jobs and businesses in Missouri," Kinder said.

• "Tonight, the Governor has cut nearly $24 million from the Department of Mental Health; over $7 million from services targeted for developmentally disabled adults. And he has proposed dramatic staffing cuts at mental health centers in our state. We respectfully oppose these cuts," Kinder added.

• Kinder also takes issue with "cuts" or "withholds" from education and law enforcement.

• But then he hits Nixon for depending on the federal stimulus to pay for some of his promises. The Governor has proposed a state budget built around the hope of federal stimulus dollars.

  "What if these dollars don’t arrive? What if we don’t get nearly as much as expected? Can we really spend our way back to prosperity?," Kinder said. Then our entire budget would have been written on a bad check. A budget based on a one time bailout is NO long-term plan. We need an enduring vision for our state’s economy, not a budget propped up on debt that will have to be paid back by our children and grandchildren."

OTHER REACTION:
Mo. Budget Project: “Restoring access to Medicaid for families with incomes under 50 percent of the poverty level is a good first step and a critical investment for Missouri’s future. Additional funding for outreach to enroll children who are currently eligible for Medicaid or SCHIP is also a critical investment for our state," said Executive Director Amy Blouin. "Our state should focus on policies that stimulate economic growth, including creating a State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and expanding access to Child Care Assistance," she added.
Mo. United For Life: "For the first time in years, a Missouri governor delivered a state of the state address that did not discuss the importance of protecting the sanctity of human life. Governor Nixon discussed many other issues that he believes to be priorities, but protecting innocent life and helping expectant mothers choose life are obviously not part of his agenda," said Missourians United for Life's President Ed Martin.

"When You Decide, You Divide"

Governor Jay Nixon delivers his first State of the State address tonight at 7 p.m.

You can watch his address live online HERE.

Lt. Gov Peter Kinder will give the response.

Meanwhile, Ozarks T.V. stations are wall-to-wall covering the ice storm that's left thousands without power in Northwest Arkansas.

New GOP Chair Still Undecided on RNC Head

New Missouri Republican Party Chair David Cole says he's not yet decided who he will support to become the next national chairman of his party.

In an interview with the KY3 Political Notebook Monday night, Cole said he doesn't believe the two other voting members from Missouri have reached a decision either.

Six candidates are vying for votes around the country for an election that will be held this Friday. According to the website YourRNC.com, current RNC Chair Mike Duncan leads the race among pledged supporters.
***
"I'm a late comer to the process, but I've received a whole lot of information and I think we have several very fine candidates," said Cole, who lives in Cassville. "I don't have any inclination as to what I'm going to do yet." Cole said he couldn't yet narrow down the field of candidates, but added that he plans to fly to Washington, D.C. late Tuesday (weather-permitting) for meetings with some of the candidates.

Asked how much a national chair means to an individual state like Missouri, Cole said the selection would be critical because the RNC head "controls resources." "Obviously it's important for Missouri in 2010 with Senator Bond's retirement. The RNC chair will set priorities and the tone."

Lance Beshore of Joplin and Ann Dickinson of Kansas City are Missouri's two other RNC members. "It my understanding they've not (made up their minds,)" Cole said.

Bond Misses Geithner Vote

Due to mechanical problems with his plane out of St. Louis, Sen. Kit Bond missed the Senate's confirmation vote on Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner.

The Senate approved Geither's nomination 64-34 Monday, with the majority of the Republican caucus voting "no."

"Sadly, Senator Bond’s plane out of St. Louis this afternoon had mechanical problems, so he missed tonight’s vote on Geithner. He was looking forward, however, to voting no," Bond spokesperson Shana Marchio wrote in an e-mail to The Notebook.

Fortunately, Marchio was kind enough to forward us a colorful quote from Bond as well:

"Mr. Geithner is a talented man, but when our system depends on voluntary compliance, it sends the wrong message to have him heading tax enforcement, like having a chain smoker for Surgeon General," Bond said in a statement.

The Democrats that voted against Geithner were Tom Harkin of Iowa, Robert Byrd of West Virginia and Russ Feingold of Wisconsin.

Shields Appoints Special Committee To Handle Stimulus

Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields has appointed a special legislative committee to help secure and oversee money from a potential federal stimulus package.

***

Sen. Scott Rupp will chair the Senate Select Committee on Oversight of the Federal Stimulus Plan. Their first meeting will be Wednesday at 2 p.m.

The committee has invited Governor Jay Nixon, Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and all members of the Congressional delegation to speak before the committee to share "information and strategies" for securing an anticipated $1 trillion dollars. "We want to make sure Missourians get their federal tax dollars invested back into programs and jobs that can improve our daily lives, rather than going to pay for our neighboring states," Shields said. "By acting quickly and overseeing the securing of federal funding, we can better work through our challenges to sustain economic prosperity and a high quality of life for Missourians for years to come," he said.

Ozarks members of the committee include Sen. Chuck Purgason, who will focus on agriculture funds and Sen. Jack Goodman, who will focus on justice funds.

Week 2: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 2 GRADE: B -

If Governor Nixon is able to protect his deal that freezes tuition in exchange for stable funding at Missouri colleges and universities in 2010, it will be an early political coup that becomes part of a pitch for re-election down the road. But it also sets great expectations for future years during an economic period that is volatile and uncertain. Will revenues recover enough for him to continue his pledge for 2011? 2012? Or could this pledge just compound the long-term problem? These are some of the questions that defined Nixon's second week in office as one of unknowns. With his budget to be unveiled Tuesday, week two was filled with intrigue and wonder. If not higher ed, what will be cut? K through 12? Can you just do it through efficiencies? (It was his prerogative to offer few hints.) Republicans were taken a bit off guard by Nixon's call to delay a contract for a new emergency radio system. If he is able to find a cheaper, better way to do it, he'll boost his fiscal responsibility cred. (But again, this is an unknown.) Nixon gets points for some bold moves, sprinkled with political surprise. But the higher ed rollout was not without a snafu. Some of the 2-year institutions felt snubbed by not getting a heads up about the announcement about their own agreement. The 2-years already feel like they get treated as a different class, and a visit from the new Governor would have been a small gesture that would have went a long way politically. Still, if he's able to keep his funding pledge and extend it down the road, that will all likely to be long forgotten. This week is like grading the first rough draft of a term paper. It has promise, but needs flourishing out.

Nixon's Week One Grade: A-

Nixon Tiptoes Around Big Budget Questions

WAIT TIL' TUESDAY

READ BETWEEN THE WORDS

There were essentially four big questions posed to Governor Jay Nixon regarding Missouri's budget Friday. Nixon purposefully and even admittedly danced around answering them, but the way he responded may give us some clues to where he could be heading when he unveils the 2010 budget Tuesday. (You can watch Nixon's answers to the big four in the clip above.)

1) Since Higher Ed is safe from cuts, does that mean elementary and secondary education is vulnerable? Nixon left that on the table, but unclear. His answer: "I think Tuesday we'll present the full budget and we'll lay down what are some difficult choices in other areas." It would be hard to see Nixon pitting school levels against each other and forcing K through 12 schools to take the full hit, but he kept his cards close to the vest there.

2) Are the Access Missouri scholarships that benefit private school students likely to be cut or scaled back? Of the three big questions, Nixon revealed the most on this one. The scholarships, which were established in 2006, have been a point of contention for many Democrats and leaders of state colleges, who complain that public money shouldn't be prioritized for private students, especially if their families are wealthy. Many in the education world believe this is where Nixon is most likely to make a change, possibly scaling back the available pool for private school students. "There may be some areas in Access Missouri that we look at," Nixon said. "It would not be beyond thought that there are some work done, not in the level of commitment, but just in how that commitment is spent," he said. Possible meaning: Shifting more scholarship money to public institutions and away from private schools. Look for conservative Republicans to fight this.

3) Will Nixon withhold any higher education money from the current fiscal year to help balance the projected $261 million dollar deficit? The Springfield News Leader's Chad Livengood, (who makes a cameo appearance in the video above), posed the "withhold" question, and Nixon acknowledged he wasn't offering a clear answer. Watch the latter part of the above clip for his full answer. The short version: Nixon said it's certainly a priority to release 2009 funds as planned, but he can't tell students and faculty "never, never, never." He clearly can't rule withholds out.

4) Is Nixon banking on the federal economic stimulus package to help? Possibly in 2010, but not likely this year, he said. The focus for now is fiscal year 2009 because it's obviously much more imminent. Nixon said he doesn't expect to depend on money from Congress to help sure the state by June. "We will be watching very carefully what happens in the coming months because I think anything that would happen in D.C. would carry on out. It's not going to be of immediate assistance to us here," Nixon said.

Sarah Goes To Washington

Former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman will fly to Washington, D.C. next week for a meeting with the G.O.P's National Senate Committee Chair about a potential 2010 bid to replace Kit Bond.

***

Steelman's meeting with Senator John Cornyn of Texas will cover all aspects of a potential race, including why she thinks she could be the best candidate and her fundraising capabilities.

"It's what you do if you're serious," David Steelman, Sarah's husband, told The Notebook Friday.

PLUS: Mixed signals about Jim Talent

AND: Democratic Secretary of State Robin Carnahan spoke on the record about a potential run in St. Joseph Friday.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT ABOUT ROY BLUNT, STEELMAN & TALENT HERE

Memo: Federal Stimulus May Require Tuition Restrictions

A memo distributed to state lawmakers Friday suggests that colleges and universities that receive particular money from a possible federal stimulus package would be required to use it to help keep tuition costs down.

The memo, obtained by The Ky3 Political Notebook, was presented to state lawmakers in Columbia today during a meeting with University of Missouri leaders.

The 16-page document outlines the draft bill of the federal stimulus package, and the restrictions that would be involved. Under the education section, it lists $79 billion dollars for "state fiscal stabilization." It reads: "A public institution of higher education that receives funds under this title shall use the funds for education and general expenditures, and in such a way as to mitigate the need to raise tuition and fees for in-State students. An institution of higher education may not use funds received under this title for construction, renovation, or facility repair."

The Republican source from Jefferson City who provided the document said that "we've been told through channels that the House version would specifically speak to tuition increases as part of education funding."

Wording is key in all of this, and it's likely to change easily as Congress begins to piece it together.

But when I asked Governor Jay Nixon today if he had any knowledge that a tuition freeze would be a requirement for states to use economic stimulus money, he said, "no."

Friday Levity From Nixon's Event

LIGHTS OUT!

***MUST-WATCH CLIP ABOVE***

The punch-line: "Some of those include jobs in the power industry."

A similar lighting problem occurred at a Kenny Hulshof event this summer.

Nixon Announces His 2-Year Plan At MSU

Governor Jay Nixon made official his tuition agreement with 2-year colleges Friday, two days after Ozarks Technical Community College confirmed the deal to KY3.

***

Curiously, Nixon made his "new" announcement at Missouri State University, a 4-year institution. A Nixon spokesperson explained that MSU President Michael Nietzel was instrumental in nailing the event down for his school. Nixon also had to meet with Nietzel to discuss other issues.

There are also indications that some leaders at community colleges weren't given a heads up that the official announcement about their agreement would be coming this morning. It's fair to say the way the announcement was handled has irked some officials in the 2-year community.

The deal for the 2-year and community colleges will freeze their state funding for the next fiscal year in exchange for a pledge not to hike tuition. Hundreds packed into a room in Plaster Student Union to hear the Governor and President Nietzel praise the agreements.

More VIDEO: Blunt Ribs Obama on Gitmo, Then Tips Hat to History

In the above clip, Congressman Roy Blunt explains his concerns with President Obama's decision to close Guantanamo Bay.

"During the campaign it was very easy to say, we're going to close Guantanamo Bay, Day 1, it's going to be the first thing we do, with every indication that it would be closed. And now we see, it's much more complicated than that," said Congressman Blunt. "I'm perfectly happy with them being in Guantanamo," he added, referring to the prisoners.

In the second clip, Blunt speaks about what it was like to be on the stage with President Obama during his Inauguration.

Notes that the D.C. crowd was "not nearly as big as originally people thought," but adds, "certainly that moment crossed a huge barrier in our society that was really important to cross."

KY3's Chad Plein reported on Blunt's opposition to delaying the DTV transition. You can watch his report HERE.

Roy Is Serious About The Senate

At a press conference in Springfield Friday morning, Congressman Roy Blunt said what the political world expected him to say -- that he's obviously considering a run for U.S. Senate.

"There is more focus on the fight in the Senate because the minority in the Senate has a bigger voice than the minority in the House, that's a reason to go."

***WATCH THE FULL CLIP ABOVE***

Nixon Back For Another Friday Springfield Stop

TGIF

Governor Jay Nixon will hold a 2:30 p.m. news conference at Missouri State University to offer more details about his higher education funding agreement.

He's also expected to detail a second component of the agreement, focusing on "job training and workforce development."

The news conference is slated to be held at Plaster Student Union.

ALSO: NIXON'S 2nd WEEK GRADE

DEVELOPING . . .

Abortion Foes Prepare To Fight FOCA

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Thousands converged on the nation's capitol Thursday to mark the 36th anniversary of Roe versus Wade. But anti-abortion supporters are already looking ahead toward what could be their first big legislative battle.

Much has been made of President Obama's reversal of an executive order that banned abortion funding for non-governmental groups working outside the U.S. But abortion opponents already have their sights set on another piece of legislation, called FOCA. That's short for Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA).

First introduced in 2007, FOCA is meant to protect a woman's right to begin, prevent or continue a pregnancy. Anti-abortion groups are worried about it because President Obama has said he would sign the bill into law.

What would FOCA mean locally? Click HERE for the full story.

For more on the Catholic church's position on FOCA, click HERE.

For more on Planned Parenthood's position, click HERE.

Bond Blasts Obama's Gitmo Decision

SKELTON ALSO ISSUES CONCERNS
While Democrats are applauding President Obama's decision to begin closing the Guantanamo prison, Sen. Kit Bond dares California to take the prisoners.

"I can't think of any city or town across this country that will be thrilled to have Khalid Shaikh Mohammed or Abu Zubaydah living down the street," said Sen. Kit Bond of Missouri, referring to the Sept. 11 mastermind and a top al Qaeda operative. "If you really want to bring them back to the United States, people in Missouri and Kansas believe Gitmo is just fine. Folks in San Francisco want it closed. I'd suggest you put them in Alcatraz."

Democratic Representative Ike Skelton, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, also said the administration must still determine "how to prosecute known terrorists with the full force of the law so that convictions stick; what to do with other hard-core detainees so that they do not return to the battlefield; and where to place detainees in the short term and the long term."
***

Bond scoffed at the idea of releasing the prisoners to other countries, saying other countries have been unwilling to accept detainees. Republicans also claimed that 61 detainees already released have been "found back on the battlefield."

The San Francisco Chronicle also reports Bond said the orders leave Obama the option - and he encouraged him to use it - to secretly allow harsher interrogation techniques by the CIA.

Dixon Preps To Take The Lead on Transportation

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon won the key chairmanship of the House Transportation Committee this legislative session. He said he requested a seat on the committee, but was "very happy" when Speaker Ron Richard asked him to head it up.

***

Dixon, of the 140th district, met with MoDOT leaders and the State Highway Commission have met and outlined the following priorities that will get a "fair hearing" before his committee:

• WRECKAGE REMOVAL -- MoDOT wants lawmakers to look at modifying the legislation on the time necessary to respond to clean up abandoned or wrecked automobiles on the highways. Right now, rural areas have 48 hours for so-called "wreckage removal," whereas urban areas have just 10 hours. MoDot says it should probably be consistent around the state.
• RED LIGHT CAMERAS -- Springfield has them. Arnold has them. But most towns don't. Dixon says implementing standards for red light cameras statewide could creep up in his committee.
• PRIMARY SEAT BELT LAW -- The bill that would allow police officers to pull someone over simply for not wearing a seatbelt is again on the table. "It's very controversial," says Dixon. He's promised it a fair hearing in his committee. "We'll have the discussion," says Dixon. But his position? "In general, I have a lot of respect for civil liberties and less government. I tend to think people can think for themselves." The bill has died the last few years.

While transportation funding will be the most pressing issue the state faces, Dixon said a special committee called Infrastructure & Transportation Funding will mostly deal with that.

The proposed federal economic stimulus is estimated to give $30 billion dollars to state transportation department, including about $500 million to Missouri.

Dixon also says the recent shuffle in Missouri politics hasn't changed his future political plans. He still says he's planning to run for the #30th District State Senate seat in 2010, but adds: "I really don't know what's going to happen next."

Blunt Meets The Press

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

For the first time since Sen. Kit Bond's announcement, Congressman Roy Blunt will hold a media availability in Springfield Friday.

***

The topic of Blunt's Friday morning news conference will be the upcoming digital television transition, and its importance to public safety.

The event is set for 11:30 a.m. at KOZK Studios in Missouri State University's Strong Hall.

***Predictions on what he might say?***

The Post-Dispatch cornered him on Capitol Hill today. Blunt said: "I’m looking at it very seriously. I’m making some calls and people are calling me."

DEVELOPING . . .

New Mo. Deficit Projection: $261 Million

$HRINKING, BUT STILL $IGNIFICANT

Governor Jay Nixon along with State House and Senate leadership agree on a projected budget deficit of $261 million dollars for the 2009 fiscal year.

***

"Achieving that balanced budget will be difficult, but if we continue to demonstrate the spirit in which this consensus was developed, it is possible," said Sen. Gary Nodler of Joplin, the Senate Appropriations Chair.

These updated figures released Thursday evening now project state revenues to decline by 4 percent this fiscal year compared to 2008.

McCaskill Has Concerns About Deputy Defense Nominee

THE D.C. A.P -- Senate action on President Barack Obama's pick to become the No. 2 official at the Pentagon slowed on Thursday after lawmakers realized he might require an exemption from the administration's own lobbying rules.

Sen. Claire McCaskill is quoted in the story, saying she'll probably vote for William J. Lynn III, but voiced concerns about his lobbying ties.

From the wire story:

Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, who has established a reputation as a watchdog on government waste and ethics issues, said she has concerns about the nomination but will support it so long as Lynn promises to become "a reformer" on the job. "I am more worried sometimes about the (revolving) door going the other way," when officials leave government agencies to become lobbyists, she told reporters. Lynn is "giving up money to come back for less salary to do public work. I think under those circumstances, he deserves the benefit of the doubt," she said.

Filling The Cabinet

CONFIRMED

3 Nixon Appointees Win Senate Approval

***

Kelvin Simmons as Commissioner of Administration

Karen King Mitchell as Director of the Department of Revenue

Stephen Danner as Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard

The three were swiftly confirmed on a single voice vote.

Nixon has still not filled his entire cabinet. The director of the Insurance Department has yet to be named.

Count Him Out

Cross one name off the list of potentials to run for the 7th Congressional District.

Former State Representative and president of Associated Industries of Missouri, Gary Marble, is not interested, according to a spokesperson.

In response to the post below on Rep. Shane Schoeller's potential run for Congress, Paul Sloca sent The Notebook this:

"Gary Marble is focused solely on serving as Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer’s district director and has absolutely no interest in running for the 7th Congressional District seat if a vacancy should occur," said Paul Sloca, press secretary for U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer.

Schoeller Considering Run For Congress

"People Are Giving Me Confidence"

The Republican Representative from the #139th State House District tells The Notebook he's considering a run for Congress if Roy Blunt goes through with a U.S. Senate bid.

Rep. Shane Schoeller says he's been listening and talking to people about a bid for the 7th Congressional District.

"I think it's something we're going to look at. I just want to make sure it there would be a potential that you'd be the victor in a potential race," Schoeller said. "I know quite a few Republicans around the 7th District and you can get a good gauge. What surprised me, is the number of people I've had say, 'You were one of the people we would hope run.' People are giving me confidence."

Schoeller, who grew up in Taney County and has lived in Polk County, could do very well along the Highway 65 corridor, according to one Springfield conservative.

This same conservative, who asked for anonymity so not to offend any of the potential candidates, says he's heard Schoeller inquiring about Club For Growth ratings, and how his votes might win favor with the influential conservative group.

Schoeller said he has not talked to Rep. Blunt since Sen. Kit Bond's announcement, but wouldn't expect any official backing. "I think if you're going to do this, you've got to prove you can do it on your own," he said.

Sen. Jack Goodman, Sen. Gary Nodler and former Joplin State Rep. Gary Marble have been mentioned as potential Republican candidates in the 7th District. Schoeller cautions he has no timeline until Blunt makes his move. "Until Roy makes his announcement, nobody's going to decide anything," he said.

Davis To Run For The #137th In 2010

Republican Charity Davis says she will challenge Rep. Charlie Norr for the #137th legislative district seat in 2010.

She made the announcement . . . on FACEBOOK, (where else?)

In a Facebook message to The Notebook (yes, I've recently relented too), the anti-abortion, pro-gun Davis said she's determined to launch a campaign.

"I am determined to serve the people of the 137th district. I love my neighbors. I witness the struggles that they are going through; struggles that I have faced myself. Clearly, something must be done. I desire to strengthen homes and families. Families are central to our society. If we do not take care of families, we are failing to care for our nation. I want to seek out and work for those solutions that will better our lives as individuals, and as families," wrote Davis.

TIME Warns Of Shovel-Ready vs. Shovel-Worthy

THE MUST-READ BEFORE WE PASS A STIMULUS

Missouri transportation officials have already said they are ready to proceed with many "shovel-ready" road projects if some version of President Barack Obama's proposed $825 billion dollar economic stimulus package survives the wrath of Congress.

But in the Jan. 26th edition of TIME magazine, journalist Michael Grunwald brings up the relevant question of "shovel-ready" vs. "shovel-worthy." Grunwald, who pokes holes exposing some possible pitfalls of the stimulus, points out that some road projects that states may want to pursue may not be worthwhile for the longterm.

"Many projects are shovel-ready now only because they failed to clear the spectacularly low bar Congress set for pork in the past," writes Grunwald.

Grunwald also argues that fixing existing roads might be smarter than building new ones. "When you fix a road, you increase your need for future road repairs. When you build a road, you increase your need for future road repairs. Repairs are also quicker to get moving than new construction . . . New construction tends to produce rural or exurban sprawl roads that promote speculative development, overstretch municipal services, lengthen commutes and increase gasoline consumption and emissions," he writes.

Grunwald also makes a passing critique of Missouri's plans for road improvements with the stimulus. "Meanwhile states like Alabama, Kansas and Texas have been releasing lists of shovel-ready transportation projects that are dramatically skewed toward out of the way sprawl roads. Missouri's list was all roads, none of them in St. Louis."

Fuzzy Math

CLIMBING OUT OF THE RED?

Governor Jay Nixon's higher education funding deal to keep funding flat raises new questions about the size of Missouri's budget deficit and what could be on the chopping block.

HIGHER ED CHAIR SEES "NO WITHHOLDS"; ICET NOT SURE

2-YEARS ALSO INCLUDED IN DEAL; NOT YET SAYS NIXON'S OFFICE

HIGDON: $340 M DEFICIT NO LONGER CORRECT

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

A deal between Missouri's new Governor and higher education institutions could possibly save schools from any cut in funding next year. In early December, Jay Nixon's top budget adviser projected a $340 million dollar deficit by June.

But the rollout of this agreement coupled with comments from Missouri lawmakers and higher education officials seem to indicate that Missouri's financial picture might not be as bleak as originally thought.

On the other hand, maybe not.

And that raises the question of, if not higher education, then what?

Nixon's agreement received cautiously optimistic praise from some key House Republicans Wednesday. House Higher Education Chair Gayle Kingery said he's hearing good feedback from schools. "I like the concept, it's a good trade-off in these tough economic times," Kingery said.

Kingery seemed bullish on the budget picture that Missouri faces, doubting that the state would have to "do withholds," meaning holding back some funding during the current fiscal year. "I think we can come out even, on target," Kingery said. "I don't anticipate any big withholds. The last numbers I saw showed we're about even."

Kingery said he expects a negative third quarter, but thinks by June, "we're going to be doing all right." He credits "good fiscal management" over the past three years by former Governor Matt Blunt and the G.O.P. legislature. "We're in better shape than anybody surrounding us. You've got to realize, when Governor Nixon took office, he inherited a $300 million dollar reserve, Blunt inherited a billion dollar deficit," he said.

House Budget Chair Allen Icet said he was a bit surprised by Nixon's announcement, but "liked the part about not passing the bill onto parents." Still, Icet has questions. He said he wants to know if Access Scholarships are included under Nixon's higher education umbrella. Those scholarships are controversial among some Democrats because they provide money to private colleges.

"Is this truly feasible for 2010," wondered Icet in an interview, noting that he's still unclear if Nixon's decision is based on potential withholds for 2009. "The devil's in the details."

While Nixon did not come to Springfield Wednesday, Missouri State University president Michael Nietzel held a media availability and acknowledged current year withholdings could be a possibility. "It's conceivable that at some point, the state may say, we're going to have to take a little back this year to make it work. If that occurs, we'll deal with it," Nietzel said.

Another question that arose was whether 2-year and community colleges were included in this no cuts for no hikes deal. Ozarks Technical Community College president Hal Higdon told KY3 that his school has the "same agreement as the 4-year institutions."

Higdon, who spoke to us after a day of lobbying lawmakers in Jefferson City, said, "anything that is not a cut is a good thing."

Nixon spokesperson Scott Holste would not confirm that a 2-year agreement had yet been reached, but said the Nixon administration was working on it.

But Higdon also indicated that he believes the $340 million dollar deficit projected last month is no longer a relevant number.

"The projections are looking much better. I don't believe it's anywhere near that. I think if there is a withholding, it'll be much less than that," Higdon said.

The caveat? Revenue over the next few months. "We're only in January," Higdon cautioned. "The devil's in the details."

Yes, and right now the details on Missouri's budget projection seems fuzzy.

McCaskill Questions LaHood On Earmarks

It was smooth sailing for former U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood at his Transportation Secretary confirmation hearing Wednesday -- except for Claire, reports Chicago's Daily Herald.

***

The Hill reports LaHood endured "aggressive questioning" from McCaskill.

"Clearly there is some robbing Peter to pay Paul that goes on," she said. "How do you view your job in terms of bringing more transparency to the process?," McCaskill asked LaHood.

"The longtime Republican congressman from Peoria got rave reviews from most lawmakers, although Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill pressured him on earmarks," reports the Herald.

For years, LaHood has secured millions of dollars in earmarks for his Illinois district. Citizens Against Government Waste has dubbed him "Porker of the Month."

THE HERALD REPORTS LAHOOD'S ANSWER:

"President Obama has made it clear in his economic stimulus bill there will be no earmark money," LaHood told McCaskill, adding it's up to members of Congress to police the earmark process. Referring to the upcoming highway reauthorization bill, historically a repository of pork, he noted, "if it doesn't have one earmark it won't cost me any heartburn."

THE HILL REPORTS MCCASKILL'S CONCERN:

"McCaskill said she is worried about the prospect of earmarks in the massive highway bill that lawmakers will begin writing this year. Her time in Washington, she said, has shown her that earmarks often go to the districts or states with the most senior members of Congress, not necessarily the most worthy projects."

Shields Names Senate Chairs

SHIELDS TAPS DEM LEADER TO CHAIR CMT.

State Senate Leader Charlie Shields appointed chairs to 18 Senate committees Wednesday, including Democratic Minority Leader Victor Callahan. Sen. Callahan of Independence will chair the Progress & Development Committee.

"I believe we – Republicans and Democrats – must work together to address the emerging issues that affect our everyday lives," Shields said. "That is why I named a committee to be chaired by the Democrat leader. By working across party lines, the committees and, more importantly, the chairmen and chairwomen I have named, will be able to successfully advance quality legislation that will benefit the people of Missouri," he added.

OZARKS CHAIRS INCLUDE:

Sen. Dan Clemens: Agriculture, Food Production, Outdoor Resources Cmt.

Sen. Gary Nodler: Appropriations Cmt.

Sen. Delbert Scott: Financial & Governmental Organizations and Elections Cmt.

Sen. Jack Goodman: General Laws Cmt.

Sen. Chuck Purgason: Governmental Accountability & Fiscal Oversight Cmt.

Sen. Norma Champion: Health, Mental Health, Seniors & Families Cmt.

Clemens also announced he was broadening the name of the Agriculture Committee to "better emphasize what agriculture means to the state." "By emphasizing what this industry means to Missouri—even through something as simple as a committee name change—we can clarify our vision for agriculture’s place in Missouri’s future," said Clemens in a statement.

Talent Back On The Hill Thursday

Former Senator Jim Talent will testify on Capitol Hill Thursday as vice-chairman of the Congressional commission charged with investigating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

***

The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. in the House Rayburn Building, Room 2118.

For more on the commission's work, click HERE.

"Devil's In The Details"

House Budget Chair Rep. Allen Icet says Governor Jay Nixon's higher education deal for no 2010 cuts in exchange for no tuition hikes came as "a bit of a surprise."

Says he heard about it through a call while the Governor was making the announcement

Rep. Icet tells The Notebook he likes the part about "not passing a bill on to parents," but wonders, "Is this truly feasible for 2010?"

Adds he still isn't sure if this is part of a higher ed withholding for FY2009.

"The Devil's in the details," says Icet.

In a separate interview, Ozarks Technical Community College President Hal Higdon thanks Nixon for his efforts, but uses the exact same language to describe the budget picture: "The devil's in the details."

ALSO: House Higher Education Chair Gayle Kingery seems bullish on the plan.

DEVELOPING . . .

FOR KY3 NEWS @ 10

No Hikes, No Cuts

FREEZE

Governor Jay Nixon has reached an agreement with Missouri's 4-year colleges and universities that would keep funding flat for 2010 in exchange for a pledge not to raise tuition.

"While students in many other states are likely to face double-digit tuition increases next year, Missouri students can rest assured that their tuition rates will stay the same. It will take more of these innovative, collaborative agreements to get our economy moving in the right direction," said Governor Nixon in a statement Wednesday.

"This agreement is a real investment in Missouri’s economy and our future. I commend Gov. Nixon for bringing everyone to the table to develop a solution that puts Missouri’s students first." said Missouri State University President Michael Nietzel.

Lawmakers will have the final say when they craft the budget.

Nixon is touring the state today, but won't be in Springfield, to tout the agreement.

Nietzel held a media availability Wednesday afternoon.

DEVELOPING . . .

Obama-Mentum?!?

GREENE COUNTY DEMS HOPE TO CAPITALIZE ON STATEWIDE & NATIONAL GAINS

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

***CLICK ABOVE TO WATCH A SPECIAL JINGLE***

The three local Democrats performed at the Springfield Inaugural Party Tuesday night.

Patterson Thinks Lampe Will Run For State Senate

The Executive Director of the Greene County Democrats says he believes #138th District State Representative Sara Lampe will take the plunge into the #30 District State Senate race in 2010.

***

#140th District Republican State Rep. Bob Dixon has already said he's running. Lampe, widely considered the strongest Democratic candidate, has not disclosed her plans. Insiders say she's not yet settled on a decision.

***WATCH CLIPS ABOVE***

At Tuesday night's Ozarks Inaugural Party at the Union Hall in north Springfield, Matthew Patterson spoke to The Notebook about a variety of topics:

• He believes Democrats could pick up one or two more seats in Greene County if 2010 redistricting "went right."
• Acknowledges most Democrats would have a tough time winning the 7th District Congressional seat, if, as expected, it becomes open when Rep. Roy Blunt runs for U.S. Senate.
• Floats Virginia Sen. Jim Webb as a possible Jackson Days speaker to come to Springfield in April. Stresses the guest is usually someone who knows how to win in a Republican area. Adds that Sen. Claire McCaskill will be a big help in nabbing a top name.
• Stresses Rep. Sara Lampe is the Democrats best shot at the #30th District Senate seat that Sen. Norma Champion will vacate in 2010. Adds that Governor Nixon has already been calling her "The Next Senator from the 30th" at events.

If Lampe doesn't run for the 30th, another candidate Democrats mention is Springfield School Board member Dr. Michael Hoeman.

Kinder Time

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder will give the Republican response to Governor Jay Nixon's first State of the State address next Tuesday.

MoGOP spokesperson Tina Hervey says Kinder will respond immediately following Nixon's speech via satellite.

Most politicos believe Kinder will pass on a shot at Sen. Kit Bond's U.S. Senate seat to have a clear shot at challenging Governor Nixon in 2012.

Rollback

WITHDRAWALS, REVIEWS & CUTS

MORE EVIDENCE A NEW GOVERNOR IS IN TOWN:

• Missouri State University's student paper reports Governor Nixon has withdrawn an appointment to the school's Board of Governors made by former Gov. Matt Blunt.
• Kansas City fee offices are the next ones going up for competitive bid.
• The Governor has also halted a public safety radio plan, designed to spend tens of millions of dollars to improve the radio system used by emergency. The contract, worth more than $80 million dollars, had been awarded to Motorola, but Nixon's team says it's part of their review of all state contracts.

FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:

"Gov. Jay Nixon today directed the Office of Administration to review all existing long-term contracts and those long-term contracts now in the bidding process as part of his plan to increase efficiency in state government. The review may result in the cancellation or delay of contracts deemed either to be unnecessary at this time or not economically beneficial to taxpayers."

ALSO: NIXON TO TALK HIGHER ED WEDNESDAY

A release from the Governor's office says Nixon will hold events at universities in Columbia, St. Louis and Kansas City to announce a "major policy agreement to keep higher education affordable and accessible for Missouri students during these difficult economic times."

Reaction To Obama's Inauguration

SEN. KIT BOND'S STATEMENT:

"Today, freedom-loving people around the world are witnessing democracy in action. As Americans we take for granted the peaceful transition of one political party to another, but in many lands this transition leads to violence and bloodshed. Watching our newly elected President and Vice President, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, being sworn in shows our system works and makes me even more grateful for the United States’ proud path to democracy, human rights, and economic freedom, a path closed off to many around the world. For millions of Americans in our own nation this historic ceremony is much more then democracy in action, but is a fulfillment of a long-awaited dream. It is only fitting that just yesterday we honored the legacy of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. who sought to deliver equality for all Americans and heal the racial tensions our nation was struggling with. For many, today’s inauguration of the first African American President of the United States is an achievement of that dream of which Reverent King spoke so poignantly and passionately. While our country has made great progress thanks to visionaries like Reverend King, there are serious challenges ahead. We can only be successful in tackling the crises facing our nation – the economic and housing crisis and the national security challenges that continue to grow – if we address them head on and if we work together to put partisanship aside and put our communities, our State, and our nation first.
In a world where enemies are real – the kind who behead others based on their race or religion – it is important to remember that Republican and Democrat, we are all Americans. I look forward to working with our new President of the United States, Barack Obama, and Vice President Joe Biden, as we find common ground to put the people and country first."

CONGRESSMAN ROY BLUNT STATEMENT:

"Regardless of party, today can only be described as historic. While this is a milestone for our nation, we cannot forget that we are facing unprecedented challenges that require more than the partisan gridlock that characterized the last Congress. In the last few weeks President Obama has signaled he wants to chart a centrist course, listening to ideas from both sides of the aisle. I am encouraged by his actions and I know Republicans are ready to help solve the challenges we face as a nation - while always fighting for our principles."

The Inauguration of Barack Obama

***GET TWITTER UPDATES HERE***

OR JUST LOOK AT THE RIGHT OF THIS PAGE
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KY3 NEWS COVERAGE FROM D.C. IS HERE

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Forsyth, Mo. was chosen as one of the Inaugural Service Cities
WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

***INAUGURATION DAY***
Barack and Michelle Obama will be greeted at the White House by President and Laura Bush right around 9 a.m. Central Time. After coffee, they will travel together to the Capitol.

Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.

His Inaugural Address is slated to begin at 11:00 a.m. Central Time.
{***Politico reports that race won't be the tale he's trying to tell. Newsweek's Howard Fineman reports it will be a short speech, between 15 and 17 minutes and focus on thematics, not detail. Simple language, one-syllable words. "He wants with his rhetoric, to build some kind of vessel of hope and unity that will help us survive the storms ahead," reports Fineman.}

Immediately following, President Obama will proceed to the Capitol to sign Cabinet Secretary nomination certificates. He will then escort outgoing President Bush to a departure ceremony. Following that, he'll attend the Inaugural Lunch.

There are 10 official Inaugural Balls. The Obamas plan to attend all 10.
The Midwest Inaugural Ball will be held at the Washington Convention Center.

The Inaugural Parade begins at 1:30 p.m. Central Time.

Make sure to check http://www.whitehouse.gov/ for continued updates.

SICK OF OVER-THE-TOP, MESSIANIC INAUGURAL COVERAGE?
. . . Part Of The Tucker Carlson"Let's Not Pretend This Is The Second Coming Of Jesus " Crowd . . .???
HERE ARE YOUR INAUGURATION DAY NUGGETS:

• Jill and Joe Biden appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show. And, whoops. Jill Biden said her husband was offered his choice of the Vice Presidency OR Secretary of State. A spokesperson later backed away from the assertion, but wow, way to cut the pomp and majestic euphoria with some juicy news. And, if this is true, what does it tell us about our new President's thought-process?
  
• PolitiFact says Obama has made 498 campaign promises. They say he's already kept 2, 1 in stalled, and another 12 are in the works. May the accountability begin!
  
• TUESDAY DRUDGE BANNER: GOOD MORNING, MR. PRESIDENT.
• Incoming Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel says it's cool to call yourself a liberal again.
• Vice President Cheney will attend the Inaugural in a wheelchair, because he hurt himself moving boxes. Here's the ironic symbolism for the left . . . The Bush administration literally limping out of office.
• Some conservatives aren't wasting anytime targeting the 2009 Senate Democratic Caucus. Is Claire McCaskill really the Nancy Grace of the Senate? And is that a compliment? "She clearly has a lot of fight and smarts in her," writes Free Will.
• One Democrat has already introduced a bill to allow Obama to serve a third term. And the National Review asks, "Already?"
• Where does Gallup put Obama on Day 1? 78% Approval.
• The original Cable News Network gets a scoop on one of Obama's first actions as President: Abortion. But MSNBC's coverage is still waaay more fun.

Blunt Praises Bush Commutations

Congressman Roy Blunt issued the following statement reacting to President Bush's commutations of Texas Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean:

"Today was a long time coming for Agents Ignacio Ramos, Jose Compean and their families. While these two men were not pardoned as many believe they should have been, I am glad their unnecessarily harsh and simply unnecessary sentences were at the very least commuted," said Rep. Blunt.

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder takes a closer look at the facts of the case:

"The two agents shot a fleeing Mexican drug smuggler in the butt and tried to cover it up. They did not know, at the time of the shooting, that the smuggler was a drug smuggler; all they knew is that he was a guy driving a van who, when pulled over, tried to run away from them."

"Enormous pressure from conservatives ensured that the file would end up on his desk, although it's not clear whether the Justice Department had made a recommendation."

Site Asks Republicans To "Draft Roy Blunt"

DraftRoy.com is a website that's recently been created to help rally support for the U.S. Senate candidacy of Southwest Missouri's Congressman.
***
Rep. Roy Blunt will almost surely be a candidate in the 2010 race to replace Sen. Kit Bond, but this weekend, St. Louis attorney and Missouri political player Chuck Poplstein sent an e-mail to Missouri Republicans encouraging them to sign on now.

The e-mail, written by Poplstein and obtained by The Notebook, reads: "Fellow Republicans, after working in Missouri politics over the last few cycles I have had the pleasure to watch many of the great Republican leaders in our state. However, one of Missouri's leaders has always stood out . . . that man is Roy Blunt."

It goes on: "Please visit www.draftroy.com to encourage Roy Blunt to run for the U.S. Senate in Missouri in 2010! You can also sign up to support Roy Blunt on Facebook!"

Poplstein worked on Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign and was a member of the G.O.P's "Missouri Victory" staff during the 2006 cycle. He was also the Southeast Missouri Field Director for on Sen. Jim Talent's 2006 re-election effort.

Claire Twittering Inaugural

Senator Claire McCaskill is Twittering her view of Barack Obama's Inaugural ceremonies.

Twitter is a service that allows you to post real-time updates from a computer or other mobile devices. You don't need an account to view McCaskill's updates.

Just visit: www.twitter.com/clairecmc

At 3:30 p.m. Sunday, McCaskill was Twittering from near the Lincoln Memorial, where President-elect Obama is kicking off a ceremony.

McCaskill's latest post: "Worried I wouldn't see my family. But found them right away. Nice touch, no special seating for Senators or Governors."

She's also hanging with pal Gov. Sebelius from Kansas.

To view TWITTER UPDATES of special events from the KY3 Political Notebook, click HERE.

State of the State Set For Jan. 27th

Governor Jay Nixon will deliver the annual State of the State address on Tuesday, January 27th at 7 p.m. from the State Capitol in Jefferson City.

***
Nixon's office says more details will be released over the coming weeks.

Steelman Leads The Facebook Primary

The G.O.P. knows it needs to play catch-up to the Democratic advantage on the web.
Here's a look at "The Facebook" primary well underway for U.S. Senate.

***

"Sarah Steelman for U.S. Senate" has 227 members as of this writing.

Lucas Case, a staffer for her run for Governor, created the site. Many of her members are college students.

"Jim Talent for U.S. Senate" has 69 members as of this writing.
Andrew Abbott of Northwest Missouri is listed as the creator. Many of his members are from St. Louis and central Missouri.

"Draft Roy Blunt for Senate" has 35 members as of this writing.

Kristen Sanocki of Missouri State University created the site. #136th District State lawmaker Eric Burlison is a member, as is Ed Martin.

There are 314 members of a generic Robin Carnahan site, but only recent "wall" comments are encouraging a Senate run.

Kinder, Cole Promise Greater Communication With Grassroots

DAVID COLE: STRONG OR WEAK CHAIR?

SMITH LIKELY TO BE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
***
***COLE'S ELECTION MEANS BOTH MAJOR PARTY CHAIRS HAIL FROM SWMO.***

In a brief conference call with Republican supporters and the media Saturday, Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and new G.O.P. chair David Cole promised to communicate more with party members across the state in order to build the party over the next four years.

Cole was elected the new state chair at a meeting of the state committee Saturday in Jefferson City by a symbolic vote of 68-0. Cole, a Cassville attorney, who has served on the state committee for a dozen years, was once considered a longshot for the job. But political insiders say he was chosen not only for his loyalty to the party, but because longtime political operative Lloyd Smith will take the paid position of executive director.

After the election, The Notebook reported that Smith was the frontrunner for chair. Some of the dynamics changed because of Sen. Kit Bond's announcement not to seek re-election, but sources say that the inability to pay Smith for the position was a critical underlying factor. Under the G.O.P's bylaws, the chair is an unpaid position.

Still, there is some disagreement among politicos about whether Cole will mostly be a figurehead or a mover and a shaker. "I understand the importance of grass roots," Cole said on the conference call Saturday. "We do the media and the reaching out, but not of that matters without the grass roots work," he added. Cole acknowledged electoral defeats at the ballot box in 2008, but quickly turned positive: "The cupboard is certainly not bare."

One Republican consultant told The Notebook that Cole would serve as a so-called "weak" chair. "I think he'll be function much like Doug Russell did," this consultant explained, referring to the outgoing chair. Several Republicans believe Smith will wield the day-to-day power in his executive director role, making the daily decisions on message, media and fundraising.

But other Republicans, including some from Southwest Missouri, believe Cole will still play a role and say "weak" isn't the right word to describe him. "I think he's going to lay down the umbrella agenda, then the executive director will execute it. He's probably going to be more plugged in," said one Republican staffer.

Insiders believe that Smith could be in place by State Lincoln Days, which will be held during the third weekend in February in Kansas City. But Smith's apparent decision to take the executive director adds more intrigue to the behind-the-scenes chess game in the contest for U.S. Senate.

Smith ran Sen. Jim Talent's 2002 successful election effort against Jean Carnahan as well as his failed 2006 re-election effort. If he was to become executive director, he would obviously have to remain neutral in any primary contest. Meanwhile, the three top contenders for U.S. Senate are continuing to call supporters and fundraisers around the state to gauge a run. Congressman Roy Blunt is almost a sure-thing to run for Bond's seat. But sources say that Talent and former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman are still carefully weighing their options.

During Saturday's call, Kinder pledged to work with Governor Jay Nixon "wherever we can," but also oppose him when the party believe he's taking the state "in the wrong direction."

Both Kinder and Cole pledged more conference calls with grassroots activists. No questions were allowed during the brief 5-minute call. But they said future calls would be "interactive," and include questions and comments. That most likely means the media won't be invited to join those.

Kinder Holds Saturday Call With The Faithful

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder holds a 4:15 p.m. conference call Saturday following the State Republican Party's election of its new chair, David Cole.

***

Kinder's call will be with Republicans throughout the state, but the media has been invited to listen.

No questions will be taken.

Kinder will introduce the party to Cole, and speak about the future of the Missouri Republican Party.

Cole will begin making staffing decisions in the near future. Insiders believe the executive director could be in place for State Lincoln Days. Lloyd Smith is expected to be named to that position.

DEVELOPING . . .

Rednecks Arrive in D.C.

The self-proclaimed Rednecks From Rolla, who have been featured in several KY3 stories, have arrived in Washington D.C. for the Inauguration, according to the Rolla Daily News.

They left Wednesday, by car.

From the piece:

"They’re there. They just arrived 10 minutes ago," said Viessman’s daughter Julie McCash at 6:45 p.m. (EST) Thursday. "They hit a terrible snowstorm in the mountains, but they’ve arrived safely.”What began six months ago with a $25 painted banner that proudly declared their cause "REDNECKS For Obama" has taken them across Missouri, the country to political debates in Mississippi, New York and St. Louis; to the National Democratic Convention in Denver, to Nashville, to Times Square, and meetings with Obama, who on Tuesday will become the 44th President of the United States.Admittedly, Viessman said, he invested in the banner in an attempt to get Obama’s attention.Oh, they got Obama’s attention, all right.In Union, Obama jumped off his bus in steady rain and ran right toward the pair holding their banner as they lined the road."He came right to us," Viessman said.

Small Businesses Worry About Minimum Wage Hike

Missouri's minimum wage increased 40 cents this year to $7.05 an hour. But in July, the federal minimum wage will go up even more. That has some businesses facing two options: laying off employees and/or raising prices.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Nixon Caps Whirlwind Week With Springfield Stop

OUR GRADE:

NIXON'S FIRST WEEK: A -

On Inaugural Day, he clearly set the tone, and was smart to hold that quick meeting with local businesses. (Message: I'm not just dancing, I'm working.) His first executive orders seem pretty non-controversial and centrist. More importantly, all were economic. His idea of loans for small businesses, while not the be-all-end-all, are getting good reviews. Speaker Richard likes his Economic Development appointee, so the G.O.P.'s attempts at criticizing her immigration views are less potent. Any time a politician sets up a "task force," to study anything we might be quick to roll our eyes. But Nixon has a look of energy in him. Like if the bad economy were a living, moving thing, he might just tackle it. Literally. And then kick it, with a snarl. Three media avails in one week keep the hungry media well-fed. And to cap off the week, he spread the love Southwest, with breakfast in ruby red Joplin and a stop in Springfield. Sending all the right signals, hammering the economy, looking reformist (with his license office overhaul), working with Republicans. Keeping the unemployment office open on a Saturday, a nice touch. (And yes, those political Republicans are keenly aware of Nixon's smooth moves.) Are we in paradise? Not completely. Somehow his team botched the reason and roll out of their cell phone ban. Reporters all across the state are still e-mailing, calling and texting each other about it. How bizarre. It cost 'em a perfect A, but that was the only hiccup, in a honeymoon week that Team Nixon has to be quite pleased with.

BELOW: VIDEO FROM THE SPRINGFIELD STOP

WATCH ABOVE: Nixon brushes back a question about whether he's changing the role of the Missouri Development Finance Board by doling out small business loans. "This is the purpose of the MDFB. The Missouri Development Finance Board is supposed to create economic jobs."

WATCH ABOVE: Despite some complaints from local businesses, Nixon defends Missouri's minimum wage hike. "If we're talking about jobs at the minimum wage level, we got challenges anyway. This economy's not going to grow at the minimum wage level. If we're trying to compete by saying, who has the most people making less than minimum wage, that's not the economy of the future.

OTHER NIXON NEWSPOINTS:

• Said his staffers stayed up most of the night analyzing what Congress' economic stimulus package means for Missouri; Stressed that they're looking for job training funds within the bill.
• SOUNDBITE: "It's just exciting to walk into a community college and see a guy laid off as an auto worker, not sitting at home collecting a check, but instead back in school to become a lineman," said Nixon on the need for job-training dollars. Added that job-training demand is five times greater than the money available.
• POUNDING THE MESSAGE: Nixon said dozens of state workers are volunteering Saturday to help process unemployment claims. "We're going to show them that 5 o'clock Friday is not the end of the work week when it comes to making sure we help people that lost their jobs."
• Notes he's been with his Economic Development Director-designee Linda Martinez every day, more than any other Cabinet member.
• IN ONE SENTENCE: "The message that I send, is this is what we're worried about each and every day."

Greene County Dems Tap Kessler For Chair

NOTHING LIKE AMY WINEHOUSE

The Greene County Democratic Central Committee has elected Art Kessler as its new chair.

Kessler replaces Craig Hosmer, who has been chosen by Governor Jay Nixon to chair the state party.

Kessler is the President of Carpenters’ 978 and has been a member of that union for over 30 years. He also sits on the board of the Boys and Girls Club and United Way of the Ozarks. Art and his wife Pam have two daughters and four grandchildren, according to a release.

"It’s truly a humbling experience to be elected by my fellow Democrats to serve as chair," Kessler said. "During the past four years, under Craig Hosmer’s leadership, we have hired a full-time Executive Director and purchased a building for our headquarters. I look forward to building on that foundation and working to elect more Democrats locally and statewide.”

Not knowing Kessler, I asked a local Democrat for his reaction. "Snore," he replied.

Asked him to elaborate, he added: "He makes Craig Hosmer look like Amy Winehouse."

McCaskill: "I Hope He Stands His Ground"

President-elect Barack Obama is striving for as much bipartisanship as he can squeeze out of Congress on his estimated $775 billion dollar economic stimulus package.

But how bipartisan is bipartisan enough?

Sen. Claire McCaskill told CQ Politics that complaints from Democrats about Obama's business tax proposals and the size of the tax cut demonstrates the difficulty of Obama's goal.

"There’s been some pushback from the Democratic Caucus on how willing he is to embrace some of the ideas put forth by Republicans on tax cuts," McCaskill is quoted in CQ. "I hope he continues to stand his ground."

Nixon's Jobs Offensive Hits Springfield

Jay Nixon makes his first trip to Springfield as Governor, touring EMSI, a business that does consulting work on green projects.

Nixon touted some of his first executive orders, including a plan to create a $2 million dollar pool of low-interest loans for small businesses.

***VIDEO . . . DEVELOPING . . .

REPORTS ON NIXON'S VISIT ON KY3 NEWS @ 5 & 6

THEN . . . ON (THE BIG SHOW) A.K.A. . . KY3 NEWS @ 10 . . .

Why some local businesses say a incrementally higher minimum wage is stifling their growth, and what they think the new Governor could do to help them.

WaPost: Bond's Exit Makes Missouri More Likely To Flip

THIRD MOST LIKELY SENATE SWITCH

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza now ranks Missouri's U.S. Senate seat as the third most likely to change parties. It's previous ranking (with Sen. Kit Bond as the potential candidate) was #5.

Here's Cillizza's take:

3. Missouri (R): Bond's retirement virtually ensures that Missouri Seretary of State Robin Carnahan (D) will run for the open seat. Carnahan, who is considered the most naturally politically talented member of a family that includes a former governor, a former U.S. senator and a congressman, was weighing a challenge to Bond and even Republicans acknowledge she would be a formidable candidate. Some Washington Republicans seem interested in casting Rep. Roy Blunt, the father of the former governor of the Show Me State, as the near-certain nominee but former Sen. Jim Talent (R) and former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman are still looking at the contest and either or both could contend.

Look-A-Likes

BREAKFAST AT GRANNYS!

Democratic Governor Jay Nixon and Republican Speaker Ron Richard will do a private breakfast Friday morning in Joplin to discuss building an economic package.

Senate Appropriations Chair Gary Nodler and local business leaders will also join for some eggs, bacon and toast at Granny's Parlor Restaurant in Joplin.

A media availability will be held following the meeting at 9:30 a.m.

(Maybe they're getting along so well cuz they look so darn alike?)

Wyrich Opposes Large Obama Stimulus

The Missouri State University Economics Professor says that rather than depend a large economic stimulus plan, Americans should stay patient and realize that downturns of longer than a year are typical.

"Taxpayers from now to eternity are going to be paying interest on that trillion dollars," says MSU's Tom Wyrich, on the projected $800 billion dollar package. "A politician says, I'm going to give you this money and I'm going to let somebody that hasn't been born yet pay for it."

***WATCH CLIP ABOVE FOR MORE***

For more on Wyrich's thoughts on the economic challenges the state faces, CLICK HERE.

McCaskill's Jokes About Mascara, Then Gets Serious

Jennifer DiMascio of Politico has a fun tidbit from the Homeland Security Secretary hearing Thursday involving Sen. Claire McCaskill:


"For the women of America, she wondered, "What is it about my mascara that’s so threatening?" And after having traveled with a bum knee that required security checks, she said she’s not anxious for "extra love pats" to come back. The mention of “love pats” threw committee chairman Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), who told McCaskill, "You left me speechless there." Sen. John Tester (D-Mont.) had more to add: “I don’t think you’re the first guy Claire has left speechless."

But later, Missouri's junior Senator questioned President-elect Barack Obama's nominee about the country's "dismal record of prosecuting employers who ignore immigration laws."

"I believe the federal government has hid behind the notion these cases are too hard to make, these cases are too difficult to make against employers, but I believe the previous administration purposely looked the other way as it related to employers," McCaskill said in her questioning of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano.

Then, in a release later, McCaskill's office said the Senator "put Napolitano and the incoming Obama Administration on notice that this may be her last "warm and fuzzy" hearing before the committee, if "she doesn't see more accountability for employers who hire illegal immigrants."

While Obama is a top ally, look for McCaskill to continue to carve out ways to challege/be tough on and even differ from the President-elect.

Need more evidence? Check out McCaskill's questioning of Obama's Number 2 Pentagon pick at an Armed Services Committee hearing "that was otherwise smooth sailing." (McCaskill wanted answers about William Lynn's defense industry ties . . . "It’s an incestuous business that’s going on in terms of the defense contractors, and the Pentagon, and the highest levels of our military," she said.)

With Obama's narrow loss in the state, she's quite aware that Republicans would love to tie her to Obama's "liberal" policies four years from now. Note to Republicans: McCaskill will be quite savvyabout picking ways she can continue to show her independence, even with a Democrat and close friend in the White House.

Bond Votes Against TARP Funds

U.S. Senator Kit Bond voted against releasing the remaining $350 billion dollars to be used towards a financial bailout.

The U.S. Senate voted 52-42 Thursday to allow President-elect Barack Obama to tap those TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) funds to help stabilize the market.

"Taxpayers deserve answers and a responsible plan that provides more accountability, transparency, and oversight," said Bond in a statement after the vote.

Bond voted in favor of the original bailout back in October, and criticized the Bush administration's Treasury Department today for the way they administered those funds.

"While Congress authorized the use of emergency funds to buy toxic assets from financial institutions to stabilize the credit markets, the Administration instead provided billions of dollars in direct capital injections into banks. Despite this change in course the Administration has failed to provide Congress or taxpayers adequate answers and has not been able to account for the $300 billion that has already been spent," the Bond release reads.

Bond said banks should have to be required to write-off bad debts as a condition of receiving funds. He also suggested that the government should provide some partial guarantee of bad debts to help address "the root of the financial crisis."

Rep. Cunningham's Wife Files For Divorce

The wife of Republican State Representative Mike Cunningham has filed for divorce.

Neena Cunningham filed her divorce papers in Webster County this week, according to court records. Former Webster County Prosecutor Cynthia Black is Neena's attorney.

***

Rep. Cunningham, who is now in his fourth term representing portions of Greene and Webster County, is also a livestock farmer and the retired manager of Cunningham's Fresh Foods in Marshfield.

Cunningham is also a member of the First Baptist Church in Marshfield. His House bio says he has three children with his wife, Neena. In 2004, he signed onto the constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage in the state of Missouri.

A source says Neena Cunningham was a potential candidate to fill her husband's seat in the #145th district when he is term-limited out of office.

Kinder Pushes Lawmakers On Heating Assistance

Lt. Governor Peter Kinder is calling on state lawmakers to approve financial assistance for low-income Missourians to help heat their homes.

"Nearly three months ago, I created the 'Help Heat Mo' initiative to lobby the Governor and legislature to act early in providing critical heating assistance for families who are in need,” said Kinder in a statement Thursday. "Though our efforts met roadblocks, I am proud to join Missouri’s Community Action Agencies in their request for $10 million in supplemental funding for heating assistance."

Last fall, Kinder called for a special legislative session to address the issue. Former Governor Matt Blunt said he would consider it, but never acted on it.

McCaskill To Host Inaugural Dinner

On Monday night, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., and retired senator John Warner, R-Va., will host the dinner honoring former secretary of State and retired general Colin Powell, a Republican. It will be held at the National Building Museum.

Blunt, Talent Tight With Carnahan

NUMBERS THAT BARELY MATTER

The first public poll out of the gate since Sen. Kit Bond announced he wouldn't run for re-election in 2010 shows the race will still remain tight.

With the dust not even settled from Bond's announcement, the 2010 U.S. Senate race numbers will only mean something to the true insiders this early on. But of all those involved, Rep. Roy Blunt seems to get the best hand of the early cards that have been dealt.

THE HEAD-TO-HEADS:
ROBIN CARNAHAN 45%, ROY BLUNT 44%
ROBIN CARNAHAN 47%, JIM TALENT 43%
ROBIN CARNAHAN 47%, SARAH STEELMAN 36%

BLUNT'S PROBLEM: He has higher negative ratings than positive ones, 40%-43%.

The National Review notes: "He holds her to a dead heat, which isn’t bad when you consider that she was just elected statewide and that we’re in a moment of Democratic euphoria. He has the strongest fundraising potential and organizational base of any of the candidates, and he has a geographic advantage too."

BUT Human Events counters: "After his son's rocky single term as governor was capped off by an abrupt decision not to seek reelection, the Blunt name is suffering a bit. The association among the GOP base of Rep. Blunt with congressional Republican failures over the past decade will also hurt the former majority whip in his efforts to build a campaign."

STEELMAN'S PROBLEM: Despite just coming off a statewide campaign, she remains the least known.

The polling also shows that some Southwest Missouri Democrats will support Blunt over Carnahan.

867 voters polled on Jan. 10-11th; 3.3% Margin of Error

***THE RADAR RANKINGS***

(Based on reportage, dynamics and pure buzz)

BLUNT: Almost Definitely Running

TALENT: Certainly Wants To, Unclear If He Has The Stomach For A Blunt Battle

STEELMAN: Will Be Very Tempted To Run, But May Decide It's Too Tough A Climb

KINDER: Likely Will Defer To a 2012 Match-Up With Nixon

Carnahan's already running; Rep. Lacy Clay just likely wants his name mentioned in print, but isn't a serious contender. Betting against the unpredictable, insiders believe Robin's got a primary pass.

Nixon Begins Bids On First 6 License Offices

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

SPRINGFIELD'S SOUTH FREMONT OFFICE WILL BE ONE OF THE FIRST
Leslie Carter, whose husband has close ties to the Blunt family, is currently the contract agent for the office.

HOUSE DEMS SIGN ONTO LEGISLATION

State Rep. Luke Scavuzzo of D-Harrisonville will carry a bill for a permanent end of patronage

"HE'S DISCRIMINATING AGAINST MALES AND THOSE WHO AREN'T MINORITIES"

Immediately following our television report, Mike Stokes from Pleasant Hope calls to object to the Governor's plan: "Isn't it discrimination to give it out based on women or minorities? It says in the Constitution we can't discriminate. I feel like he's discriminating against males and those who aren't minorities."

***

Governor Jay Nixon called Wednesday the beginning of the end of a longtime Missouri political patronage system.

As promised after he was elected, Nixon announced the first six state driver's license offices that would be awarded by competitive bid. It's the beginning of a new plan that will overhaul who runs the 183 state offices that you go to, to renew your driver's license or get plates. Springfield's South Fremont license office will be one of the first that goes out to bid.

"All of the others will follow in the weeks and months to come," Nixon promised in a Capitol press conference. Nixon also said he would push legislators to pass legislation to end the patronage system permanently. State Rep. Luke Scavuzzo of D-Harrisonville, has been the primary sponsor of that legislation since 2007 and will file a similar bill this year. Scavuzzo’s 2009 bill is in the process of being drafted.

Requests for bids have been posted for offices in Columbia, Liberty, Mexico, Moberly, St. Charles and the South Fremont Avenue location in Springfield. HERE is a link to review a proposal request.

POLITICAL PATRONAGE

Springfield South Fremont license office is currently operated by a longtime political ally of the Blunt family, Leslie Carter. Carter is the contract agent for two Springfield offices and one Ozark office. She's also the wife of Tom Carter, who is a contributor and fundraiser for Congressman Roy Blunt. (Carter did not return repeated calls for comment. A worker at the office said no interruption in service is expected.)

But Nixon said that the South Fremont office, which handled more than 200,000 transactions last year, will now be awarded based on merit and not political connections.

Several patrons of the fee office complimented the service, but thought that a competitive biding process was a good idea.

"I think it would be more fair to go ahead and bid them out," said Linda Brammer.

"I think it's more fair," said Richard Kisner. "Instead someone just appointing someone, it ought to be bid," he added.

BID OPPORTUNITIES

According to the standards Nixon set out, applicants to run the offices will earn points for sales, service and experience. Minorities and women will also get extra points, as will non-profits, civic groups, and those that agree to give a portion of their profits back to a cash-strapped state.

Former Democratic state lawmaker Doug Harpool campaigned on this type of reform during his unsuccessful 2006 State Senate run, and said local groups should see this move as an opportunity to reinvest the money in the community.

"I thought it'd be great idea if some of our local entities, be it the Missouri State University Foundation, Springfield Public Schools Foundation, the Rotary Club, the City of Springfield, any of these groups could decide to bid to be an operator of the license office," Harpool said.

"IF IT WORKS RIGHT, DON'T FIX IT"

Ron Mark was picked by former Governor Matt Blunt to run the Republic license fee office back in March of 2005. He acknowledges that he got the opportunity, in part, because he knew Blunt through his political ventures.

"I campaigned for him when he came back from the Navy," said Mark.

But by many accounts, Mark's office has received high marks for cheery service and helpful attention.

"I have been to Republic," said license office patron Jose Rojas. "A-plus. (South Fremont) and Republic are the best," he added.

In 2007, Mark's office was honored as Republic's business of the year. He made a mark in the community by developing flashy signs and handing out thousands of magnets with the office's phone number. He doesn't dismiss the competitive bid process, but said that offices that are already run well, should get special consideration.

"I really feel like that if the office has been running properly, and reviewed annually or biannually, maybe the person should stay in there," Mark said.

Mark also has some concerns with Nixon's "point system."

"I'm a veteran, you always see veterans get a few points. But there's no points for being a veteran," Mark observed.

Mark also lacks a bachelor's degree, something he said that could hurt his chances. "Of the 183 offices, right now, not more than 35 percent have a BS degree," Mark said. "I can understand the need for well-educated people but I've run a business successfully, so that should be shoved aside."

Mark said he'll most likely submit a bid to keep his office, but wonders if being a Republican supporter of former Governor Matt Blunt will hurt his chances. He expects to get notice within the next few weeks.

Nixon has said the entire process will take months. His office said once a bid is awarded, the Department of Revenue will have the option of renewing the contracts for up to three years after the first year is completed.

While many embrace the idea of the end of a patronage system, questions about turnover with new workers have some concerned.

Some customers, like Rojas, just think the best offices should be left alone.

"I think if these people know what they're doing already, they should stay working right here," said Rojas who was doing business at the South Fremont office late Wednesday afternoon. "If it works right, don't fix it."

Nixon Orders Small Business Loans To Kick Start Jobs Plan

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE
Governor Jay Nixon signs 3 executive orders:

• Directing the state to create a pool of $2 million dollars in low-interest and no-interest direct loans to small businesses.
• Establishing a task force to identify ways the state can best attract fuel-efficient automotive manufacturing jobs, with a report due in 90 days
• Establishing a council to examine how the state can best use money from a potential federal economic stimulus package

Springfield Chamber of Commerce President Jim Anderson said the small business loans will be just one more tool in the box for Nixon to use. "$25,000 is a drop in the bucket, will it make a huge significant difference overnight? Probably not. But frankly, I think you'll see a lot of very small business start-ups be very interested in this," Anderson told The Notebook.

Speaker of the House Ron Richard has said he will use Anderson as part of his "Kitchen Cabinet" sounding board for economic and job growth initiatives, and potentially draft him to sit on a Blue-ribbon commission for economic development.

Richard on Anderson and other local leaders in economic development: "They're the ones that develop all the tax incentives, they're the ones on the ground, they're the ones that go out and compete against other states. I don't dream up this up like I'm some kind of guru. I don't mind stealing a good idea and making it better."

Richard on Nixon: We'll Agree 70% Of The Time
"We're going to work together, get a bill on his desk quickly," Richard said, referring to Nixon's economic proposals.

***
Missouri State University Political Science Professor George Connor on why there's so much bipartisanship on the economy:

"Governor Nixon isn't a wildly liberal Democrat. I think he's pragmatic . . . Because Governor Nixon is not as partisan, or as left as perhaps as other Democrats, it's easier for him to work with Republicans on this particular issue. I think, in part, the economy is so bad, it's easier to agree."

PREDICTS THE BUDGET WILL TEST THE TONE:
"I think the first step is to have a bipartisan approach to how big the cuts need to be. The budget will touch ideology and test it. They're going to disagree on the cuts and I think that's where the partisanship is going to come. The bigger the cut, the more pressure he's going to get from special interest groups on the left. I think he's going to get demands from the left, now how well he can respond to them is going to have to do with how big the cuts are."

McCaskill: No Stimulus Until February

DEFINE EARMARK

OBAMA ALLY HAS QUESTIONS

Sen. Claire McCaskill said not to expect an economic stimulus package out of Congress until February. She also said not to expect a lot of compromise between competing interests.

"I want to make sure it's about jobs, and not pleasing certain constituencies."

PLUS: McCaskill on "throwing punches" with/at Gov. Jay Nixon

***WATCH CLIP ABOVE***

On Monday, McCaskill said she trusts Obama but, "We don't know enough about the first $350 billion. ... We have to be careful that in our haste to do something, we don't get sloppy. We did on the first one."

McCaskill wasn't sure if she'd vote for the $350 billion in TARP funds before the meeting with Obama, but afterwards, she said she'd consider it.

"Let me see what he calls earmarks."

Last week, Sen. Kit Bond said he favored tax credits for businesses, a temporary reduction in Social Security contributions and money for public works projects in an economic stimulus package.

When asked whether he would support earmarks for other local projects in the bill, Bond responded: "We'll work on those in the regular appropriations process."

ALSO: A Bond K.C. Regional Director says: "If it’s not an earmark. What is it?"

Bond's office estimates a package could mean $7 billion for Missouri.

AND: On Tuesday, Bond's office announced $15 million dollars from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, including $1.4 million for Burrell Behavioral Health, Inc. in Springfield to construct a 14 unit multifamily complex, serving very low-income people with disabilities.

Nixon Appoints Clayton to Head PSC

Governor Jay Nixon is giving Public Service Commissioner Robert Clayton a promotion.

On Tuesday, Nixon announced he's appointing the Columbia resident to chairman of the state's utility regulator. Clayton, an attorney and former state representative has been on the PSC since 2003.

The Public Service Commission regulates investor-owned electric, steam, natural gas, water, sewer and telephone companies. Its five commissioners are appointed by the Governor.

Nixon vs. Cell Phones

NIXON TRIES TO BAN REPORTER CELL PHONES, THEN RECONSIDERS

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Gov. Jay Nixon gets off to a rocky start with the media by attempting to collect their cell phones before his first news conference.

Nixon scheduled a news conference on his first full day in office Tuesday to announce several economic development actions. Before allowing the media in, Nixon's staff said reporters needed
to leave their cell phones outside his office.

Nixon spokesman Scott Holste claimed the cell phone ban was for security reasons, although cell phones have been allowed by previous governors.

After the media threatened to boycott Nixon's news conference, Nixon's office reversed course and allowed reporters to carry in their phones.

Nixon communications director Jack Cardetti said later that the cell phone ban will stand for other non-media meetings with the governor.

ALSO: THE LESS-FUN STORY THAT SHOULDA, WOULDA, COULDA BEEN THE LEDE:

On his first full day in office, Gov. Jay Nixon signed an executive order creating task forces to attract automotive industry jobs and coordinate the use of money from a potential federal economic stimulus package. Nixon also directed the Deparment of Economic Development to develop a $2 million dollar small-business loan program.

"A New Day, Turn The Page, A Fresh Start"

THE NIXON INAUGURATION
KY3's COVERAGE

Watch Governor Jay Nixon's Inaugural Speech HERE
Watch the KY3 News @ 5 Report HERE
Watch the KY3 News @ 10 Report HERE

PLUS: Nixon's First Act As Governor

The Ball Begins

Dressed to the nines, each state lawmaker and official gets a formal introduction with their family. In the old days, sometimes the Governor wouldn't appear at the Inaugural Ball until 10 pm or later, but I'm told Governor Nixon should appear with the new First Lady by 8 p.m.
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Dance Time

The Inaugural ball kicks off at 7 p.m.
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Watch Ky3 News @ 5

At Arris' pizza across the street from the Capitol, Ky3 photojournalist Jerrod Mccully gets to work editing our story for Ky3 News at 5.
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Nixon's First Meeting As Governor

Newly minted Missouri Governor Jay Nixon holds his first meeting after being sworn in. Nixon met with a group of young entrepreneurs and innovators about his jobs plan. He told them he wants to make it easier for Missourians to do business with other Missourians. He also spoke about getting low-interest loans to small businesses. This was just a photo op. Questions were not allowed during the event. Director of Economic Development designee Linda Martinez also attended the event.
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The Public Greeting

Hundreds line up greet the new Governor at the mansion. The public greeting is set from 1:30 to 3:30.

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12 Minutes

A aide for the Governor-elect says Nixon's speech will be brief and to the point. It's about 12 minutes on paper. Maybe 15 to 17 with applause. I'm told writing it was a compilation effort between Nixon and his communications team.
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Nixon Kicks Off Parade

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Scene Setter in Jeff

Two hours from the Inauguration.
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The Nixon Inauguration

The Inauguration of Missouri's 55th Governor

Jay Nixon will be sworn in on the southside steps of the State Capitol today at noon.

KY3 will provide full continuous all-day team coverage from Jefferson City.

BUT FIRST: LAST CALL FOR NIXON'S CHALLENGE

Read brand new entries from Matt Lyons, Crista Hogan, Stephen Kleinsmith, Greg Young, Matt Morrow and John Combest.

Monday's J.C. Weather: 37 degrees at noon with snow/rain showers possible

***Monday's schedule:

10 a.m. The Inaugural Parade, beginning at the Jefferson City Public Library at Adams & Miller Streets, proceeding to the Capitol
11:15 a.m. The Swearing-In Ceremony begins
12:00 p.m. Governor-elect Nixon takes the oath of office.
1:30-3:30 p.m. Nixon will conduct the public greeting at the Governor's Mansion
1:30-5 p.m. The Inaugural Potluck Dinner at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.
4 p.m. Nixon and the new First Lady will arrive at 4 p.m.
7 p.m. The Grand March and Inaugural Ball at the State Capitol Rotunda

GET TWITTER UPDATES HERE
Coverage Begins on KY3 News @ Noon

WATCH NIXON'S SPEECH LIVE on KY3's 24-7 Channel

KY3 Anchor Steve Grant will join me with live reports on KY3 News @ 5,6 & 10

Politico: Blunt To Get New Leadership Role

As he gets ready for a likely run for U.S. Senate, Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt has a new role in the G.O.P. leadership on Capitol Hill.

***

Politico reports that Blunt will oversee the ranking Republicans on each committee, helping them coordinate with party leaders.

"The leader has asked Mr. Blunt to be part of the leadership team, focusing on ranking members and integrating them more into leadership strategies," an aide told Politico.

It comes after Blunt stepped down as Minority Whip this fall. Politico reports that this new role for Blunt is a reward for stepping aside and avoiding post-election turmoil.

A formal announcement on the Blunt pick is expected soon.

Nixon Taps 39-Year-Old Yale Dean For DNR

A 39-year-old associate dean at Yale Law School has been tapped by Governor-elect Jay Nixon to head the Department of Natural Resources.

Mark Templeton, a native of Olivette, Mo., worked at a New York consulting firm from 2001 to 2005, helping to develop "green" markets for the environmental sector. After leaving McKinsey & Company, he managed an annual budget of $105 million dollars as associate dean and chief operating officer at Yale Law School.

In a statement Saturday, Nixon said Templeton will lead his initiatives to expand the production of alternative energy in Missouri.

"Expanding the production of alternative energy and creating next generation jobs aren't things government can do alone," Templeton said in the statement. "I look forward to bringing the public, businesses and non-profit organizations together to develop energy solutions for tomorrow and preserve our state's natural resources," he added.

Greene County Commissioner Dave Coonrod was a candidate for the position but told KY3 News Friday he had been passed over for another out-of-state candidate.

Nixon has made nine of the ten appointments to his cabinet. The only remaining appointment he has to make is to pick a designate to lead the Department of Insurance.

Nixon will officially take office Monday when he is inaugurated in Jefferson City.

Nixon: Measure Me On My Jobs Plan

"You sit here in the state with a little over 200,000 people unemployed, that to me, is my problem."

In our sit down interview, Governor-elect Jay Nixon wouldn't put a number on exactly how many jobs he hopes his economic package would create, but said finding jobs for all of Missouri's unemployed would be his priority.

Nixon went on to say that at the end of the legislative session in May, voters should judge him on the jobs plan that is produced.

***
WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 6 LEAD PROFILE PIECE HERE

"It's really not about us. It doesn't matter if there's criticism. It's about these goals that Jay has set out, and it's much bigger than us,” said Georganne Nixon, answering whether her family is prepared for the critical limelight.

Tonight on KY3 NEWS @ 10:
PART II of our interview with Nixon and his wife Georganne

Fmr. Chair Fowler Says Blunt's The Man To Beat

The former Missouri Republican Party Chair and Springfield Republican Committeeman tells the KY3 Political Notebook that if he dives in, Congressman Roy Blunt will be the Republican to beat in the race to replace Sen. Kit Bond.

***

"I think if Roy wants it, he will be very, very difficult to beat," Tom Fowler, pictured on the right, said Friday.

Asked how Sen. Jim Talent's potential candidacy would impact Blunt's, Fowler repeated, "If Roy wants it, he will be the man to beat."

ALSO: Nixa State House Member Says He's Honored To Be Mentioned As A Blunt Replacement

"I haven't even thought about that yet," said Rep. Jay Wasson, when asked whether he'd consider a bid for the 7th Congressional District if Blunt jumps into the U.S. Senate race. "But Roy's still my Congressman right now, and that my name is even being bantered about is just an honor."

Ashcroft Says Bond's Record Is Without Blemish

Former Governor, U.S. Senator and U.S. Attorney John Ashcroft spoke briefly with KY3 News after Sen. Kit Bond's speech Monday.

In a speech, Ashcroft said his career of public service could not have been possible without Sen. Bond.

In our interview, Ashcroft called Bond "a person of incredibly strong integrity, scandal-free."

Ashcroft then brushed aside a question about the controversy surrounding the firing U.S. Attorney Todd Graves, and the apology Sen. Bond made because of a Justice Department report that implicated Bond's office for holding a political grudge.

After that question, Ashcroft quickly removed the microphone and ended the interview.

***WATCH CLIP ABOVE***

"You don't think I'm going to get into politics now, do you?"

Bond Declines To Back Potential Successor

"I'm going to let natural selection take its place . . ."

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 5 REPORT HERE

U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, former congressman and senator Jim Talent and outgoing State Treasurer Sarah Steelman have all already begun seriously considering campaigns to replace him. Bond won't yet publicly name his favorite.

***WATCH MORE BOND CLIPS BELOW***

. . . ON WHETHER HE'S TALKED WITH ROY BLUNT OR JIM TALENT
. . . ON THE STRENGTH OF ROBIN CARNAHAN
. . . ON POLICY DIFFERENCES WITH SARAH STEELMAN

"I have certain standards and guidelines, and we'll see who measures up."

Not Kreider

Governor-elect Jay Nixon has chosen the former Chief of Staff for Jim Kreider to head the Department of Agriculture.

Springfield goes 0 for 2 for Cabinet Slots Friday

BUT: Hollister Colonel Tapped as Adjutant General

The release reads:

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov.-elect Jay Nixon today announced his intention to appoint Dr. Jon Hagler, of St. James, Mo., to the position of Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Dr. Hagler, a lifelong horseman, continues to operate a small farm near St. James, where he raises, trains and sells Missouri Fox Trotters, the Missouri state horse. Over the past three years, Dr. Hagler served as Gov.-elect Nixon’s principal adviser and liaison on agriculture issues and was instrumental in drafting the Governor-elect’s agricultural and environmental policies.

From 2000 to 2001, Dr. Hagler was chief of staff to the Speaker, overseeing a staff of more than 300 House employees and helping define and advance the Speaker’s legislative agenda. He served as chief of staff to the Speaker Pro Tem from 1996 to 2001, as a research analyst in the Missouri Senate and in a variety of other administrative roles prior to that.

ALSO FRIDAY:

• Nixon appointed Col. Stephen L. Danner, of Hollister, to the position of Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard. As Adjutant General, Col. Danner will hold the rank of Brigadier General and will oversee the operations of the Army and Air National Guard units assigned to the state by the federal government.
• Nixon also announced his intention to appoint Lawrence G. Rebman, of Kansas City, to the position of Director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Coonrod Out

Greene County Commissioner Dave Coonrod has contacted KY3 News to say he is no longer being considered for the position of Director of the Department of Natural Resources.

Coonrod said that Governor-elect Jay Nixon's team is most likely to select a candidate from outside the state with more expertise in bio and alternative fuels.

Bond Shots

Senator Kit Bond greeted and spoke to supporters at the Discovery Center in Springfield today. Here are some still pictures snapped by over-performing KY3 Photojournalist Timmy Leimkuhler.

Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft spoke fondly of Bond at the event, saying his public service would not have been possible without Missouri's senior Senator.

Bond meets the press, and gets "mic-ed up" before his media availability.

Bond hugs longtime Springfield political hand Mavis Busiek.

SOME OF THE WHO'S WHO, WHO ATTENDED BOND'S SPEECH: Mayor Tom Carlson, City Utilities General Manager John Twitty, Greene County Commissioner Harold Bengsch, Springfield Mayoral candidate Jim O'Neal, Nixa Rep. Jay Wasson, Springfield Republican committeeman Tom Fowler, Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott, Rep. Charlie Denison, Rep. Shane Schoeller, Rep. Bob Dixon, Senator Jack Goodman, Pachyderms president Leigh Anne Garren, former candidate for County Commission Lincoln Hough, Springfield lobbyist Scott Marrs, Cliff Davis of Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield Republican Anne Compton.

WATCH KY3 NEWS @ 5 FOR A FULL REPORT

The Sitdown with Jay and Georganne

BIG FRIDAY T.V.


Our special sit-down interview with Governor-elect Jay Nixon and the next First Lady airs tonight on KY3 News @ 6 & 10.

WATCH the promo above.

Two different versions will run.

ALSO: LIVE on KY3 NEWS @ NOON
We'll be live from the Discovery Center in Springfield where Sen. Kit Bond will hold a press conference.

Then, more from Bond on KY3 News @ 5 & 6.

Bond in Springfield Friday @ Noon

Senator Kit Bond, who announced Thursday he will not seek re-election in 2010, will address the media and thank supporters in Springfield Friday at the Discovery Center at 12:15 p.m.
***
Local officials and leaders from the Discovery Center, Jordan Vally Community Health Center and City Utilities will join Bond at the event.

WATCH THURSDAY'S KY3 NEWS @ 5 REPORT HERE

WATCH KY3 ANCHOR STEVE GRANT'S RETROSPECTIVE ON BOND'S LEGACY HERE

Talent Tells KY3 He'll Consider It Seriously

Former Senator Jim Talent tells the KY3 Political Notebook he will seriously consider running for Sen. Kit Bond's seat "when the shock wears off."

In a phone interview with Talent this afternoon while he was in an airport switching planes, Talent told The Notebook that Sen. Bond's decision not to run was "one of the biggest in Missouri politics in a long time."

Talent also said Bond called him early this morning to tell him. "I told Kit, this is like a kick in the back of the head. He's just been such a presence in Missouri politics for 40 years. Really, remarkable, and very surprising. I really thought he would go another term," former Sen. Talent said.

"When the shock wears off, I will investigate this seriously. I'm going to look at running. But we've got to let some time pass first," Talent added.

DEVELOPING . . .

Talent "Very Seriously Considering" Senate Run

NEW: ANOTHER G.O.P. OPERATIVE, WITH TIES TO JIM TALENT, CONFIRMS TO THE NOTEBOOK THAT FORMER SENATOR IS "VERY SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING" A RUN FOR KIT BOND'S U.S. SENATE SEAT.

COULD SET UP TALENT VS. BLUNT SHOWDOWN

"I Don't See Talent Blinking," says a separate consultant.

Politico reports that two Republican operatives close to the former Senator say he's likely to run for Sen. Kit Bond's seat.

***

Top Republican consultants see Rep. Roy Blunt and former Sen. Jim Talent as the top contenders in the G.O.P. field to replace Bond.

When asked if the candidacy of Blunt could deter Talent, one Republican operative said, "I don't see Talent blinking."

STATEMENT FROM FMR. SEN. TALENT:

"This announcement is a stunning blow to me and to all of us who admire Kit Bond as a statesman and who regard him as a friend. His service to our state over the last 40 years has improved the lives of Missourians, and all Americans, in more ways than can be counted. We have better schools, greater opportunity, and a safer and stronger country because of Kit Bond's public service. To me personally, this announcement means the retirement of a great friend and mentor. My wife Brenda and I wish him and Linda always and only the best. We know his final two years in the United States Senate will be outstanding and that he will continue to find ways to serve his country and state for years to come."

PLUS: A Steelman supporter phones The Notebook to reassure: "Sarah's very, very seriously considering it."

ARE THE 3 STRONGEST GOP STATEWIDES, ROY BLUNT, JIM TALENT AND SARAH STEELMAN?

Possible 7th District Congressional G.O.P. Contenders: Nixa State Rep. Jay Wasson, State Senator Jack Goodman, Joplin State Senator Gary Nodler.

AND: The Atlantic Monthly drops Attorney-General elect Chris Koster as potential Democratic candidate, calling him one of two major candidates.

"Chris Koster, the state's attorney general, has also spoken to Democrats about a bid," writes Marc Ambinder.

Koster Endorses Carnahan For Senate Run

Democratic Attorney General-Elect Chris Koster says Democrats need not look any farther than Robin Carnahan as a candidate for U.S. Senate.

IMMEDIATELY KNOCKS DOWN AN ATLANTIC MONTHLY REPORT THAT HE'S A POTENTIAL CANDIDATE.

KOSTER'S FULL STATEMENT:

"Senator Bond has served with distinction for nearly four decades. His love for Missouri and public service is evident in all that he has done," Koster said. "As talk turns to 2010 and who may replace Senator Bond during these challenging economic times, I am confident that the Democratic Party will nominate a strong candidate, and we don’t have to look any farther than Robin Carnahan. As Attorney General, I look forward to supporting her, if she chooses to run. Together, we will work to make our state a safer, stronger place to live, work and raise a family."

Carnahan Circles The Wagons

BOND WILL NOT RUN IN 2010

HOW GOOD IS TODAY'S NEWS FOR ROBIN CARNAHAN?

A) It solidifies her as the Democratic frontunner.

B) It allows other Democrats to take a second look at an open U.S. Senate seat that doesn't come around very often.

The Democratic Secretary of State LAYS DOWN HER MARKER:

Via A Statement from New Democratic Chair Craig Hosmer:

"We thank Senator Bond for his service to the state," said Craig Hosmer, Missouri Democratic Party Chairman. "He has dedicated his entire career to Missouri and we wish the Senator and Linda all the best."

"Following Gov.-elect Nixon's historic win, this seat provides a tremendous opportunity for Missouri Democrats," Hosmer said. "Robin Carnahan spoke to the Governor elect this morning. Robin would be a strong candidate and a great Senator and Democrats across the state hope she'll run."

PLUS: G.O.P. Consultant Jeff Roe says (or DARES?) OTHER DEMS will/should take a looksy:

"I believe the Democrats thought that against Kit, she'd be the best choice. Now, they have to evaluate who would be the best United States Senator," said Roe in an interview Thursday. "When they do that, I don't think Democrats will be happy with their first choice."

Roe mentions other possible candidates, such as former Governor Bob Holden, former Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell, Roger Wilson.

"I know that alot of former politicos will be looking at this race today," Roe said.

***

ROE ON THE G.O.P. FIELD:

"It's too early to tell," Roe said. "There's so many potentials out there. On Monday, I think we will have a much clearer picture than we do today."

All Eyes on Roy Blunt

OPENING UP THE 7TH

BOND WON'T RUN IN 2010

The early conventional wisdom among the G.O.P. chattering class is that Rep. Roy Blunt is the likely Republican frontrunner to replace Sen. Kit Bond in 2010.

***

Two top Republican consultants in Missouri tells The Notebook that other House members and would-be candidates like Rep. Sam Graves and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson would likely defer to Blunt, if he wants to run.

ALSO: The News-Leader's Chad Livengood quotes Gov. Matt Blunt saying Dad Will Run.

"He's been in leadership, he's helped them on committees, he's helped them with fundraising, he's friends with all of them. And they like him," said this Republican consultant, who requested anonymity to speak freely on the topic. "He has a good statewide network, and on top of that he's got a national network. In that important Springfield media market, he's been speaking to that community for 10 years. I know Roy is interested, and he'd probably be the strongest candidate statewide."

This consultant also believes that while State Treasurer Sarah Steelman could become a possible candidate, "I don't really know if it's her intention to go to Washington. I think it's more in her personality to stay and go for something statewide."

On a potential candidacy of Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder: "I believe Peter's focus will be on potentially challenging Jay Nixon in four years."

EARLIER: Two other Ozarks Republicans tell The Notebook that Rep. Roy Blunt is "very interested," and privately feeling out longtime allies about a potential candidacy.

Steelman: "I'm Interested"

BOND WON'T RUN IN 2010

The outgoing State Treasurer and G.O.P. "outsider" tells the KY3 Political Notebook she's "interested in continuing public service," and will consider a bid to replace Senator Kit Bond in 2010.

ALSO: 2 G.O.P. SOURCES: ROY BLUNT MAKING CALLS ABOUT POSSIBLE CANDIDACY

Outgoing Republican State Treasurer and former candidate for Governor Sarah Steelman said she will consider making a run at the U.S. Senate seat that Missouri's most senior elected official announced he will vacate this morning when his term expires in 2010.

"I'm interested in continuing public service, but it's just happened so I'm still trying to see what to make of it," Steelman said in an interview midday Thursday as public officials were still sending out reaction statements. "I really thought he'd probably run for 1 more term. I just think it's important for me to think it through," Steelman added.

Steelman has been critical of Senator Kit Bond's spending policies in the past, and the rift between the two grew when Bond publicly endorsed Kenny Hulshof over for Governor over Steelman last May.

In the interview with the Notebook, Steelman mixed praise of Bond with some critical comments. "Kit Bond had a good record of public service, and he has certainly served our state well, but we've had our policy differences," Steelman said. "So this is a chance we can set policy in a new direction," she added.

"Senator Bond and Congressman Blunt represent the old ways of Washington. I don't think people can tolerate that," Steelman said candidly.

When asked what issues specifically represent "the old ways of Washington," Steelman rattled off, "spending, massive campaign contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the cozy relationships in Congress, the lack of fiscal discipline."

Steelman also complimented Sen. Claire McCaskill for partnering with Sen. John McCain on a bill to reign in earmarks. "I think it's great. These are changes that have not taken place before," she said. "From a philosophical view, I think we need change in Washington to get rid of the old ways."

Comments like these will certainly rub members of the Republican establishment the wrong way, but Steelman surprised many by coming within four and a half points of Hulshof during the August primary race.

Steelman, who is set to start teaching at Missouri State University next week, said she will obviously take some time to consider her next political move. "I'm just trying to get a timeline for my class," Steelman said, noting that she was working on her syllabus Thursday when she first heard the news. "I'm just watching and thinking about it."

BLUNT MAKING CALLS

Two Republican sources tell The Notebook that Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt is already reaching out, making calls to supporter and campaign contributors to feel out a possible run for U.S. Senate. Blunt's public statement only offered praise of Bond Thursday, but the sources said that Blunt's early moves are not surprising.

"I can tell you he's very interested, but that's really only natural," said one source.

A spokesperson from Blunt's office did not immediately respond for comment.

Reaction to Bond's Decision Not To Run

BOND WON'T RUN IN 2010

BOND'S SPEECH TO THE MO. GENERAL ASSEMBLY THIS MORNING:

"As a sixth-generation Missourian, I have always loved our state. Through 40 years in public life I have met many wonderful people. The people I have met along the way are the reason I ran for public office and the reason I am still here,” said Sen. Kit Bond. “I thank the voters of Missouri who elected me to represent them. There is no greater honor. I am truly blessed to have been entrusted by them with the responsibility of public office."

LT. GOVERNOR PETER KINDER REACTS FIRST:

"This announcement comes as a surprise considering Sen. Bond’s astounding record of nearly 40 years in public service. Throughout his career, Sen. Bond has worked far beyond the call of duty. The impact of his service to the people of Missouri and the United States of America will long be felt by future generations. His exemplary efforts on national defense, transportation and agriculture have laid the groundwork for a better America from this day forward. This announcement has created an opportunity for our Missouri Republican Party. Together, we must unify behind the conservative ideals that we share with families across our state. We will unite for the people of our state and for the future of our nation. We will continue Sen. Bond’s legacy of serving Missourians and working for the betterment of our society. Today, I wish Sen. Bond many successes in his future endeavors and, on behalf of citizens across this state, I thank him for his service to Missouri. I truly believe there has never been a public servant to do more for the State of Missouri than Sen. Kit Bond."

REP. ROY BLUNT REACTS:

"There is no doubt that if Senator Bond’s name was on the ballot in November of 2010 he would have won handily. After almost four decades of service, the contributions Kit made are interwoven in the history of Missouri and our nation. He has been the strongest advocate our state could have in the United States Senate. Missourians know that Kit Bond always fought for us and has led the fight to keep our country safe. I’m looking forward to working with Kit for the next two years in Congress. I count him as one of my closest friends and look forward to his friendship for many years to come."

GOV.-ELECT JAY NIXON REACTS:

"Over the past 40 years, Sen. Kit Bond has made a real difference in the lives of Missourians. His leadership on national intelligence has kept our families safe, and his commitment to the Parents as Teachers program has given countless children a head start on learning. Our state and nation are stronger because of Sen. Bond’s service. Georganne and I wish Kit and Linda all the best in the years to come."

GOVERNOR MATT BLUNT REACTS:

"Senator Bond is a statesman among statesmen and a great friend and mentor. His four decades of service have left a positive and lasting mark on Missouri. Senator Bond’s achievements over the last forty years have brought growth and prosperity to our state, and his leadership has made our country stronger and our families safer. When you travel the state as much as I do one sees Senator Bond’s positive imprint almost everywhere. He is an extraordinary man and an extraordinary leader. As Senator Bond completes his final term in the Senate, Melanie and I wish him and Linda the very best for the future."

Bond Won't Seek Re-election

BREAKING . . . Sen. Kit Bond announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election in 2010, sending the Missouri Republican Party into another whirlwind of uncertainty and behind-the-scenes maneuvering as the battle to replace him begins.

More HERE.

“In 1972, I became Missouri’s youngest Governor. Ladies and Gentlemen, I do no aspire to become Missouri’s oldest Senator,” said Bond in a statement to the Missouri General Assembly Thursday morning around 10 a.m.

A press release released by his office earlier this morning said Bond would making a major announcement at the Missouri General Assembly at 10 a.m. A conference call is said to be set for this afternoon.

Politico writes that Bond's announcement "is a blow to Senate Republicans, who now will have at least four of their incumbents seeking retirement at the end of the session."


***DEVELOPING . . .

VIDEO: Opening Day Report

'09 SESSION UNDERWAY

BIPARTISAN AGREEMENT ON JOBS PLAN, BUT HEALTH CARE COULD AGAIN BE CONTENTIOUS

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 5 REPORT HERE

PLUS: AP NEWSALERT: NIXON CANS 150 WORKERS

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Gov.-elect Jay Nixon issued pink slips to about 150 state employees Wednesday, ending their jobs the moment he takes office next week.

The termination letters were sent primarily to employees in Cabinet-level, senior staff or policy-making positions, said Nixon spokesman Oren Shur.

In December, Nixon's gubernatorial transition team sent letters to about 600 employees whose jobs were not covered by the state merit system. Those letters asked employees to either justify their jobs or lose them.

Employees were directed to submit their resumes and cover letters through an Internet site. The Web site also asked them to describe their current job duties, their qualifications and "the importance of your current position to the mission of your agency."

Shur said Wednesday that Nixon's transition team reviewed all the applications of employees wanting to keep their jobs before sending out the termination letters.

"Gov.-elect Nixon is building a team of highly qualified public servants who share his priorities to help bring about the change Missourians voted for last November," Shur said in an e-mailed statement. "So beginning next Monday, some of the state employees who serve at the pleasure of the outgoing governor will be replaced. Other positions will be consolidated or eliminated altogether in order to make government more efficient during these difficult economic times."

Among those who had reapplied for her job before being fired Wednesday was Connie Patterson, the spokeswoman for the Department of Natural Resources.

As attorney general, Nixon clashed frequently with outgoing DNR Director Doyle Childers and some of his top staff. But Patterson had served in various public information roles in the department for about 17 years under multiple governors, both Democratic and Republican.

Patterson said about 20 department employees received Nixon's termination letters.

"I certainly understand this is the authority of the governor to do this," Patterson said, but "I will miss the department and the work we do."

Nixon said in an interview Tuesday that he also intends to rescind scores of appointments made by Blunt that would otherwise be awaiting Senate confirmation. Some people may get re-nominated by Nixon but many others will not.

"I would expect that a new day will be noticeable," Nixon said.

Shot of The Day: Odd Couple To Battle Earmarks

MAC-CASKILL

Sen. Claire McCaskill joins Sen. John McCain to sponsor an anti-earmark bill that
would take aggressive steps to prevent pork barrel funding in appropriations bills without transparency and congressional approval.

The legislation would:

• Allow Senators to raise a "point of order" to remove earmarks in appropriations bills if the project was not authorized in a separate bill. 60 votes would be needed to override the "point of order" and keep the earmark.
• Require that all bills that authorize funding be electronically searchable 48 hours before the Senate votes on the bill.
• Requires all recipients of federal funds to disclose money spent on registered lobbyists.

NBC News notes: McCaskill said she was "tickled pink" to share the stage with former presidential candidate McCain Wednesday. (She once derided him for "lies.") McCain had praise for McCaskill as well for her work fighting waste on the Armed Services Committee.

Mo. Education Commissioner Dies of Brain Cancer

Missouri Commissioner of Education Kent King died at his home in Rolla on Wednesday of brain cancer.

King spent 44 years in education, including 10 years as Superintendent in Licking and in Rolla. He headed the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education since 2000.

GOVERNOR-ELECT JAY NIXON REACTS:
"Because Georganne’s father, Hubert Wheeler, was the state’s first Education Commissioner, we have always felt a special kinship to public education in Missouri and to those who work so hard for its continued advancement. That certainly included Kent King, who played a great role as a leader of public education in our state. Missouri’s education community will miss Dr. King greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."


GOVERNOR MATT BLUNT REACTS:
"Melanie and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Commissioner Kent King. Dr. King was a dedicated public servant who committed his life and career to education, and always put the needs of students first. He was a valued member of my Cabinet who shared my belief that education should be the highest priority of state government. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. King’s family especially his wife Sandy, and his children and grandchildren.”


LT. GOV. PETER KINDER REACTS:
"Dr. King was only the fourth person to serve as commissioner of education since the office was created in 1945. His unwavering commitment to the people of Missouri and his desire for academic achievement was evident to all who met him. Today, I express my sincere condolences to Kent’s wife, Sandy, and his entire family. Missouri’s schoolchildren will forever benefit from the impact that Dr. King has left."

King's funeral is set for Sunday at 2 p.m. in Rolla.

Donnelly Gets Health & Senior Services Post

4 TO GOFormer State Representative and Democratic candidate for Attorney General Margaret Donnelly is Governor-elect Jay Nixon's pick to direct the Department of Health & Senior Services.

"With her many years of experience as a social worker, an attorney and a state legislator, Margaret understands the key role the Department of Health and Senior Services plays in the lives of all Missourians," said Nixon in a statement.

In the position, Donnelly will oversee programs and divisions, including public and community health, senior and disability services, vital records and emergency preparedness.

ANTI-ABORTION GROUP ANNOUNCES OPPOSITION:

Donnelly will have conflicts of interest if state reverses course and funnels tax dollars to pro-abortion groups like Planned Parenthood," claims Ed Martin of Missourians United For Life.

"Governor-elect Jay Nixon today has picked as his health and senior services director a public official who has regularly received the endorsement and support of the abortion provider Planned Parenthood who has regularly sued the state to gain access to state tax dollars," said Martin in a statement e-mailed to The Notebook. "Nixon's own record of support for and by Planned Parenthood is well-documented but his appointment leaves Missourians wondering who will protect the state treasury when Planned Parenthood seeks money from it."

ALSO: STATE GOP RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT MARTINEZ ON IMMIGRATION
"When the federal government failed to enact a comprehensive immigration policy, a local municipality did something. Linda Martinez led the effort to overturn their effort to crack down on illegal immigrants arguing, "This is bad law and mean-spirited public policy," said G.O.P. spokeswoman Tina Hervey. "If Nixon’s choice to head DED views anti-illegal immigration laws as ‘mean-spirited’, what message is he sending to Missourians?”, added Hervey. "By selecting Martinez, it is clear that Nixon does not plan on continuing the strong policies enacted by Governor Blunt to curb illegal immigration activity in Missouri, and that’s a shame."

MEANWHILE, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, SPEAKER RON RICHARD CALLED MARTINEZ "A GREAT START" TO BOLSTERING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

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4 NIXON CABINET APPOINTMENTS REMAIN: Director of Agriculture, Director of Insu