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.

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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?)

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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:

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Who Will Head The RNC?

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

Missouri's GOP members will cast 3 votes
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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 . . .

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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"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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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"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.

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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.
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"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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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-

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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.

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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.

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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

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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***

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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 . . .

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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.

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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."
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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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 . . .

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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Filling The Cabinet

CONFIRMED

3 Nixon Appointees Win Senate Approval

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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.

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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.

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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.

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