The Goodman Announcement

***Video From His Announcement Speech Above***

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Q& A with Goodman
Goodman fields questions on Iraq, Afghanistan and last fall's financial bailout.

On Obama's 2010 Withdrawal Plan: "I would support leaving a residual force, as far as the withdrawals, those are issues I'll have to study the specifics of."

On More Troops In Afghanistan: "Foreign policy statements are things that we will roll out with the campaign as we go along."

On The Big Bank Bailout -- Breaks With Blunt: "It was not a vote I would have cast."

More VIDEO: "I Think You Need To Not Be A Stiff Suit"

More Of My Interview With Auctioneer Billy Long

"Someone needs to step forward and say, we need to get it back like it used to be, citizens go to Washington," says Long, who told KY3 News he's "definitely" running for U.S. Congress.

"I think you need to not be a stiff suit," says Long. "I have people tell me that if you're going to run, you need to lose weight, you need to dress better. I'm not going to do that. I'm going to be Billy Long."

***WATCH FULL CLIP ABOVE***

Santelli Sparks Springfield "Tea Party"

Borrowing an idea from the Boston Tea Party of America's colonial days, people took tea to a Springfield rally to send a message to Washington.

**WATCH VIDEO HERE

The idea of the tea party came from CNBC analyst Rick Santelli. He made an impassioned speech on the air from the floor of the Chicago Board of trade last week, claiming President Obama's stimulus package promotes bad behavior.

GOP Jumps on Nixon's CSPAN Quote

"If there's debt, Missouri kids and grandkids will pay that debt off"

That's what Gov. Jay Nixon said last Sunday during a CSPAN appearance. It took a whole week, but the Missouri Republican Party finally leaped on the line in a Friday release:

"Jay Nixon's plan to leave Missouri's kids and grandkids with a mountain of debt is completely irresponsible," said David Cole, Chairman of the Missouri Republican Party. "On Tuesday, President Obama said his budget will look ahead ten years. Gov. Nixon’s budget only covers one year and he has admitted he is not thinking about the future except to state his confidence that Missouri children and grandchildren can pay off the debt they inherit. Placing billions of dollars of debt at the feet of our children and grandchildren while not planning for the future is negligent management of Missouri’s budget."

"For someone who has put forward no substantial legislative agenda and whose only plan involves waiting for a bailout check from Washington, D.C., Jay Nixon doesn't appear to know much about it. One thing is certain. While the Governor seems content to leave piles of debt with our children, Missourians can rest assured that our Republican leaders are not," Cole said.

A special GOP web video targeting Nixon is HERE.

NJ: Emerson Becoming Less Conservative

National Journal notes that in both chambers of Congress, the Republicans who left or were defeated in 2008 were more centrist ideologically than their caucus' colleagues.

Also of note in the piece: Some of the Republicans now closest to the center in the House in vote ratings were once viewed as more conservative.

"Even more striking was the movement of Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo.: She was the 79th-most-conservative in 2000 and the 183rd last year," write Brian Friel and Richard E. Cohen.

Interesting to me was where former Sen. Jim Talent fell on the list in 2006.

His "composite conservative score" was only 68% in 2006. National Journal describes "more-liberal" Republicans as those with ratings at 75% or below.

"I Think It's Going To Be Fun"

Billy Long, candidate for Congress --- (minus the hat) --- refuses to showcase his legendary auctioneering.

But shows his spunk in my attempt to interview.

***WATCH CLIP ABOVE***

More on Jack Goodman on KY3 News @ 5 & 6.

The full enchilada of a race on KY3 News @ 10.

John Putnam, Long-Distance Swimmer

"I'm Committed To Running"

ALSO: Reps. Schoeller & Wasson OUT

Jasper County Republican Chair John Putnam said he's committed to running for Roy Blunt's open U.S. House seat, but is in no rush to make an official announcement.

Putnam, who was in Springfield Friday attending one of the "nationwide Chicago Tea Party's" to protest the government's recent bailouts, said he's making plans to get the infrastructure in place to launch a Congressional bid.

Earlier Friday, Sen. Jack Goodman became the first official Republican to announce his candidacy in the 7th Congressional District. (More on that coming on KY3 News @ 5 & 6)

After Goodman's announcement, Putnam told The Notebook he's not concerned about being the first out of the gate. "I'm not to worried about being at the front end of the announcement," Putnam said. "I was a long-distance swimmer in college at the University of Missouri. I swam distance mostly because nobody else wanted to," he said.

Putnam, who is state director of the Fair Tax initiative, will be able to tap into that grass-root network for support, but acknowledged he isn't a GOP "party insider."

"The party regulars typically get together to back somebody. I've done a lot of work for candidates over the years, but I haven't been in the smoke-filled rooms. I'm not a sophisticated politician. I just think we need the grassroots people to decide who will best represent our values," Putnam said.

At Goodman's event, Nixa Rep. Jay Wasson also said he was out of the race for Congress. "I'm out," he told me in a brief encounter after Goodman's announcement. He said he intends to run for State Senate instead. "That's all I've ever said," Wasson said, with a smile.

Schoeller: "I Will Not Seek The 7th Congressional Seat"

On the day of Sen. Jack Goodman's announcement for Congress, Willard State Rep. Shane Schoeller tells The Notebook he will not run for Roy Blunt's seat in order to unite the party behind Goodman.
***
Schoeller said he would attend Goodman's announcement in Springfield this afternoon to show support for the Mt. Vernon State Senator's candidacy.

"I came to the decision over the weekend that I will not seek the 7th Congressional District Seat. There are three reasons. I am concerned about the turnover in the Missouri House of Representatives in the coming two years. I am committed to being there to keep our Republican majority and provide the leadership necessary to help ensure that happens," Schoeller said.

"The second and most important for me is that I do not believe it is the right time for me and my family. Emma is five and Dorthy is two. Mendie and I believe that at this time in our family we want to raise them during these years in Missouri. Later on we may feel differently when they are older but at this time we know this is the right decision for our home," he went on.

"Third, I am convinced we need to be united in the 7th Congressional District. I realize there will be a primary but I believe the less candidates out there the better voters will have to determine of the few left running who will be the best general election candidate in 2010," Schoeller said.

"I plan to be there at Jack's announcement and supportive. He asked me to support him after I made my decision and I was glad to help. Jack is a good leader who is ready to provide the conservative representation and solid leadership we need in the 7th district," Schoeller concluded.

Group Pushes For Health Care Choice

"It ought to be my choice . . .
I'm the consumer"
WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

The group, Missourians for Choice in Health Care is seeking support for "Any Willing Provider" legislation, also known as House Bill 303. They held a forum in Springfield Thursday night. The legislation they're championing would prohibit insurers from discriminating against any doctor willing to provide his or her services. It basically would open up the system and eliminate the provider networks that limit what doctors you can go to see for services.

Hospitals oppose the change -- arguing it could drive up costs.

Republican Rep. Rob Schaaf, a proponent of the legislation, said at a meeting Thursday that GOP House Speaker Ron Richard opposes "Any Willing Provider" because he's "good friends with one of the guys who runs the hospital in Joplin."

The legislation overwhelmingly passed the House last year, but too late in the session to make it through the Senate. This year, the legislation has yet to be assigned to committee.

DSCC Begins Targeting Blunt

Rep. Roy Blunt was one of 24 Congressman to vote against a special House measure that included a wage freeze.

And the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee didn't waste time putting together a press release blasting Blunt for voting to "protect his own pay raise."

"Missourians have seen their 401K’s disappear, and instead of helping get the economy back on the track, the only bank account Congressman Blunt seems concerned about is his own,” said DSCC communications director Eric Schultz. "When he opposes economic stimulus for the American people, but supports a pay raise for himself, it is proof positive that Congressman Blunt has been in Washington too long."

According to The St. Joseph News, a Blunt spokesperson said the Ozarks Congressman voted against the measure because of concerns about provisions that conflicted with his pro-life views.

But, the DSCC release goes onto to cite 4 other previous instances where Blunt voted "to protect his own pay raise."

Missouri Gets $223 Million in Stimulus Money

Those stimulus dollars have begun a'flowin.

The state of Missouri received $223 million dollars Thursday to help shore up Medicaid.

The first payment was an enhanced reimbursement for expenditures made from October through February for the government-run health care program for the poor.

Governor Jay Nixon said his administration created two separate bank accounts to hold money it gets under the federal law.

Senate Appropriations Chair Gary Nodler promised to get legislation that deals with accountability of the funds to the Governor's desk quickly.

"Creating and using these funds are the best way to protect Missouri taxpayers because it makes the new federal funding separate, only lets us spend what we have, and lets taxpayers know exactly what projects and programs we invest in with this one-time funding. We will continue to work to get the bill to the Governor’s desk ready for his signature as quickly as possible," said Nodler.

Roll Call Raises Questions About Blunt; Consultant Fires Back At Steelman's "Outsider Image"

A Roll Call article ponders whether the GOP establishment is backing the wrong horse in Missouri's U.S. Senate race.

They're referring to Roy Blunt, who's considered the favorite to carry the Republican mantle in 2010.

UPDATED @ 7: 19 P.M.: BUT A TOP GOP CONSULTANT with ties to Mo. & D.C Phones The Notebook to refute the assumption -- and lay out the case against Sarah Steelman.

"I'm in D.C. a lot talking to the people out there and I'm not hearing that at all," said this Missouri-based consultant, who has experience with national campaigns. "This sounds like someone trying to feed a story."

"The question is are these folks the right candidates?" one Washington-based Republican strategist said Wednesday in the Roll Call article that raises questions about Blunt. "Democrats have to be salivating over the opportunity to run against folks who are pretty closely associated with Bush."

The Notebook has reported that former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman will very likely challenge Blunt in the primary. She's quoted in the piece.

"If party leaders do line up behind Blunt, Steelman said, it would hardly be anything new, and she predicted it would only help the former leader raise even more special interest money from lobbyists." "That’s part of the Washington culture," she said. "That’s part of the problem."

BUT THE CONSULTANT, WHO CLAIMS TO BE NEUTRAL, LAYS OUT THE CASE AGAINST STEELMAN:

"The fact that she's running as an outsider just floors me. Sarah and David have been running for political office since the 70s. David's been running as long or longer than Roy has. And it's so frustrating to hear her say she's an outsider, when she's an insider. The state party basically financed her first Senate race. She probably wouldn't have won without the party," said this consultant.

ON WHY SHE WON'T BEAT BLUNT:

"Roy will be much more aggressive with Sarah. I don't think she'll get away with this outsider thing. She's so in bed with the trial attorneys and labor unions, she's barely a Republican anymore. She's switched her position on ethanol, because it was popular" this consultant went on. "She's switched her positions on other issues. Plus, against Kenny, she overperformed in the 7th, your area. That was her strength. I don't see how she does that again."

By the way, I don't have a subscription to Roll Call, but a staffer at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee made sure this was in my inbox.

Goodman's In

State Senator Jack Goodman will announce his candidacy for the 7th Congressional District House seat Friday.

***
Goodman will make five stops Friday beginning in Jasper County at 9 a.m.

He'll be in Greene County at 1:30 p.m. at The Discovery Center.

Here's his full roll-out list:

9 a.m. Candlewood Suites, Joplin

11 a.m. Mount Vernon City Hall, Mount Vernon

1:30 p.m. The Discovery Center, Springfield

3:30 p.m. Comfort Inn, Branson

5:30 p.m. Crane High School, Crane

ON SATURDAY:

10 a.m. Simon B's, Bolivar

1 p.m. Ozark Chamber of Commerce, Ozark

THEN ON MONDAY:
7:30 a.m. Aunt Kathy's Cookies & More, Cassville

9:45 a.m. McDonald County Courthouse, Pineville

11 a.m. The Civic, Neosho

Twitter Me This

***THE POLITICAL POWER OF TWITTER***

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE
***
"On the optimistic side, what this will do is increase democratic interaction. It will flatten the hierarchy, it will increase communication. It will make politics more democratic," says Charlie Ess, a Drury University professor who has written a book on information and technology.

In a Twitter message to KY3 Wednesday, McCaskill wrote, "The best part is being able to directly talk to Missourians about my day without reporters editing!"

On why she isn't a "follower," McCaskill Twittered me, "If I tried to follow 1,000s of people responsively then I would have no time for my job."

Featured in the TV tag of the story:
Congressman Roy Blunt is also tapping into Twitter. He has a Congressional page HERE.
Blunt's U.S. Senate campaign Twitter page is HERE.

And look what other Missouri Pol has just jumped into TWITTER . . . Hmmm, wonder why.

ABC's Nightline: 2009 quickly becoming the year of Twitter

The Thursday Daybook

8 a.m . . . American Issues Project Board Member, Ed Martin, will appear on BlogTalkRadio's show "AmericaFirst" (http://blogtalkradio.com/AmericaFirst) with host Keith Miller. It's part of Martin's recent media blitz highlighting the group's ad campaign against the stimulus package.

9:30 a.m. . . State Treasurer Clint Zweifel holds a news conference at the Springfield Chamber of Commerce on his initiative to try to reinvest $1 billion in Missouri communities.

11:30 a.m. . . Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget Rob Nabors holds a nationwide conference call to brief reporters on President Obama’s budget overview for the next fiscal year.

6 p.m. . . Missourians For Choice in Health Care Providers will host a town hall meeting at 3045 S. National (Orthopaedic Specialists) to gather support for House Bill 303. Public participation from patients and health care providers is encouraged.

The Power of the Political Tweet

Interviewing Sen. Claire McCaskill via TWITTER NOW

My questions HERE; Her Answers HERE

How Technology Is Changing Politics . . .

Developing . . . For KY3 News @ 10

Health Care For Kids DOA?

REPUBLICANS STRIP NIXON'S PLAN TO EXPAND HEALTH CARE FOR KIDS

"The House Budget Committee has stripped the provision from a supplemental budget request for the 2009 fiscal year, which ends June 30," reports the Springfield News-Leader's Chad Livengood.

***
HOUSE DEMS BLAST THE MOVE:

"We are deeply disappointed that Republicans on the House Budget Committee have ignored Governor Jay Nixon’s recommendation to expand health care to 20,000 Missouri children and played parliamentary tricks to prevent House Democrats from including the funding in the supplemental budget. House Republicans’ refusal to ensure that more children receive needed medical care, especially in this time of financial difficulty for many Missouri families, is mind boggling," said House Minority Leader Paul LeVota.

"The governor has a clear mandate from Missouri voters who for four years have been paying federal taxes to provide health care to kids in other states. House Democrats and the governor want to use some of the federal stimulus money to cover Missouri kids, but House Republicans want to tell Congress ‘thanks, but no thanks’ to a bridge to health care," said Rep. Jason Kander of Kansas City.

Senate Cmt. Rejects Red Light Camera Ban

The Senate Transportation Committee rejected a ban on red light cameras Wednesday morning by a vote of 8-2.

***

Sen. Jim Lembke's Senate Bill 211 would prohibit the cameras. Sen. Lembke is questioning their constitutionality and says they lead to rear-end accidents as cars stop suddenly.

The statewide coalition Missourians For Safer Roads issued this statement:

"Red light cameras are proven tools for enforcing traffic safety laws. Missouri Families for Safer Roads is grateful that the Senate Transportation Committee recognized that red light cameras are working – in raising driver awareness, reducing crashes and saving countless lives. We commend the committee for its responsible action," said spokesperson Scott Charton.

For more information, go to www.MoSaferRoads.com

Kinder Opposed to Stimulus Unemployment Changes

"We Will Not Raise Taxes"

Lt. Governor Peter Kinder said he opposes changes to unemployment compensation laws mandated by the federal stimulus package.

***

"I am deeply troubled by law changes proposed in the American Recovery Act," Kinder said in a news conference with Sen. Charlie Shields and Rep. Ron Richard Wednesday morning. "The unemployment compensation fund was created as a safety net, not a way of life. This plan would create an unnecessary burden on businesses and Missourians who have lost their job by no fault of their own," Kinder added.

Kinder said the law stipulates that states should extend benefit periods beyond normal terms and open up unemployment benefits to people not eligible under current law.

"The bottom line is that over time, this proposal would result in new taxes for Missouri small businesses," Kinder said. "Over one month ago, I delivered my parties response to the State of the State address. I said then, and will say again; that no matter what you want to call it or how you want to say it, we will not raise taxes."

Blunt: Carnahan Should Talk About Her Views

"Missouri Doesn't Need A 20-Month Campaign"

Congressman Roy Blunt is challenging the likely Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in 2010 to talk about her positions on many of the issues now facing Congress.

On Tuesday, Blunt's spokesperson Rich Chrismer accused Robin Carnahan of "blocking public knowledge of the candidates." The Blunt campaign also said the reason Carnahan wasn't speaking in public is because her views "are far too liberal for Missouri."

"For example, many public officials and Missouri families are talking about the impact of the so-called stimulus. Robin Carnahan is refusing to state her position on this bill and the spending projects in it like Harry’s Reid’s high speed train from Disneyland to Las Vegas," said Chrismer in a statement.

Chrismer also said "if other candidates announce, they are welcome to join Roy and Robin Carnahan at the forums," proposed by the Blunt campaign.

With Sarah Steelman signaling a likely primary challenge to Blunt, on Monday, Carnahan's spokesperson suggested that Blunt should first debate Steelman.

When asked by The Notebook why Carnahan rolled out her campaign online and didn't answer questions from reporters like Blunt did, spokesperson Tony Wyche said that on the day she announced as a candidate, Carnahan was available for all press inquiries.

"On the day the she announced that she was a candidate, Robin was available and answered questions from the reporters that called," Wyche told me. "Shortly thereafter, she stood in front of reporters and editors from across the state at AP day at the Capitol and answered all their questions as well. So the Blunt campaign is just wrong on that point."

On why Carnahan didn't launch a statewide tour similar to Blunt:

"Robin's video message was a way to use 21st Century communications to tell Missourians that she is a candidate for Senate. She will kick off her campaign at the appropriate time, but Missouri doesn't want or need a 20-month political campaign," Wyche added.

In Republic, Nixon Again Tells Senate To Pass Jobs Bill

"This is a relatively simple movement we're talking about doing. Expand Quality Jobs. Expand job training."

That was Governor Jay Nixon during his stop at Republic to highlight the creation of 400 new jobs at McLane Company by summer 2010.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

During a brief question and answer session with reporters, Nixon stressed that passage of his expanded Quality Jobs Act was the right move to create more jobs.

"We want to make sure we don't bump up on that cap," Nixon said. "We hope the Senate follows the House lead."

WATCH HIS ANSWERS TO MY 2 QUESTIONS ABOVE

On the Senate debate over whether tax credits are the best route to go, Nixon called it "a legitimate, but long-term discussion." He stressed that first, the Senate should pass the expansion of the QJ Act, and then deal with the effectiveness of tax credits.

ON WEDNESDAY: Nixon continues his Quality Jobs touting with an event in Kansas City, where he'll help announce the creation of 129 jobs in downtown Kansas City. "The jobs are being made possible through the assistance of incentive programs from the State of Missouri," reads a press release from the Governor's office.

"We Will Rebuild . . . We Will Recover"

OBAMA'S BIG SPEECH

Read my TWITTER Updates HERE

Blunt Challenges Obama on Health Care

***

KEY PASSAGE FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA:

"But while our economy may be weakened and our confidence shaken; though we are living through difficult and uncertain times, tonight I want every American to know this: We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before. The weight of this crisis will not determine the destiny of this nation. The answers to our problems don’t lie beyond our reach. They exist in our laboratories and universities; in our fields and our factories; in the imaginations of our entrepreneurs and the pride of the hardest-working people on Earth. Those qualities that have made America the greatest force of progress and prosperity in human history we still possess in ample measure. What is required now is for this country to pull together, confront boldly the challenges we face, and take responsibility for our future once more," President Obama said.

***

ALSO: Obama said his administration has already identified $2 Trillion Dollars in savings over the next decade.

"In this budget, we will end education programs that don’t work and end direct payments to large agribusinesses that don’t need them. We’ll eliminate the no-bid contracts that have wasted billions in Iraq, and reform our defense budget so that we’re not paying for Cold War-era weapons systems we don’t use. We will root out the waste, fraud, and abuse in our Medicare program that doesn’t make our seniors any healthier, and we will restore a sense of fairness and balance to our tax code by finally ending the tax breaks for corporations that ship our jobs overseas," Obama said.

***

CONGRESSMAN ROY BLUNT'S YOUTUBE RESPONSE IS HERE

Blunt said he shares the President's goal of "universal access to the health care system" -- but not via the government.

"This won't be a problem we solve this year if the administration insists on running toward a totally government run health care system," Blunt said.

AND: Hits Obama on spending, saying his deficit reduction comments are at odds with his own stimulus package. Calls omnibus spending bill "ominous."

***

SEN. KIT BOND REACTS:

Wants to Partner With Obama on Credit Crisis, but Disagrees on Taxes, Cap & Trade

"While I heard the President talk about many areas we can work together, there were also troubling proposals that would put our economy at even greater risk. We can’t tax our way out this crisis – especially on the backs of the small businesses that create jobs. It is also critical that President Obama rethink cap and trade. Carbon regulations would threaten every family, worker, farmer, and driver in America with higher energy prices and lost jobs and would cripple coal dependent states like Missouri," Sen. Bond said.

Earlier, Sen. Kit Bond previewed the President's speech in a YouTube video.

He says there's still a great amount of uncertainty and fear in the markets and warns that the country can't "spend and tax" its way out of a crisis.

"I'm also concerned with the suggestion that events in Iraq are budget driven," Bond said.

***

SEN. CLAIRE MCCASKILL CALLED IT "A GREAT SPEECH"

"Right message of bold action and budget restraint," she Twittered.

Her favorite line: "We are not quitters."

Also Claire rejoices over the Clinton kiss!

"The warm greeting between Pres Obama & Sec Clinton makes me proud of our democracy. What a difference a year makes," McCaskill wrote to her many followers on Twitter.
***
By the way: Most memorable viewer comment was aimed at Bobby Jindal's GOP response: "Jindal sounds like a total cheese. Like he should be narrating a ride at Epcot Center."

"

Emerson Pushes For Hunger Aid

"There are things in ... our congressional budget that aren't necessarily as important as this issue," said Rep. Jo Ann Emerson.

***

Emerson, who is co-chair of the hunger caucus, said she wants to look for ways to "tweak" aid spending in the agriculture appropriations process.

Rep. Emerson said she would introduce legislation which also calls for a shift in the type of food aid donated by the United States to the world's nearly 1 billion chronically hungry people.

Read more HERE.

McLane Could Receive $4.1 M in Tax Credits

Governor Jay Nixon joined Republic leaders Tuesday to applaud McLane Company's decision to build a warehouse distribution facility in Republic.

Republic Director of Economic Development Gail Noggle (pictured above) says this new company makes Republic "poised to explode" into other development opportunities.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 5 REPORT HERE

Nixon heaped praise on the three Republican lawmakers in attendance: Rep. Jim Viebrock, Rep. Jay Wasson and Sen. Dan Clemens, all who flew down to Republic with Nixon for the announcement.

According to Missouri's Department of Economic Development, McLane could receive up to $4 million in tax credits if it produces the jobs as promised.

More video . . . DEVELOPING HERE

FULL REPORT on KY3 NEWS @ 10

House Takes Step Toward 4-Day Week Option

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri House gives first-round approval to a bill that would give school districts the option of holding classes four days a week.

Districts choosing a four-day week could lengthen their school days by an hour and have 32 fewer days of instruction each year. The total number of annual instruction hours would stay the same.

The bill needs another House vote before moving to the Senate. Supporters say some rural school districts are interested in the idea because it would save money on transportation and utilities.

But critics raise concerns about a potential drop in educational quality and an increase in day care costs for some parents.

McLane To Bring 400 Jobs To Republic

Governor Jay Nixon and area leaders will announce Tuesday that McLane Company, a national grocery and restaurant supplier, will build a distribution center in Republic that will likely create around 4oo new jobs, KY3 News has learned.

Multiple local sources confirmed that McLane is the mystery company described in a Monday press release.

WATCH MORE HERE

Gov. Jay Nixon will fly to Springfield Tuesday afternoon with State House Rep. Jim Viebrock and Rep. Jay Wasson to make the announcement at a 2 p.m. event at the Republic Community Center.

Rep. Jim Viebrock said negotiations with the City of Republic have been ongoing for awhile. He said the location off of Highway MM, near Interstate 44 and James River Expressway was a key selling point for the company. Viebrock said the biggest incentive was the tax credit benefit the company will receive for setting up shop here.

***Expect the Governor to tout the new jobs as a reason to pass his expansion of the Quality Jobs Act***

The average salary will range between $32,000 and $36,000.

McLane is a $28 billion dollar supply chain company, based in Texas and owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.

Wyche to Chrismer: Call Steelman For A Debate First

"YOU NEED SARAH'S DIGITS?"

Robin Carnahan's spokesperson responds to Roy Blunt's campaign request for debates -- by offering them Sarah Steelman's number.

Blunt has challenged likely Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Robin Carnahan to multiple debates around the state. Blunt wants at least television campaign forums.

"The idea I have is that we will meet together at least three times in 2009 for televised discussions in which we answer the media’s questions about our views and positions,” Blunt wrote in a letter to Carnahan. "I offer that we use the simple format of rotating questions and answers for broadcast use. If you prefer another format, I'm confident our campaigns could reach agreement in short order. We can then participate in traditional debates next year," Blunt went on.

"I think it would be wonderful to send a clear message to Missourians and the nation that you and I will have a campaign in which our positions are an open book from the start," enclosed Blunt.

Today, Carnahan spokesman Tony Wyche released this statement:

"I was quite surprised to receive a voicemail message earlier today from Rich Chrismer of Congressman Blunt’s campaign, who expressed a desire to discuss a plan for candidate forums. Assuming he had the wrong number, I returned his call and left him a message in which I offered to provide him with a telephone number for Sarah Steelman. I also told him that Robin Carnahan looks forward to debating whoever is the Republican nominee about the serious and important issues facing our country," Wyche said.

"Secretary Carnahan will gladly compare her record of standing up for Missouri’s families with that of the Republican nominee after the voters of their party have chosen their candidate. In the meantime, Secretary Carnahan looks forward to talking with the people of Missouri about the challenges facing our families, our state, and our country, and about the solutions that will get us back on the right track," Wyche added.

Show Him Your Money

Springfield Republican politico Jeff Layman has been named one of the top 1000 financial advisers in the country by Barron's.

***

Layman, who helps raise money for Republican candidates and is a close ally of former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman, is the only adviser from the Ozarks to make the list.

Barron's writer Suzanne Mcgee says it's important to put the spotlight on the nation's best financial advisers, "whose skills are even more valuable in times like this."

For more on why Layman was picked, click HERE.

Blunt Wants Spending Freeze

"We can start this week"
Congressman Roy Blunt said he supports President Obama's intention to cut the deficit in half by the end of his term -- and said the best way to get started is by freezing government spending.
***
"During these trying economic times, American families are making tough decisions about their budgets. It’s time the federal government exercises that same level of discipline. With a little effort, we can fund every necessary program without requesting already strapped taxpayers to foot the bill for government excess," Blunt said in a statement. "We can start this week. The Congressional majority’s leadership is bringing forth a massive spending bill that contains the largest increase in discretionary spending in the last three decades, aside from a brief increase to help recovery efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Rather than cramming another massive taxpayer funded bill through Congress, it is time that we do our jobs and make the tough decisions necessary to right our economic ship. Pulling the vote on the omnibus appropriations spending bill and passing a spending freeze is a good place to start," Blunt said.

Nixon Asks For Your Stimulus Ideas

Gov. Jay Nixon has launched a website where anyone can submit a proposal for projects that will use dollars from the federal stimulus package. The website is transform.mo.gov.

***
The web site will serve as the online hub for the Governor’s Transform Missouri Initiative, which will oversee the state’s planning and coordination to maximize the benefit of the federal recovery package.

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has given us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to use these funds to develop our human capital through education and training, to enhance our information and transportation infrastructure and to embrace high-tech, emerging technologies," Gov. Nixon said in a statement Monday. "As federal dollars become available, states that are prepared and ready to go will be in the best position to benefit from these funds. The ideas we receive through Transform.mo.gov will ensure that Missouri is ready to compete, ready to create jobs and ready to transform our economy."

Policy director Jeff Harris, Budget director Linda Luebbering and Budget and Finance counsel Paul Wilson will oversee the project that will expire in July.

ALSO: The Washington Post spoke with Gov. Nixon and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty about the stimulus package HERE.

"Is this bill perfect? That's not the question. The question is how do we use this opportunity," Nixon said.

Billy Long in D.C. Monday To Prepare For U.S. House Run

"I'm Gonna Run"

Springfield auctioneer and former radio host Billy Long said he's definitely running for Roy Blunt's U.S. House seat in 2010.

***

In an interview from Washington D.C. Monday afternoon, Long said he spent the day in the nation's capitol in meetings and to pick up paperwork from the Federal Election Commission. Long said he had meetings with the National Republican Congressional Committee, the National Federation of Independent Business and Congressman Roy Blunt.

"I'm definitely running. It's been a full day. I'm getting different ideas from different people about how to best set up my organization and start raising money. I'm getting lots of advice, and the consensus is to start at home now, and start raising money," Long said.

Long said he's had several people wanting to donate to his effort and "that's why I want to file soon." "I want to get ahead of the pack," Long said.

"I'm not going to have the support of the central party, the Republican operatives. It's going to be a grass-roots campaign, but I've got good name recognition in Greene County, and the person who is strongest in Greene County will have a leg up," Long added. "I bring a business acumen to the race. I'm somebody who's run a small business for 30 years. We need to get new blood in Washington. These jobs have evolved into full-time, lifetime politicians jobs and one-third of them are attorneys."

When asked about his potential opponents, Long surprisingly took a shot at Nixa Alderman Kevin Elmer, who has told The Notebook, he's very certain he'll launch a 7th District bid:

"You look at that Alderman down in Nixa running. Guess what? He's an attorney. We need to get new blood."

There are a slew of potential candidates for the 7th District including: Sen. Jack Goodman, Hal Donaldson, Nixa Alderman Kevin Elmer, Rep. Shane Schoeller, Rep. Jay Wasson, Rep. B.J. Marsh and Sen. Gary Nodler.

Long will be a guest on the Jim Bohannon Show tonight at 10 p.m. CST

Politico: Anti-Blunt Websites Up and Running

Roy Blunt's U.S. Senate campaign website is www.RoyBlunt.com.

But for the next two years, if interested Missouri residents type in www.RoyBlunt2010.com or www.RoyBluntForSenate2010.com, they'll find some heavy anti-Blunt material.

As Politico notes, "such shenanigans with political websites names are common, but campaigns often scoop up dozens of variations of their candidate's name to avoid just a snafu."

Go to www.RoyBlunt2010.com and you'll find a glaring headline bashing Blunt as "one of the most unethical members of Congress." Go to www.BluntForSenate2010.com, and it's a USA Today headline: "Blunt, Delay shared connections to lobbyist Abramoff."

Grand Ole Plug

LINCOLN DAY '09 LEFTOVERS
***Watch shameless Notebook promo above***

Friends Suggesting Donaldson Run For The 7th

A spokesperson for Convoy of Hope says President Hal Donaldson has been approached by a few friends to consider a run for U.S. Congress -- but has not seriously thought about it yet.
***
"He's had a couple of friends mention it's something he should do. When one says it, you shrug it off. When it's two or three, you start to think about it," said Convoy of Hope spokesperson Jeff Nene, when asked by The Notebook about a Donaldson candidacy for the 7th Congressional District.

"Anytime an opportunity comes along, Hal's a never say never kind of guy," said Nene. "He's focused on his work at Convoy for now. If he considers it seriously, it will be down the road a bit."

Aside from being the founder of Convoy of Hope, Donaldson has his degree in journalism and has written more than 30 books. Last year, he joined the Board of Trustees at Oral Roberts University.

Nixon on CSPAN

WATCH A CLIP OF JAY NIXON'S SUNDAY C-SPAN APPEARANCE HERE

Week 6: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 6 GRADE: B

The last week was all about the federal economic stimulus package for the Governor. Jay Nixon's first public appearance on the topic at the bridge in Tuscumbia, Mo. was more powerful than the second. The first showed Missouri is ready to competently spend that federal cash quickly. The second outlined broad priorities, but fell short on specifics. Some in Jefferson City believe that no one has truly figured out all the rules, strings and specifics tied to the estimated $4.4 billion dollars. That makes it pretty tough to explain. Nixon laid out general priorities like infrastructure, education and technology -- but the break down of the price tag didn't trickle out until late in the week, and the data was trumped in the media by the U.S. Senate announcement of Roy Blunt. Still, Nixon made the right p.r. moves going on FOX and CSPAN to sell it. The more clearly the Governor conveys the specifics of this plan, the better the public will feel about how the money's being spent.

Speaker Richard: Wasson Would Be Strongest in the 7th

Speaker Ron Richard tells The Notebook that Nixa Rep. Jay Wasson would be the strongest potential candidate in the 7th Congressional District House race to replace Roy Blunt.

To find out why, WATCH ABOVE.

BELOW, RICHARD SAYS HE HOPES STEELMAN RUNS FOR AUDITOR TO AVOID A PRIMARY.

Steelman Explains "White Guy In A Suit" Comment

"It symbolizes what has gone wrong in Washington."
***WATCH CLIP ABOVE***

KANSAS CITY -- Without mentioning her by name, Congressman Roy Blunt responded to Sarah Steelman's comment that he's just "another white guy in a suit," by recalling his family history and pledging to fight for regular Missourians in his U.S. Senate campaign.

In wrapping up his remarks before the Kansas City Lincoln Day audience Friday night, Blunt said that the person who said that obviously doesn't know him. He pointed out that he was the first member of his family to graduate from college.

"I've never run away from a fight," Blunt said.

In an interview Saturday morning, Steelman acknowledged her characterization of Blunt may have sounded harsh, but she stood by her central point.

"It might have been a little out there, but the reason I did it is because it symbolizes what has gone wrong in Washington," Steelman said.

While Steelman did not speak to the Lincoln Day audience on Friday night, she made the rounds Saturday morning, speaking to small break-out groups like a women's Republican group and the Young Republicans.

***BELOW: STEELMAN EXPLAINS WHY SHE WOULD NOT HAVE VOTED FOR THE FINANCIAL BAILOUT OF THE BANKS THAT BLUNT HELPED CRAFT***

VIDEO: Talent Talks Potential Primary Pitfalls

JIM TALENT SAYS BLUNT AND STEELMAN NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO AVOID A U.S. SENATE PRIMARY

***Watch Clip Above***

More excerpts from Talent after his Kansas City Lincoln Day speech:

On Why He's Not Running: "I did not want another primary . . . Part of me is sort of disappointed."
On 2012: "Maybe you do something like it down the road, but you don't do it now."
On Roy & Sarah: "Both are friends of mind. Both would put on a good race. I think a primary race could be difficult. They need to work it out. It's very difficult if you have a competitive primary, and the other side doesn't."
On Steelman Not Being Asked To Speak: "I thought it was a little curious."

A quick survey of crowd reaction Friday night showed Talent gave the best speech.

Who's Running In The 7th

Watch my KY3 News @ 10 Report HERE.

Bond All But Endorses Blunt, Boosts Talent for 2012

KANSAS CITY -- Sen. Kit Bond all but formally endorsed Congressman Roy Blunt for his U.S. Senate seat Friday night and strongly suggested that Jim Talent should be the party's candidate in 2012.

Bond made his comments before a Republican Lincoln Day audience of about 170 at the downtown Marriott hotel in Kansas City.

Bond said he was very pleased Blunt had "joined the fray," and praised his leadership in the House. Bond never explicitly endorsed Blunt, but his message and tone was clear. He did not mention Blunt's main rival for the Republican nomination, Sarah Steelman.

Steelman was seen briefly at the Marriott with her husband and a small entourage of loyalists. But the Steelman brigade left before the formal speaking banquet began to dine at a downtown Kansas City restaurant.

"We need a candidate that can unite the party," Bond said in comments that were very similar to those he made last spring in Branson, when he endorsed Kenny Hulshof for Governor. He said the G.O.P. needed someone who would put "integrity before politics."

"I want this seat red, not just for the Chiefs and the Cardinals but for the Republicans. We're going to keep this seat," Bond said to cheers.

Talent, who introduced Bond as the "most genuine person in politics I've ever met," also expressed the importance of holding the U.S. Senate seat. But in an interview afterward with reporters, Talent did not choose sides between Blunt and Steelman. He said he would not endorse, but encouraged both camps to "work it out," to attempt to avoid a primary. When asked if he thought Steelman should get out of the race, Talent replied, "no."

Lincoln Days in Kansas City

BECAUSE THE GRAND OLE PARTY,

IS JUST GETTIN' STARTED

UP-TO-THE MINUTE LIVE COVERAGE FROM KANSAS CITY

***ALL WEEKEND LONG***

@ THE KY3 POLITICAL NOTEBOOK

The annual statewide gathering of statewide Republicans begins tonight and runs through Sunday morning at the Kansas City Marriott.

For the schedule, click HERE.

Ed Martin on Bill O'Reilly Tonight

Gov. Matt Blunt's former chief of staff and current President of American Issues Project Ed Martin will appear on FOX News' O'Reilly Factor Friday night.

***

Martin will be speaking about the ad campaign the group is launching to spotlight "excessive spending and pet projects within the far-reaching stimulus legislation."

WATCH THE AD HERE

The ad begins running today on most cable news outlets. Martin says it about a million dollar ad buy. It urges citizens to text ENOUGH to 97180 if they want to join the group.

"Congress has used the anxiety of the American people as a vehicle for appeasing special interest groups and financing their pork projects back home. This type of spending has no place within emergency legislation intended to jump-start the economy," said Martin.

.

"I Think I'm A Better Candidate Than She Is"

"Whether it's Sarah Steelman or Robin Carnahan, I'm glad to go anywhere they are and talk about the issues."

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Rep. Roy Blunt responds to a question in Carthage, Mo. about a potential primary race with Sarah Steelman and why he's the better candidate to defeat Robin Carnahan.

***WATCH FULL CLIP ABOVE***

PLUS: STEELMAN CALLS BLUNT "ANOTHER WHITE GUY IN A SUIT"

"I’m definitely strongly leaning towards doing this," Steelman told Politico.

(TRANSLATION: As we've previously reported, she's IN.)

BELOW: BLUNT TALKS ABOUT AVOIDING THE MESSY FATE OF KENNY HULSHOF

VIDEO: Blunt's St. Louis Announcement

VIDEO FROM ROY BLUNT'S ST. LOUIS ANNOUNCEMENT

FOR MORE ON HIS CARTHAGE STOP

WATCH KY3 NEWS @ 10

Steelman-Blunt Poll Hacked

Yes, the "Who's Stronger Steelman-Blunt" poll has been hacked.

We certainly appreciate the enthusiasm, but figured a few would ruin the fun.

Here's the short version: Toward the latter part of the afternoon, the amount of total votes doubled the amount of page hits The Notebook was receiving. I'm told by some of our more computer savvy readers, it probably involved an automatic script that adds a vote every minute automatically. Or it could have been people clearing their computer cookies and re-voting, without refreshing the page.

Either way, it appears that some Steelman folks began rigging the system first, which propelled her into an enormous lead. The mass Steelman voting occurred after 3 p.m. Then, even later this afternoon, the Blunt tribe attempted to respond with their own repeat voting. But they were no match.

I'm told the best result of the poll was probably around midday. When the voting was stable, it was about 60% Blunt, 40% Steelman.

But we'll never really know exactly how it turned out.

Kids, let's try to play nicer from now on. We've got 20 months to go.

The Poll Is Dead

. . . But the comments are worth keeping.

Check 'em out.

Rep. Corcoran Announces Quality Jobs Act Amendments

State Representative Michael Corcoran announced Thursday he has State House support on two significant amendments to the Quality Jobs Act legislation.

Rep. Corcoran's amendment to the Quality Jobs Act would increase state funds from $500,000 to $1 million to help "emerging growth companies survive and grow during the start-up period when they are most vulnerable."

Corcoran has also attached an amendment that "requires Medicaid recipients to attend job training and counseling classes and give themselves the opportunity to pull themselves off the HealthNet roles through increase salary from career training."

He said he will also attempt to attach the amendment to HB 190, relating to job development and training, in the Economic Development and Job Creation Committee. At this time, he has a verbal agreement with the Chair of the committee, Rep. Tim Flook.

"I Know How To Fight For Missouri"

BLUNT MAKES IF OFFICIAL IN ST. LOUIS
Announces 3-Day Statewide Tour
THE OFFICIAL BLUNT RELEASE:

"The Senate is where the real battles will be fought for America’s future. It is where every voice must be heard," Blunt said in a statement. "One-party control in Washington has created a dramatically new setting. Common sense and open debate are in danger of being suppressed by the overreaching liberal monopoly in Congress and the White House. Never has Washington been in greater need of hearing from people who work hard, pay their taxes, and want solutions to urgent economic problems and the ongoing threat of terrorism.," said Blunt.

"I know how to fight for Missouri. I have fought and won many battles, including bipartisan solutions to difficult challenges. Those victories include guiding into law the largest tax cut for working families in U.S. history. At a time when the only obstacle to one-party rule is 41 Republicans in the Senate, I will need no on-the-job training. I will insist from Day One on speaking up for Missouri common sense, insisting on real accountability to taxpayers, and solving problems by looking to the people, not to bigger government and deficit spending that now is running totally out of control," added Blunt.

"The real world experience I offer includes public service and the private sector, where most people earn their living and support their families. I grew up in a typical hard-working Missouri family, where my parents worked hard to make ends meet. My first job after college was teaching high school history. The people later elected me as the local election official in Greene County, and then Secretary of State. I led a vibrant university. Most recently, I have worked for Missouri families in the U.S. House of Representatives," Blunt concluded.

Blunt is now enroute to Jefferson City and then Cape Girardeau. He'll reach Carthage by this evening. The Blunt campaign said additional stops are planned for Friday and Saturday.

Statewide Lincoln Days is being held in Kansas City this weekend.

Dems: Blunt Helped Create Economic Mess

Before even the official Roy Blunt for Senate release, comes Missouri Democratic Party reaction from Chairman and fellow Springfieldian Craig Hosmer:

"At a time when Missouri families need a fresh perspective in Washington, Congressman Blunt represents more of the same failed policies that have made our lives so difficult. For eight years, Congressman Blunt has been a driving force behind George W. Bush's failed economic policies and Congress' reckless spending. And now the Congressman thinks he deserves a promotion? We'll never get the change we need here in Missouri if we keep sending back the same old gang with the same failed ideas back to Washington," said Hosmer in a statement sent to reporters by former Jay Nixon hand Oren Shur.

"During the time that Congressman Blunt has been in Washington creating this economic mess, Robin Carnahan has been here in Missouri, listening to the concerns of Missourians, helping small business owners by cutting red tape, holding big financial institutions accountable, and protecting Missouri investors from fraudulent financial schemes. And while Congressman Blunt spends the coming months running away from his failed Washington record, Secretary Carnahan will address the need to put our economy back on track, strengthen our middle class and demand accountability from those on Wall Street and in Washington who got us into this mess," Hosmer added.

Battle Roy-ale?

Roy Blunt To Announce For U.S. Senate Thursday

Sarah Steelman Signals She Won't Go Quietly

***

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Who's got a better shot at beating Robin Carnahan -- without destroying their eventual nominee in the process?

What Say Sarah?

LOBBYISTS and TIGERS and BAILOUTS

Oh my.

SARAH STEELMAN REACTS TO ROY BLUNT'S DECISION:

"I am continuing to explore a run for U.S. Senate because hard working men and women who love this country are looking for a better way. Missourians know we have to hold people accountable for their bad decisions; the bail outs, the earmarks, the self-dealing and the cozy relationships between congressmen and lobbyists. These actions have undermined the trust in our institutions, devastated the American economy, and have shown disrespect for the hard-working people of this state and country. Too many Americans are paying for Washington's failures in the form of lost jobs and shrinking income, but they still stand ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work to create a better future," said former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman in a prepared statement released to reporters late Wednesday.

"Missouri's next U.S. Senator must stand with them to credibly address our economic problems and demonstrate to Missourians that she has the courage to stand up to Washington's power brokers," Steelman added.

MORE ON KY3 NEWS @ 10 . . .

VIDEO: Bond Touts Housing Money But Slams Sin City "Pork" In Stimulus Bill

"That's Totally Wrong"

In downtown Springfield Wednesday, Sen. Kit Bond touted $2 billion dollars for low income housing that's included in the giant economic stimulus bill -- a bill he voted against.

During a press conference Wednesday in Springfield, I posed this question to Senator Bond: If the Republicans had their way, wouldn't the money for low income housing not be available to Missourians?

***WATCH HIS ANSWER ABOVE***

Officials estimate Missouri could see around $50 million for low-income housing that could create 1,000 new units and 3,000 new jobs over the next 12 months.

Sen. Bond also trashed the stimulus bill for including money for a high-speed rail track on the West Coast.

"If you get on the conference committee with me, I'll debate that with you," Bond said, when asked for a reason why high-speed rail isn't a reasonable project to include.

"There isn't going to be any shovel on the Sin City train for some time," Bond added.

Says Missouri road projects aren't considered "pork" because they are "shovel-ready," as opposed to the Las Vegas to Los Angeles rail project.
***
While critics view the $8 billion dollar rail project as "wasteful," other experts say it's a smart investment for big cities to make to help ease road congestion and help the middle class travel.

On Wednesday's program, liberal MSNBC host Keith Olbermann gave Bond the dubious honor as "Worst Person in the World," for taking credit for part of a stimulus plan he voted against.

VIDEO: Nixon Details Stimulus Plans

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 5 REPORT HERE

Governor Jay Nixon said Wednesday that he wants to make Missouri first in line for the various grants available under the stimulus law.

But he did not provide any details about how much he expects the state to receive for each category. He also didn't get very specific on how he wants to spend the money.

ALSO on WEDNESDAY: The State Senate gave initial approval to creating a special state account for the stimulus dollars.

FIRST ON KY3: Blunt To Announce For U.S. Senate Tomorrow

GO-TIME!

Ozarks Congressman Roy Blunt will officially announce his intentions to seek Kit Bond's U.S. Senate seat Thursday morning, according to two Republican sources with knowledge of the delicate planning.

***

Blunt's 2010 campaign announcement is set for 9:30 a.m. at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis.

WATCH THE FIRST NEWS BREAK ON KY3 NEWS @ 6 HERE

Blunt is expected to follow-up the St. Louis stop with a statewide flyaround.

Below is the e-mail being sent around among St. Louis area Republicans. The Notebook obtained this e-mail from a St. Louis area Republican:

"Hey! Need bodies at the Harris-Stowe College Library tomorrow morning at 9:30am. Roy Blunt is to make an announcement. Even if you think you know what it is, PLEASE do not talk to media or confirm anything!!!!!!! If you can come, GREAT. We need people there!!!! Thanks for your support," wrote Sharon Barnes, Membership Chairman, MoFRW, Treasurer of RWC of St. Louis and Secretary of the Republican City Central Committee.

One Republican aide says Blunt's move to launch his U.S. Senate bid in St. Louis is smart. "The Ozarks is his base and will be there for him. He has to go where he's weak, which is the cities, and prove he can be their Senator too. That's what Kit Bond did well. He proved to be a good advocate for the big cities and this is a signal that Blunt would be as well."

Multiple sources say this is good timing for Blunt because his announcement will flow well with this weekend's statewide Lincoln Day event in Kansas City.

DEVELOPING . . .

More on KY3 News @ 10

Enter Elmer

DARK HORSE

***The 7th Shuffle***
"BITE THE CHUNK NOW"

Nixa Alderman Kevin Elmer says he's relatively confident he'll launch a candidacy for the 7th Congressional District seat if Roy Blunt jumps into the U.S. Senate race.

The Salem, Mo. native, who is a law firm partner in Springfield and resides in Nixa tells the KY3 Political Notebook he is ready to make the underdog leap as a relatively unknown candidate in a 2010 Republican primary.

Elmer won his first political race for Nixa Alderman last April -- by just 3 votes.

"I've always had aspirations for doing something on a much wider spectrum, and going out to D.C. to ultimately represent Missouri," Elmer said in an interview. "I always thought Blunt's seat would open up someday, but not this soon. So the question becomes, do you bite all of this off now, or do you do stuff on track and hope to get another shot? I think you bite the chunk off now."

His Republican philosophy is conservative all-around. "Very conservative fiscally," he says. Socially conservative as well. Pro-life, anti-embryonic stem cell, anti-gay marriage, anti-tax, pro-business.

Elmer realizes his biggest obstacle in his outsider climb is "having the resources to get the message out there." "I'm not a rich guy. I'm not a lifelong politician. The difficulty is to overcome the predestined, anointed candidate. But that's what's wrong with politics today. They're already beholden to someone before leaving the state," Elmer said, speaking of no one in particular.

"I'm relatively confident I'm going to do this," Elmer said while making his case. "Even though it may sound difficult, that's how I operate. He said area Republicans and Democrats he's spoken too have not said his candidacy would be "totally crazy." But said at least one person called it a "crazy, stupid idea." "If I listened to people like that, I'd still be laying brick with my dad," Elmer said.

While no formal moves will be made until Congressman Blunt makes his decision known, Elmer said he has spoken to some statewide G.O.P. leaders and felt out "possible pockets of fundraising." He said he's also cleared his probable decision with his law partners and his family.

"This is a once in a decade opportunity," Elmer said. "It doesn't come along very often."
Elmer will be attending this weekend's G.O.P. Lincoln Days in Kansas City.

Other potential G.O.P. candidates for the 7th District include: Sen. Jack Goodman, Sen. Gary Nodler, Rep. Shane Schoeller, Billy Long and former State Rep. B.J. Marsh.

Schoeller: "Too Many Questions" About Stimulus

Willard Rep. Shane Schoeller tells The Notebook there's too many unanswered questions on the economic stimulus package to completely commit to tapping Missouri's share of the pot.

When asked whether Republicans would seriously consider rejecting Missouri's stimulus money, Schoeller replied: "I'm not going to comment at this point. There are too many questions."
***
Says he wants to look at every item to see "what red tape is there." "I think for Republicans in the House, we'd like to use it for one-time projects, like construction, to build roads. Not ongoing expenditures. That's where the discussions will get really intense."

ON A LIGHTER NOTE, speaking about Rep. Maynard Wallace's "spanking bill" that passed a first round House vote Monday night, Schoeller acknowledged being spanked in junior high.

Wallace's bill would give more protection to teachers and administrators when they discipline their students. Some districts use spanking as a form of punishment.

"I got my fair share of spanking when I was in school," Schoeller joked. He explained that while in junior high in Branson, he was sent to the principal's office for smacking a fellow student's hand because that student was trying to cheat off of him during a test in math class.

"I still didn't think it was fair, but I got it, and it hurt," Schoeller recalled of the spanking.

Zweifel: Remove Interest Cap On State Bank Investments

State Treasurer Clint Zweifel is calling on lawmakers to increase eligibility in the state's Linked Deposit Program, to reinvest $1 billion dollars statewide.

***

Zweifel's plan would increase eligibility in Linked Deposit and increase the amount of state funds invested in Missouri community banks.

"I am looking forward to talking about Invest in Missouri with all legislative leaders, so that we can start putting investments back into Missouri as soon as possible," Zweifel said Tuesday.

The Linked Deposit Program is designed to place State funds with community banks at below-market rates so the community bank can issue loans to borrowers at a reduced rate. Loan savings are usually 2 to 3 percent to the borrower, according to the Treasurer's office. The program, which has a statutory $720 million cap on it, is about 30-percent utilized currently.

Zweifel's plan would streamline the application process and reduce obstacles for program eligibility.

Current state law actually includes a disincentive, discouraging the state from placing deposits in community banks, according to Zweifel. "Missouri is one of two states in the nation, and the State Government is the only government entity in Missouri, which caps the interest rate taxpayers receive when their funds are invested in community banks," Zweifel said. "By removing the cap, and combining with the Missouri Linked Deposit Program, our office can reinvest $1 billion in Missouri communities."

Zweifel said a changing the interest-rate cap would result in an additional $10 million dollars coming back to taxpayers.

Bond To Tout Housing Measure In Bill He Trashed

Sen. Kit Bond will appear at stops in Ozark and Springfield Wednesday to highlight the importance of low income housing measures in the economic stimulus bill.

According to KHQA, Bond backed a $2 billion dollar amendment in the federal economic stimulus package to jump start low income housing projects halted by the economy.

Bond voted against the overall stimulus package, decrying it as a wasteful "trillion dollar baby."

But he's now touting $40 million dollars that available for low income housing in Missouri. Previously, the senior Senator has said the Democratic stimulus package won't create as many jobs as projected. But Bond believes this provision will save jobs, "employing more than 3,000 people in Missouri alone."

Nixon Welcomes Senate Debate on Tax Credits

After a full-fledged floor debate in the Senate on the value of using tax credits to create jobs, Governor Jay Nixon says he welcomes the discussion over a key aspect of his Quality Jobs Act.

"The Senate taking some time to discuss those matters is important," Nixon said at a transportation event in Tuscumbia Tuesday.

"I welcome the Senate and the legislature's involvement in making sure that our job production tools are sharpened and are used to create jobs," he added.

***WATCH FULL CLIP ABOVE***

Springfield Democratic Rep. Sara Lampe tells The Notebook, she sees "building momentum" to review and possibly adjust the tax credit program. Citing statements by Sen. Chuck Purgason and Sen. Jason Crowell, Lampe said she sees "possible coalitions that can be formed with people across the aisle about this common concern."

Lampe has previously been critical of some of the state tax credits and questioned whether they really create jobs.
***
Republican Rep. Shane Schoeller, who helped pass the economic package out of the House, said he's open to changes as well. "It's no so much issues with tax credits, but what is working and what is not. The system has some imbalance, so it's a good discussion to have," Schoeller said in an interview Wednesday. "Let's get a better tax credit process."

VIDEO: Nixon Marks Stimulus Signing

Governor Jay Nixon marked the signing of the economic stimulus package at the Osage River Bridge near Tuscumbia Tuesday.

The project is one of the first in Missouri that will benefit from federal dollars.

WATCH MY KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

PLUS: NIXON MAKES ABC WORLD NEWS TONIGHT WITH QUICK HIT in Jake Tapper's lead piece on the stimulus Tuesday. "All across the state as projects like these and others jump up, people will start to work again," Nixon is quoted saying in shaky video captured by MoDOT and sent out on a feed.

Adding alternating passing lanes on Highway 60 from Republic to Monett is the first local Ozarks road project that will benefit. Journagan Construction received the $8.6 million dollar project. MoDot says the Highway 60 plan will create 200 jobs. A completion date is set for November 9, 2009.

The Governor said he will detail more plans in the coming days on how to use the economic stimulus money. The initial MoDOT projects are expected to create 14,000 news jobs in Missouri with a $2.4 billion dollar economic impact.

***

Nixon noted that the transportation package is a "relatively small portion" of the overall bill.

ABOVE: WATCH A CLIP OF NIXON REACTING TO A QUESTION ABOUT CRITICS WHO SAY THE BILL WON'T WORK.

Nixon will outline his plans for the stimulus dollars at a 3 p.m. news conference in the Governor's office Wednesday.

PLUS: A Jefferson City G.O.P source tells The Notebook House Republicans are already discussing using stimulus funds for a possible tax rebate, but that those talks are in the very early stages.

AP: Judge Sharply Criticizes Hulshof

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A southeast Missouri man convicted 15 years ago in a college student's murder is set free by a Cole County judge.

Circuit Judge Richard Callahan ruled Tuesday that Joshua Kezer was wrongly convicted in the 1992 death of Angela Mischelle Lawless. She was found in her car on the Interstate 55 exit ramp
near Benton with the motor still running.

The judge's 44-page ruling sharply criticizes the courtroom conduct of former state special prosecutor Kenny Hulshof.

Hulshof later served as a six-term Republican congressman from Columbia. He lost the 2008 governor's race to Democrat Jay Nixon.

House To Take Up Spanking Bill

Protecting teachers who use spanking to discipline their students is a major provision in the first education bill the House will take up Tuesday.

***

Rep. Maynard Wallace is the sponsor of HB 96.

It passed out of committee 13-0.

***

Supporters say that these measures will make it possible for school employees to focus on teaching without worrying about litigation. But Rep. Sara Lampe said there may be a move to add an amendment to not allow spanking or any type of corporal punishment.

That could spark a battle over "local control."

The bill "expands the reporting of acts of violence to all teachers."

And Also: "expands employee imunity from correctly following discipline policies, to following all policies."

In October 2007, the Texas County prosecutor said he could not charge a teacher for bruising an 11-year-old because current state law says spanking is not abuse.

House Dems Form Blue Dog Caucus

27 State House Democrats announced the formation of the Blue Dog Democratic Caucus Monday.

The Blue Dogs say they represent a group of fiscal conservatives that want to create a streamlined state government "that provides essential state services within existing budgetary constraints."

Springfield Rep. Charlie Norr is a member; Rep. Sara Lampe is not.

"The Blue Dog Caucus is committed to bridging the gap between the partisan and ideological extremes that have caused gridlock in Jefferson City," said Rep. Sam Komo. "We are conservative and moderate Democrats committed to protecting working families and small businesses. We believe that by being fiscally conservative we can make our tax dollars go further and do more without placing additional burdens on Missouri taxpayers."

The full list of Blue Dogs includes: Rep. Joe Aull of Marshall, Rep. Kenny Biermann of St. Charles, Rep. Rachel Bringer of Palmyra, Rep. Ron Casey of Crystal City, Rep. Vicky Englund of St. Louis, co-chair for national affairs, Rep. Joe Fallert of Ste. Genevieve, Rep. Linda Fishcer of Bonne Terre, co-chair for communication, Rep. Jason Grill of Parkville, Rep. Belinda Harris of Hillsboro, Rep. Steve Hodges of East Prairie, Rep. Jonas Hughes of Kansas City, co-chair for communication, Rep. Sam Komo of House Springs, co-chair for policy, Rep. Rebecca McClanahan of Kirksville, Rep. Michelle Kratky of St. Louis, Rep. J.C. Kuessner of Eminence, Rep. Tim Meadows of Imperial, Rep. Charlie Norr of Springfield, Rep. Paul Quinn of Monroe City, co-chair for administration, Rep. Martin Rucker of St. Joseph, Rep. Luke Scavuzzo of Harrisonville, Rep. Ed Schieffer of Troy, whip, Rep. Sue Schoemehl of St. Louis, Rep. Tom Shively of Shelbyville, Rep. Terry Swinger of Caruthersville, Rep. Tom Todd of Campbell, Rep. Ed Wildberger of St. Joseph, Rep. Pat Yaeger of St. Louis

What Are We Worth To You?

Having just polished off this week's TIME cover story on a proposal to keep newspapers and media organizations financially solvent, I felt compelled to pose this question to The Notebook readership: What are we worth to you?

We, meaning, the political press corps of Missouri. Or on a broader level: Any type of journalism you consume during the day online. If a price tag was placed on the journalism you consume, would you pay for it --- or bypass it?

The quick answer might be to point to the failed experiment of the subscriber-only K.C. Buzz Blog -- but that approach just might be part of the long-term fix that saves, and possibly, reinvigorates journalism. (In an accompanying article, Josh Quittner writes that journalists must make online reading easier and more pleasurable for it to be successful.)

It's not news that the economic downturn is taking a harsh toll on the journalism profession. After the Kansas City Star went through layoffs last fall, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Springfield News-Leader soon followed suit this year. Newspapers have been hardest hit. But the television industry is also fighting to tread water in a rough tide. Even at market-dominate KY3, slumping advertising sales has meant the consolidation of job duties, doing more with less and a stationwide search for revenue enhancers.

In this week's cover story, former TIME managing editor Walter Isaacson offers what he calls a bold, but old idea: Charging for online content.

"We have a world in which phone companies have accustomed kids to paying up to 20 cents when they send a text message but it seems technologically and psychologically impossible to get people to pay 10 cents for a magazine, newspaper of newscast," writes Isaacson.

At first glance, you may think: Blasphemy! This nation was built on the foundation of a free press, and I expect my press to be free of cost! Especially online! But Isaacson writes: "Those who believe that all content should be free should reflect on who will open bureaus in Baghdad or be able to fly off as freelancers to report in Rwanda under such a system."

Isaacson's proposal is modest: Charge for articles online like Itunes charges for songs. Maybe it's 99 cents. Maybe it's a dime. Make it easy, point and click. Make it cheap. A micropayment. No waiting. So you can get right to the content.

Each media outlet would carve out their own way of doing it. Maybe the Post-Dispatch charges 3 bucks a month to read Tony Messenger, Virginia Young and Jake Wagman each day. Maybe the News-Leader charges you a fifteen cents to read Chad Livengood's Sunday piece. Maybe KY3.com requires a dime for you to click and watch our latest Truthwatch report on a campaign ad. Watch 10, get the next one free! Maybe most of the content is free, and exclusives and special reports (with a brief tease to lure you in) get a price tag.

Would you do it? Or would you decide it's not worth your money.

Part of the KC Buzz blog's problem may have been that they went in alone. Political consumers thought, heck, I'll go elsewhere to get my daily fix. But what if everyone moved to this micropayment system. Would we lose readers/viewers in the process and shut out those not in the elite --- or would we build a more valued following?

It's a question that's as scary as it is prescient.

Isaacson concludes that if media outlets implemented the micropayment system for online content, some surfers would inevitably balk. But he thinks that over time, the best journalists would not only survive, but thrive. And he offers some evidence that some people will pay for top-shelf journalism, even in a gloomy economic environment.

In rough-and-tumble 2008, paid subscriptions to the Wall Street Journal were up 7 percent.

I still believe buying the newpaper is the best bargain in all the world. All that information for 25, 50 cents, or a dollar? There is no better buy.

But even this newspaper lover doesn't have any paper subscriptions anymore (though I do have several magazine subscriptions). I'd feel foolish paying for it, when I wasn't forced to.

Week 5: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 5 GRADE: B

The Governor continued to keep his eye on economics this week, holding a bipartisan jobs event in St. Joseph with Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields and then later announcing he found more funding to drastically reduce planned cuts for MU-Extension programs. The contrast with the G.O.P-dominated House was stark, with Republicans spending time on an anti-abortion resolution condemning a federal law that doesn't even exist yet. Red meat anyone? Nixon wasn't having any, staying out of the FOCA debate. Nixon's staff said the restoration of Extension funding didn't have to do with public opinion. But in speaking to members of Greene County's office, it's clear that those who use the gardening, 4-H, nutrition and other programs were making their voices heard in Jefferson City. Nixon's team was feeling the backlash on this from all corners of the state -- and from GOP leadership (Speaker Ron Richard said: "Fat Chance"). So, they backtracked. But a politician doesn't suffer when he changes his mind, as long as that change involves adding funding back. It's another area of higher education that might cause the prolonged ideological fight. At the Coordinating Board of Higher Ed meeting, Nixon got an earful from private schools that are set to lose scholarship funding under the Governor's plan. These private schools have powerful lobbyists working for them in Jefferson City and Republicans will fight for them. This has all the makings for the private vs. public showdown. But going into Week 6, the Nixon camp has to be happy about two things: Mizzou beat Kansas with the Gov. in attendance, and Linda Martinez is unlikely to fill as many headlines.

Done Deal

THE SENATE STIMULATES

Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio casts the 60th and final vote at quarter to 10 p.m. Central Time to officially pass the $787 billion dollar economic stimulus package.

It now awaits President Obama's signature.

Democrats will almost surely get the political credit -- or the blame, depending on the massive bill's results.

The Missouri Congressional Delegation split their votes on party lines.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE
What's in it for Missouri -- and why a top educator is calling it "a disappointment."

REP. BLUNT: WE COULD PROLONG ECONOMIC WOES

"I agree with comments by President Obama and Speaker Pelosi that any stimulus package must be timely, targeted and temporary. But the so-called stimulus package the House passed today fails each of those tests. Some of the funds in this bill won’t see the light of day until after 2019. I hope this recession is over by then but, because of this package, I’m afraid we could prolong our economic woes by forcing Americans who need loans to purchase homes or send their children to college to compete with the federal government," said Rep. Blunt.

MCCASKILL: IT'S NECESSARY

"It's necessary. It's supported by the Chamber of Commerce and a vast majority of economists. It cuts taxes for 95 percent of Americans and creates jobs, jobs, jobs. Having said that, it's not perfect and it'll be a long haul because in the meantime, we'll continue to lose jobs throughout the rest of the year," said Sen. Claire McCaskill.

ALSO: MCCASKILL'S WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS INCLUDED

Under the McCaskill Amendment, state and local government workers and private contractors who expose corruption in stimulus spending are fully protected, according to a release.

***

Gov. Nixon Ok's Local MOHELA Projects

Gov. Jay Nixon has decided to ok money for some university construction projects that had been on hold.

It was unclear if Nixon would go through with many of the projects, because the funding source -- the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority -- has experienced financial troubles.

Included in the approved $107 million dollar project list is $2.6 million dollars for Missouri State University's Jordan Valley Incubator and $7 million dollar for MSU's Siceluff Hall.

The student loan agency is to give $350 million to the state over several years under a 2007 state law.

WaPost: Mo. Now 2nd Most Likely to Flip

Due to the loss of Jim Talent as a potential candidate, The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza has moved Missouri up to the second most likely state to switch parties in 2010.

His ranking:

2. Missouri (R): Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (D) officially entered the open seat race to replace retiring Sen. Kit Bond (R) last week -- a major recruiting coup for national Democrats. Meanwhile, Republicans lost arguably their strongest general election candidate in former senator Jim Talent and seem headed toward a contentious primary fight between Rep. Roy Blunt and state Treasurer Sarah Steelman. (Previous ranking:3)

Shovel-Ready Ozarks Projects Waiting For Stimulus Signing

SHOVEL-READY . . . AND WAITING
The wheels are already in motion for several Ozarks transportation projects dependent on Washington's economic stimulus package.

Springfield construction crews say they could get contract and add workers as soon as President Obama signs a bill.

Expansion of Highway 60 and Highway 65 top the list.
MoDOT has identified 34 ready-to-go projects, totaling about $510 million dollars, that can be started in the coming days and weeks. Missouri will most likely get $1 billion for transportation.

MoDOT's Pete Rahn: They'll create 14,000 new jobs.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Officials say a ceremonial signing of a half a billion dollars in "shovel-ready" projects could occur at a bridge in Tuscombia, Mo.

ALSO: Journagan Construction says they'll begin assembling materials at their local quarry minutes after Obama signs the bill.

Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers are still questioning whether if they should accept the stimulus dollars. Rep. Jim Viebrock of the #134th District is asking constituents in his weekly newsletter if Missouri lawmakers should send the money back.

So when will it get signed???

And will some GOPs really demand the $$$hould be $ent back??

Emerson to Brussels, The Alps . . . and Beyond

Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson is part of a U.S. House delegation traveling to NATO headquarters in Brussels this week.

***

The Washington Post reports that Emerson and a delegation of a dozen other lawmakers will country-hop in a nine-day overseas trip beginning Saturday.

The NATO-driven trip begins in Brussels, but then moves to other beautiful hotspots.

Al Kamen pens it best:

"We would point out that the next stop is, yes, the City of Lights, Paris, where one could have a nice late Valentine's Day moment. From there we move on to Vienna for a little Sacher torte and then to review NATO's strategy to defend the Bavarian Alps, stopping in the lovely ski center of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, with its breathtaking views. The huge number of members, spouses and staffers, plus military escorts, will require taking one of the bigger military jets, but we're told these trips are an important use of taxpayer money.

Just another reason for the House to pass that stimulus Friday.

The Atlantic: Bailout May Factor in Mo. Senate Race

"DON'T BAIL"

The Atlantic's Justin Miller speculates that Congressman Roy Blunt's role in crafting the financial bailout package last fall could factor prominently in his 2010 U.S. Senate bid.

"Blunt could face heavy fire from Steelman for voting twice in favor of both versions of the bailout last year and being the chief House Republican negotiator with Democrats to pass the bill. Steelman said in September she would have voted against the bill," writes Miller in a piece entitled "Don't Bail."

PLUS: DEM SENATE CAMPAIGN CHIEF ROBERT MENENDEZ:

"I’m looking at the power of Robin Carnahan."

AND HOTLINE NOTES, MENENDEZ EYES BLUNT:

Menendez said Blunt will have to explain his leadership in the House.
"I'm not dismissing him," Menendez said. "I'm looking at the reality of Robin Carnahan."

IN THE BONUS ROUND:

The Hill notes that the National Republican Congressional Committee has launched the first wave of ads in the 2010 cycle targeting 30 vulnerable Democrats who supported the economic stimulus package --- and that includes some who have had little trouble winning re-election, like Congressman Ike Skelton.

Make 'Em Earn It

Salem Rep. Jason Smith has filed legislation that calls for special elections when filling a vacancy for any statewide office.

***

Right now, the law only requires an election when a vacancy occurs for Lieutenant Governor. In the event of other vacancies, current law states the Governor chooses the replacement by appointment.

HB681 would require an election --- rather an appointment by the Governor --- for the offices of Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor and State Treasurer.

*The next potential vacancy that may arise is if Secretary of State Robin Carnahan wins the 2010 U.S. Senate race. Right now, if her candidacy is successful, Governor Jay Nixon would pick her replacement.*

In a release, Smith said his legislation would "ensure the people of Missouri have a stronger voice when filling a vacancy for any statewide office." "It makes little sense that vacancies for some offices would be filled by a special election while others would be filled by appointment,” said Rep. Smith. "Our statewide office holders should be approved by a majority of voters regardless of the circumstances involved."

Smith's bill has not yet been assigned to committee.

McCaskill Votes Against Obama's Pick For Pentagon Deputy

The U.S. Senate confirmed William Lynn Wednesday as Deputy Secretary of Defense, with Sen. Claire McCaskill casting one of just four "no" votes.

***

McCaskill had raised concerns that Lynn recently worked as a registered lobbyist for a major defense contractor. President Obama waived his own ethics rules restricting lobbyist involvement in his administration, so Lynn could serve.

MORE FROM THE NYTIMES HERE

McCaskill was the only Democrat to oppose Lynn.

The three Republicans who voted "no" were Sen. Charles Grassley, Sen. Tom Coburn and Sen. John Cornyn.

Bond Now Slamming TARP, While Still Doubting Stimulus

$789 BILLION

That's the number key members of Congress have agreed to Wednesday during the conference committee on the economic stimulus package.

Sen. Kit Bond, who voted against it, is still a doubter.

He said Wednesday he doesn't believe it will create as many jobs as the president and Democrats claim. Bond also said that Congress ought to create a systematic report for the American people on how many jobs the bill will create before the legislation is enacted.

Meanwhile, Rep. Roy Blunt complained that the conference committee meetings aren't open:

"Certainly, there's a tradition that these last-minute negotiations are done between the two parties. These are being done within one party. There's no hearings. People really have no idea what is in this bill," Blunt said on FOX.

BOND ON THE NEW TARP PLAN:

"Unfortunately, the plan rolled out today is just a new coat of paint on the old outhouse," said Bond in a statement. He wants more specific details on how much money will be spent and how it will address bad assets. "There’s too much mouth and not enough marrow – I need to know more to ensure that taxpayers won’t be left holding the bag," said Bond.

Skelton to Guam

Congressman Ike Skelton will visit Guam next Tuesday to discuss the proposed relocation of 8,000 marines and their families from Okinawa, Japan to Guam.

***

The Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee will travel there with a delegation.

The War Reparations Act is also reportedly on the table for discussion.

House Passes Anti-FOCA Resolution

The Missouri House of Representatives has passed a resolution demonstrating their opposition to federal legislation that could potentially nullify some state restrictions on abortion.

The vote in opposition to the Freedom of Choice Act or FOCA was 116 to 40.

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon sponsored the measure that states that FOCA could endanger Missouri's bans on late-term abortions and mandatory parental consent for minors.

"While we are pleased the resolution passed, we are very troubled that x members of the Missouri House are so extreme in their support for abortion that they would even support the gruesome procedure of partial-birth abortion which involves killing the baby as he is or she is being born," said Ed Martin of Missourians United for Life. "If passed, FOCA would do away with state laws banning partial-birth abortion and other pro-life protection enacted in Missouri and others states. Missourians United for Life is urging the Missouri Senate to take up the anti-FOCA resolution and also seeking the support of Missouri’s Congressional delegation in stopping the FOCA bill in Congress," Martin added.

The Associated Press notes the House resolution does not go to the Senate or to the governor. A copy is to be sent to Obama, congressional leaders and Missouri's 11 members in Congress.

Village Doobie

"The most commonly used plant in human history."

SWMO MAYOR PASSES POT ORDINANCE TO SPARK LEGALIZATION DEBATE

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Cliff Village Mayor Joe Blundell said his whole move is about creating awareness. He said he wants this symbolic ordinance to start a statewide conversation and build momentum for a House bill that's introduced every year, but goes up in a cloud of smoke.

"It's time it remains and becomes, the most commonly used plant in human history," he said.

For more on the State House Medical Marijuana bill, click HERE.

A No Go

TALENT: OUT

***The Notebook's Reported Analysis***

Former Senator Jim Talent's decision not to take a shot at Sen. Kit Bond's seat in 2010 opens up establishment support for Congressman Roy Blunt in other pockets around the state and likely sets up a battle royale between Blunt and former Treasurer Sarah Steelman for the heart and soul of the Republican Party.

Talent's decision against a 2010 campaign was delivered to statewide reporters Tuesday afternoon in a statement released through the state party.

"I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for the Senate in 2010, for several reasons," Talent said in a statement.

"First, there are other qualified Republicans who are seriously investigating the race, and it is vital to prevent the kind of dissension that hurt my Party's ticket so greatly in 2008. In addition, I have family and public obligations which this unexpected race would disrupt. Chief among the latter is my work as Vice Chairman of the Commission on WMD Proliferation and Terrorism, which is working to prevent a nuclear or biological attack on the United States," Talent went on.

A source close to Talent said the decision was made over the past few weeks, and the belief was held that Talent could win the primary.

But Talent has previously said he's enjoyed his private life and the time its granted him with his children.

"Jim simply isn't going to put the Party through another contentious primary and his desire to protect the Party is certainly part of what drove this decision by him," said a source close to Talent.

"We've seen strong, recent information that shows Jim would have been an extremely formidable candidate both in the primary and general elections. His name enjoys tremendous staying power with Missouri voters who know he has delivered on issues they care about," the source added.

Immediately the speculation among politicos turned to how this impacted the overall race. "I think he could have won the thing," said another Republican with allegiance to another candidate, reacting to the news.

The conventional wisdom is that Talent's exit from the field is a boost to Blunt. Blunt's strength will obviously be in Southwest Missouri, but Talent's strength would sit in the larger greater-St. Louis area. "You can say all you want about Southwest Missouri in a Republican primary, but St. Louis is larger than Springfield. It's got more Republicans. If it's Springfield versus St. Louis, we win," boasted a Talent ally in a background conversation shortly after Talent told KY3 News he was considering a bid.

It's unclear how Talent would have impacted a 3-way race with both Blunt and Steelman. Would Talent have split the establishment vote with Blunt and allowed Steelman to sneak through? Or, would Talent have been a happy medium for those Republicans who are tired of the Blunt brand, but believe Steelman is an opportunist? We'll never know now.

Late Tuesday, allies of both Blunt and Steelman were dissecting what this means.

One Republican political consultant suggested Talent's exit now opens the door for a second-tier candidate from the St. Louis area. If Blunt's base is southwest and Steelman's is south and central, there's certainly room for another candidate from the most populous region.

The CW is that this Republican would automatically be a major underdog, but could make a name for his or herself with a robust, albeit unsuccessful effort. "What's the risk? Everybody loses their first race. It builds name I.D.," suggested this consultant.

But the majority believe Blunt will be able to clear the field, with the exception of Steelman. While some Republicans still believe there's a chance Blunt's chess game could gently convince Steelman to run for another office (7th District, Auditor), those closest to the Steelman family think that is wishful thinking.

"Remember, they all said she'd quit when she got in against Kenny," reminded a Steelman ally.

As for Talent, insiders believe he'll look to 2012 -- and a rematch against Sen. Claire McCaskill.

"I am still very interested in serving the people of Missouri in elective office, but the considerations I have recited in this statement are more important than my personal goals," said Talent in his statement.

Translation via the Talent source: "There are many options for Jim should he decide to run for office again. I expect him to keep all of those options on the table."

For now, Talent said his next priority is electing "a strong and qualified Republican" to replace Sen. Kit Bond.

The next question is if Talent the statesman will help become Talent the kingmaker by endorsing if there's a G.O.P. primary.

Let the courting begin.

Dixon Disses Stimulus

The House and Senate have passed differing versions, so what's next?

• The President continues his p.r push with a Wednesday morning stop in Springfield, Virginia. V.P. Biden talks it up in Pennsylvania.
• The Conference committee goes at it, with Majority Leader Reid saying he hopes he gets the first cut Wednesday.
• Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, releases a statement saying the "trillion dollar borrow-and-spend package" gives him "grave concern." More from Dixon: "As chairman of the House Transportation Committee, my immediate focus has been the amount of funds actually dedicated to transportation and infrastructure, as compared to how the package is being sold. I echo the sentiment recently expressed by U.S. Senator Kit Bond, who pointed out that the 'spending bill shortchanges infrastructure.' Only six percent of the total funds are dedicated to highway surface transportation, and barely more than $45 billion are designated for transportation as a whole. Government should invest in those areas-like infrastructure and education-where future dividends will be greatest. Instead, we're increasing government spending to provide a temporary fix. In Missouri, Governor Nixon has proposed using one- time federal funds to expand annual spending programs, rather than balancing the state budget. We cannot build a solid foundation for prosperity by saddling our grandchildren with enormous debt."
• Sen. Claire McCaskill had this statement: “Everyone was invited to the table when it came to fixing the economic recovery bill – Republicans and Democrats. Several of us showed up and think we came up with a pretty strong alternative – it may not be perfect, but we cut some of the spending and produced a bill that will create jobs and cut taxes for working families."

You Can Finally Call Her Director

Linda Martinez's nomination to become the Director of Economic Development was confirmed by the State Senate just before 11 a.m. today by a voice vote.

The vote came after an impassioned floor speech by Sen. Scott Rupp, who opposed Martinez's nomination and compared Governor Jay Nixon to the impeached Rod Blagojevich. "You might think you can intimidate me because you're the governor, but you are wrong," Rupp said. Rupp felt Nixon's team had threatened political repercussions if he didn't end his filibuster -- a delay that was sparked by concerns about illegal immigration.

There was no roll call vote.

By listening to the voice vote, it appeared that several Senators voted against Martinez.

Just before Sen. Robin Wright-Jones renewed her motion to confirm, Sen. Matt Bartle said "there are none of" Nixon's nominees that he plans to vote against right now. But Bartle also praised Rupp for bringing the concerns to light.

Stimulating Sales Pitch?

President Obama warned of a "negative spiral" if Congress doesn't act swiftly to come to an agreement on a $827 billion dollar economic stimulus package.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Comments from Sens. Kit Bond & Claire McCaskill included

FINAL U.S. SENATE VOTE SET FOR 11 A.M. TODAY
THEN, TO CONFERENCE

Immigration Group Asks Nixon To Clarify His Position

"GOVERNOR NIXON . . .

PULL BACK MS. MARTINEZ."

The head of Missourians Against Illegal Immigration (MAII) sent a letter to Governor Jay Nixon Monday requesting he clarify his position on the issue "publicly and in writing."

"Governor Nixon and his nominee to head the Department of Economic Development both have very public and written records of supporting illegal immigration – and this needs to be clarified" said Janet Renner, MAII president.

In her letter, Renner refers to a Missouri law that states that any business that employs an illegal immigrant is ineligible for state aid for five years.

"As of this writing, I know of no instance of you, as Attorney General, using this law to fight illegal immigration. And, you can see that this law gives HUGE power to your Cabinet Directors to fight this fight. This is why we care about Ms. Martinez' nomination," Renner wrote. "Ms. Martinez' written public record is clear. She signed court documents stating that Missouri could not crack down on illegal immigration. She went on Lou Dobbs and the transcript of that shows Martinez' belief that Missouri cannot crack down on illegal immigration. And Martinez put a quote in a St. Louis magazine stating that she supported open borders (although she now says that she does not know what "open borders" means)."

"Governor Nixon, you would be well-served to pull back Ms. Martinez from her nomination and spend some time and energy clarifying your public record on illegal immigration. The best way to do this, I believe, is in writing; you could write an op-ed and also give Senator Rupp your written assurances," added Renner.

The Martinez nomination will be taken up by the Senate Tuesday.

"A Trillion Dollar Budget Buster"

BY 4 TO 1, SEN. KIT BOND SAYS MISSOURIANS OPPOSE STIMULUS

***WATCH HIS SENATE FLOOR SPEECH***

"The numbers aren't even close, it's about 4 to 1 against this bill. They want me to vote against it, because Missourians know that the only thing about this bill that will stimulate, is the national debt and the growth of government."

"A TRILLION DOLLAR BABY"

"Only in Washington would trimming a trillion dollar bill down to $827 billion be called fiscally responsible."

"A TRILLION DOLLARS IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE"

Urges The President to sit down with House and Senate leaders to craft a smaller plan

The U.S. Senate barely passed the $838 billion dollar package in a test vote Monday, 61-34.

***President Obama holds an 7 p.m. CT primetime news conference to make his pitch.***

A final U.S. Senate vote is set for Tuesday morning.

Without Reassurances, Rupp Will Continue To Delay Martinez

Sen. Scott Rupp, (pictured right), says he'll continue to delay the nomination of Economic Development nominee Linda Martinez until the Nixon administration gives him sufficient reassurances that she'll enforce state illegal immigration laws.

***

Rupp lead a filibuster of Martinez last week because of concerns about how she'll handle tax credits for businesses found to be hiring illegal immigrants.

"If you're thinking is that a law is not constitutional, and I don't have to follow that. I'd like to see you put your John Hancock here on paper," Rupp said, referring to Martinez's role in arguing against the ability of a St. Louis area community to craft their own illegal immigration law.

Rupp has asked the Governor's Chief of Staff to sign a document pledging that Martinez will follow the law. "He basically said there's no way we're doing that," Rupp explained.

*Senate debate on Martinez is likely to resume Tuesday.*

When asked if he'll continue to filibuster, Rupp replied, "I wouldn't see why I wouldn't continue my talks on the floor. If Ms. Martinez can't give us the proper reassurances, there will be several others that won't be able to agree to this."

"It's not like we're delaying something else," Rupp said, noting there is only one bill scheduled for debate Tuesday. "It's not like she can't work. She's the acting director. We've just delayed her formal confirmation until she can give us these reassurances."

Nodler Noncommittal on the 7th

Absent from Saturday's Springfield Lincoln Day event, State Sen. Gary Nodler tells The Notebook he's made no decision on whether he'll run for the 7th District U.S. House seat in 2010
***
Nodler is frequently mentioned as a potential candidate to replace Congressman Roy Blunt because he ran for the seat before. But his no-show on Saturday has some insiders wondering if he's shying away from a run.

"I understand why it's logical to assume I'd be a potential candidate," Nodler said. "But filing is 13 months away, so there's no rush to make a decision. My decision won't be based on any other candidate's timeline to make their own decision."

Nodler said he couldn't attend Saturday's event because of a previously scheduled church commitment.

ALSO: Nodler wanted to make clear he was not participating in the filibuster of Economic Development nominee Linda Martinez last week. But the Joplin area Senator said he is still unsure if he'll support her when it comes to a vote.

Week 4: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 4 GRADE: C +

The past week was dominated by House passage of the Quality Jobs legislation and the stalled confirmation of Linda Martinez. It's doubtful Nixon's staff foresaw that it would take this long to get Martinez confirmed. She's expected to make it, but the battle has become a rallying cry for the right on the issue of illegal immigration. It also shows the willingness of certain Republicans to take on the new Governor, despite his popular mandate. The jobs bill was an easy early win for Nixon. But some in his own party wonder if there's enough accountability included in the measure. Are tax credits the answer in an ailing economic environment? Meanwhile, some in the upper chamber are already wondering if too many pet project "special interests" have been thrown in. In addition, Nixon's budget plan that depends on the stimulus is getting more scrutiny and taking more fire. Saturday in Springfield, Speaker Ron Richard suggested that Missouri should send the federal money back if the $800 billion dollar package is seen to be a waste. With an increasingly skeptical public raising questions about "another Washington bailout," Nixon and his team will need to soon begin making the sell that one-time money should be used to fund ongoing programs. Republicans are already suggesting that plan won't survive. The bridge of bipartisanship is already beginning to show some cracks.

Week 3: B
Week 2: B-

Week 1: A-

Nixon's Rolling Average: B

McCaskill Touts Senate Compromise on Stimulus

Appearing on NBC's Meet The Press this morning, Sen. Claire McCaskill touted a stimulus compromise reached in the U.S. Senate with a group of moderate Republicans late Friday.

"We did compromise in the Senate," McCaskill said. "We had a group of Republican Senators in a room and we worked hour after hour and by the way that door was open to every Republican in the Senate."

"The building is on fire, and what we typically do in Washington is argue what color of fire truck do we send to the scene," she added, noting that lawmakers need to "quit playing games," avoid procedure votes and pass the package early this week.

ON THE SPENDING IN THE BILL: "The vast majority of this bill will spend out quickly. It's not going to be enough . . . but to do nothing, do we really think we can sit around here in Washington watching this job loss and just try another tax cut for really wealthy people like George Bush did. I don't think so."

BUT ACKNOWLEDGES HOUSE DEMS MAY HAVE OVERREACHED: "I do think there was some spending in the bill that was makeup for a starvation diet under the Bush administration. I think some of the money that we cut . . . was in fact, spending that more appropriately should go in an Appropriations bill.

Notes the bill is 40% tax cuts, 60% spending.

CALLS DASCHLE'S DEMISE A WAKE UP CALL BUT OBAMA'S RESPONSE REFRESHING:"He looked in the camera and said I screwed up. That doesn't happen very often."

No Formal Blunt Announcement Expected Saturday

***SPRINGFIELD'S 2009 LINCOLN DAYS***
WHAT SATURDAY'S SIGNALS WILL SAY

Sen. Kit Bond and Congressman Roy Blunt are both expected to address the noon luncheon at University Plaza.

CHECK TWITTER UPDATES ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BLOG

A Republican insider with ties to the Congressman says it's unlikely Blunt will make a formal announcement of a candidacy for U.S. Senate at the event. Statewide Lincoln Days in Kansas City two weeks from now is a more likely venue for a potential Blunt announcement, says the source.

Sarah Steelman, who is sending strong smoke signals about a run for U.S. Senate will not be in attendance. She has a previous commitment to take her son to quarterback camp in St. Louis, according to a family friend. Former U.S. Senator Jim Talent is not expected to be in attendance and it's unclear what his intentions are for 2010. One Republican insider says he believes Talent is waiting to watch what Steelman does before making his own move. Others believe Talent will defer to 2012 for a re-match against Sen. Claire McCaskill.

(QUICK QUESTION: Who does a 3-way help or hurt? Would Talent's entry hurt Blunt or Steelman? Would Steelman have a better shot at dethroning Blunt with Talent in or out?)

THE 7th: Which potential candidates to replace Roy Blunt are out prominently glad-handing? Rep. Shane Schoeller, Sen. Jack Goodman, Sen. Gary Nodler and Rep. B.J. Marsh are all potentials. (But pssst . . . not everybody really thinking about it has said so publicly . . . More later . . .)

ENOUGH WITH THE ATMOSPHERICS . . . WHAT ABOUT THE PROGRAM?: As far as the event itself, former Greene County Commission candidate Lincoln Hough, Rep. Eric Burlison and Blunt staffer Miles Ross will hold an 11 a.m. forum about what it takes to become a G.O.P. candidate.

Rep. Bob Dixon, who has said he'll run for the 30th District Senate seat in 2010, will co-host a second forum with State Sen. Norma Champion to look at 2009 legislative issues.

New State Party Chairman David Cole is also expected to speak during the noon hour.

The always lovely and personable Ann Compton is chairing the event.

Oh, and they'll announce Greene County's Republican of the Year

(We're betting it's not Mark Wright)
{BTW: What's it about Wrights and dogs?}

The event is slated to conclude at 1:30 p.m. Registration is required to attend.

Count Her In

Former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman will most likely run for the U.S. Senate in 2010, but a formal announcement is not expected soon, the KY3 Political Notebook has learned.
***
Two Republican sources close to Steelman say after weeks of laying the groundwork, Steelman is "very, very likely" going to run for outgoing Sen. Kit Bond's seat.

"She is continuing to meet with people across the state. She's being encouraged by many supporters to run. She has had some great meetings in D.C. and around the state," says one source. "Her message is about reform, transparency and accountability in government. That message is relevant now more than ever before."

Pressed on how certain Steelman is about a run, the source responded: "Anything can happen, but this is very, very likely."

The source also noted that Steelman has more meetings in Washington scheduled for the coming weeks. Speculation that the State Treasurer might be interested in a race for Auditor or the 7th Congressional Seat were dismissed.

Former Steelman staffer Lucas Case is already attempting to gin up enthusiasm on his FACEBOOK page: "Sarah Steelman is running," he writes.

This signal from the Steelman brigades likely sets up a Republican primary showdown between two infamous Missouri political families, The Steelmans and The Blunts. Congressman Roy Blunt is expected to jump into the 2010 contest as well. A spokesman for former Senator Jim Talent did not return calls for comment.

Steelman herself did not return a call for comment.

KC Dem Blasts Jobs Bill As "A Giveaway"

A Kansas City Democrat says the jobs bill passed this week by the Missouri House and backed by Governor Jay Nixon "will do nothing to create jobs," and calls it "an irresponsible giveaway" to corporate interests.

***

Rep. Beth Low was one of just 19 House members to vote against HB191.

"We needed to take a stand against corporate welfare," Low said in a statement. "It is time for Missouri to get serious about progressive solutions to the economic problems that were created by the same type of ineffective policies that the House passed today. We cannot solve our economic problems with the same failed economic policies that got us into the current recession."

Low said that House Republicans blocked an amendment that would have required tax break recipients to refund their subsidies if they fail to create new jobs.

"As the bill stands, businesses don’t need to prove taxpayers are getting a return on their investment," Low said. "Taxpayers have absolutely no protection in this bill. Enough is enough. I will continue to oppose legislation that fails to protect taxpayers and refuses to acknowledge the failures of past economic development packages by repeating past mistakes."

***

ON MONDAY: Gov. Nixon will tout the legislation with Republican Senate Leader Charlie Shields at an event in St. Joseph.

Nixon Taps Huff for Insurance

Governor Jay Nixon has appointed 48-year-old John Huff to head the Department of Insurance.

Huff holds insurance industry and dispute resolution experience.

"With his strong background in the insurance industry, John Huff will be a tough but fair regulator who will serve as an aggressive watchdog for Missouri consumers," Gov. Nixon said in a statement. "A tested manager and executive, John will bring the efficiency and effectiveness of the private sector to this important agency."

Huff comes from Swiss Re, one of the world's biggest reinsurance companies. He also worked with GE Insurance Solutions from 1998 to 2006. Previous to that, Huff had an insurance practice in Kansas City.

The naming of Huff fills out Nixon's cabinet appointments.

Mark Wright's Dog Bites Boy

Former Springfield State Representative Mark Wright's dog bit a 14-year-old boy as he was walking to school Friday morning.

***

Police say when the dog attacked the boy on his way to Reed Middle School, Wright's wife ran out of their home, corralled the animal and called authorities. The boy is now recovering from several wounds.

Wright has been cited for a vicious dog at large, and for not having the dog tagged for current vaccinations. Wright, a Republican, represented the #137th House district in north Springfield before running an unsuccessful campaign for State Auditor in 2006.

WRIGHT RELEASED THIS STATEMENT:

"The Wright family is devastated by this event, especially the injuries sustained by the young man. He will be in our prayers for a quick recovery and our family will incur whatever necessary medical expenses. Additionally, to make certain that there is never a reoccurrence of this regrettable accident we have made the decision that our family dog Charlie will be euthanized, which has made this unfortunate accident even more difficult for our family to bear."

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 5 REPORT HERE

McCaskill Back on MTP Sunday

Sen. Claire McCaskill will appear on NBC's Meet The Press Sunday to discuss whether both parties can find common ground on the economic stimulus package.
***
McCaskill will appear with Sen. John Ensign (R-NV), Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN).

In the Springfield market, Meet The Press airs at 9 a.m. Sunday on KY3.

"A Massive Masquerade"

SEN. KIT BOND PICKS APART THE STIMULUS PACKAGE

The Senate adjourns Thursday without passing a package that's blossomed to $900 billion dollars. Sen. Bond is criticizing the bill because he says it hasn't gone through a bipartisan process. Bond says rather than creating jobs, Democrats have focused on filling the bill with their policy priorities.

***WATCH CLIP OF HIS SENATE SPEECH ABOVE***

A bipartisan group is attempting to shave at least $100 billion dollars off the package. A vote is expected sometime Friday.

Still Stalled

Linda Martinez's nomination to head the Department of Economic Development remains at a standstill until next week.

Sen. Scott Rupp, who raised concerns about Martinez's immigration comments yesterday, again stalled her nomination Thursday.

UPDATED 9:15 FRI: Sen. Gary Nodler called to say he did not participate in Thursday's filibuster as previously reported here, and does not oppose the Martinez nomination. The Notebook regrets the error.

Rupp met with Martinez early Thursday, but a Capitol source says a later meeting between Rupp and Nixon Chief of Staff John Watson became heated. The source says Rupp wanted assurances from Nixon's administration about the enforcement of illegal immigration laws, but that Watson replied, "We're not signing anything." Tony Messenger has it from the horse's mouth here. Sen. Rupp was not immediately available for comment.

ALSO: Lou Dobbs' show is calling conservatives, becoming increasingly interested in covering Martinez's confirmation process.

UPDATED @ 4:35: Sen. Chuck Purgason (R-Caulfield) told The Notebook he doesn't have problems with Martinez and will vote to confirm her. He said his role in Thursday's proceedings was to playfully chide Sen. Rupp.

"I was tired of all of Nixon's department heads coming and asking me what I needed. She (Martinez) had come by my office five times that day to try to catch up with me, so I was just chiding him," Purgason explained, referring to Rupp's complaints that Martinez had not come to see him personally. "It was a joke."

"I may not agree with her on policy, but that's what a Governor gets for winning an election," Purgason said. "He gets to have his team around him. I think Senator Cunningham still has some questions, but I think it'll eventually go through. It would surprise me if she weren't confirmed by next week."

UPDATED @ 9:52: Sen. Frank Barnitz said he has met with Martinez about the illegal immigration and job tax credit issues and is satisfied with her answers. "To ask about her relations with her clients is a little much," Barnitz said. "To ask the Governor to sign some letter, he's not going to do that."

Mo. Revenues Drop in January

DOWN 1.9 %

Slumping sales tax revenues dropped Show-Me State general revenue 1.9% in January, compared with a year ago.

Governor Jay Nixon's budget director Linda Luebbering said it's clear the national recession is impacting the state’s general revenues. She also noted that net collections for the month were consistent with the recently announced consensus revenue estimate.

***

Sales and use taxes were down 12 percent for the month.

Corporate taxes were down 4 percent.

Individual taxes were up 4 percent.

House Passes Bipartisan Jobs Bill

The State House approves a $9 million dollar economic development package that's designed to provide businesses incentives to create jobs.

***

The vote was 141 to 19.

The plan is an extension of former Gov. Blunt's Quality Jobs Program -- but is also a top priority of Governor Nixon's administration.

NIXON'S STATEMENT:
"By expanding the successful Quality Jobs Program, we will make it easier for businesses across our state to create the high-paying jobs that will turn this economy around. I look forward to working with the Senate to meet the goal of signing a comprehensive jobs plan by the legislature’s March break."

The main element of the plan removes any cap on the tax breaks that can be awarded under Missouri's Quality Jobs program. The program lets businesses earn tax credits and help a portion of the payroll taxes for newly hired workers.

The bill now goes to the Senate.

Rahn To Meet With LaHood Next Week About Stimulus

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he'll meet with the transportation heads from all 50 states in Washington next Wednesday about how to prioritize funding for projects included in the economic stimulus package.

In a conference call with Midwest reporters Thursday afternoon, LaHood said he has asked DOT directors to bring "ready-to-go" projects to his attention at the meeting, but added, "I don't know how much each state is going to get."

"The fastest way to get the money out is through the state DOTs. We want projects that are ready-to-go," he added.

LaHood's conference call was part of a full-court press offensive by the Obama administration Thursday. Other Cabinet officials held similar conference calls in other regions of the country.

LaHood also announced the formation of TIGER, a multi-modal economic development team that will make sure the stimulus money id spent on projects "rapidly, legally and wisely."

The Secretary also pressed these points about the package:

• It's expected to create 3 to 4 million jobs over the next 2 years
• 75% of the funding in the package will be spent during the first 18 months
• "We're going to do it without earmarks. The President's been clear about that," LaHood said.
• Transparency will be paramount. The public will be able to track the money and spending down to their specific locales at www.recovery.gov.
• "We're going to hold the Governor's feet to the fire on this," LaHood said, responding to a question about accountability.

MO' STIMULUS INFO:

The White House has also released a fact sheet on how each state would benefit from the economic stimulus package. Highlights:

• Will create or save 73,300 Missouri jobs
• Provide a tax cut of up to $1,000 for 2.2 million Missouri families
• 74,000 families eligible for college tax credits
• Unemployment insurance benefits to 326,000 Missouri workers who have lost their jobs
• Funding to modernize at least 163 schools

Sen. Champion: Martinez Will Be Confirmed

Springfield's State Senator Norma Champion tells The Notebook that Linda Martinez has alleviated her concerns surrounding the illegal immigration issue and says she could be confirmed as the new head of Economic Development by week's end.

***
Martinez's nomination was held up Wednesday by Sen. Scott Rupp.

In an interview, Champion said she would vote to confirm Martinez. She made her decision after a meeting with Martinez and the nominee explained why she participated in a St. Louis area lawsuit that challenged an ordinance that fined businesses and landlords for hiring and renting to illegal immigrants.

"She said the city was going beyond what they were allowed to do. It was a question of legality. She also saw that it put a lot of burdens on businesses and that they didn't really have a fair hearing in the matter. I'm strong on the regulation of illegal immigrants, but it satisfied me," Champion said.

ON WHY SHE'LL CONFIRM: "Several of the Governor's appointments are way too liberal for me, but it's about understanding the job. As to the question of her being qualified and being good at the job at hand, I don't think anyone questions that. Democrats and Republicans think she's outstanding."

ON THE HOLD UP: "She'll be confirmed. I wouldn't be surprised to see it this week. I don't get the impression the Senators are blocking her to stop her, but rather to express their opinion."

ALSO:
SEN. JIM LEMBKE, who was the first Senator to raise public concerns about Martinez's comments on illegal immigration, sent a letter to the nominee this week, asking her to "be clearer" in her answers.

An excerpt from Lembke's letter:

"In your response last week you wrote that the State of Missouri has not ruled on the issue of illegal immigration. However, don’t you recognize the precedence set within the lawsuit against the City of Valley Park of which you were a part? My understanding is that the Eastern District Court specifically rejected the preemption arguments that you and the ACLU made when that Court upheld the Valley Park ordinance. As I feel certain you know, several provisions of that Valley Park Ordinance were copied into state law in 2008 by the General Assembly and Governor. Do you now acknowledge that, as a matter of law, you were wrong when you represented the plaintiffs against Valley Park? And do you intend to fully support those provisions that are now part of Missouri state law, even though you sued to stop them in 2007?"

Blunt Calls DTV Delay Irresponsible

Congressman Roy Blunt is blasting House passage of a bill to delay the transition to digital broadcasting as "irresponsible and needless."

***

The House has agreed to postpone the switch to digital TV by four months, to June 12.
The Senate backed the idea last week. President Obama is expected to sign it into law.

BLUNT'S STATEMENT:

"What the House passed today was nothing more than an irresponsible and needless delay. What’s worse is that the majority avoided the opportunity to act responsibly and help millions of Americans prepare for this transition, while at the same time fulfilling the 9/11 Commission’s important public safety recommendation. Instead the majority acted rashly for the sake of political ease and denied firefighters, police officers and EMTs the ability to easily communicate until at least June."

Like, Seriously . . . She Can Call Me

STILL HELD UP

Governor Jay Nixon's nominee to head the Department of Economic Development is still stalled in the State Senate -- due to concerns of ANOTHER Senator.

Now, it's Sen. Ed Rupp, and it's because he hasn't been contacted by Linda Martinez.

Though the A.P. leads with immigration as the lingering issue.

Rosenbaum has the video of Rupp's explanation.

Messenger notes that after a meeting, Sen. Brad Lager is now cool with Martinez.

And Sen. Robin Wright Jones is playing the gender card.

Bond, McCaskill Team Up on Stimulus Amendment

Sens. Claire McCaskill and Kit Bond are teaming up to file an amendment to the economic stimulus package that will make it easier for states to control the money included in the package for them.

***

The McCaskill-Bond amendment would provide the states with the flexibility to choose to provide grants to municipalities for their water, waste water or drinking water projects, according to a joint release.

Right now, the stimulus bill only allows the states to fund those projects through loans or principal subsidies. But states like Missouri have constitutional laws that make it difficult to get the money to rural communities using this funding mechanism.

"The only way this bill will truly help our economy is if the money gets out the door quickly. This amendment is an easy fix to help states like Missouri get dollars to communities that are hurting as soon as possible," McCaskill said.

"This amendment will make sure our communities, especially those in rural areas, are not denied vital funds to help them clean their water, something I have long fought for and am proud to join with my colleagues again on today," added Bond.

MORE MCCASKILL AMENDMENTS:

McCaskill has filed additional amendments to the bill --

• Strengthening whistleblower protections
• The establishment of a website that will track funds down to the local and subcontract level.
• More funding for Inspectors General to do investigations and audits of the spending
• The CEO Cap -- Anyone who gets TARP money can't be compensated any more than POTUS

"My Phones Have Not Stopped Ringing"

Speaking on MSNBC's Hardball Tuesday night, Sen. Claire McCaskill said she will offer her controversial salary cap amendment over the next few days and adds she's optimistic President Obama will sign the legislation into law.

McCaskill is proposing to cap the amount an executive can make in a year (between $400,000 and $500,000 annually) if his or her company takes federal money. Companies would not be able to pay out more than the cap until they reimbursed the federal government, under McCaskill's plan.

****BLOOMBERG REPORTS OBAMA WILL BACK MCCASKILL'S PLAN IN AN ANNOUNCEMENT WEDNESDAY.****

***
"Only if they are dependent on public money and only until they pay us back," explained McCaskill on Hardball. "It's none of our business what people make in the private sector -- unless the taxpayers are on the hook for hundreds and hundreds of billions of dollars."

Says she's busy trying to "work with the White House as we speak to work out this plan."

"My phones have not stopped ringing since we proposed this," McCaskill said.

ON DASCHLE'S HHS WITHDRAWAL: "This whole situation kind of gives me a stomach ache. This is a good guy, who has worked hard and has such respect up on the hill. I get the rules around here, the rules are you live in a glass house . . . but it is too bad because he had a lot to offer our country. And I really admire him, because nobody made him do this. This wasn't the White House. This wasn't people in Congress. He decided it was the patriotic thing to do."

ALSO: Dismisses there's any bad blood between the White House (& Rhambo) and Howard Dean

Donnelly Goes To Committee Wednesday

Governor Jay Nixon's appointment to head the Department of Health and Senior Services will sit before the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee Wednesday morning.
***
Some anti-abortion activists have voiced concern about Margaret Donnelly's abortion views, though she is expected to be confirmed.

The Governor's office is also brushing off criticisms from the right about Economic Development designee Linda Martinez.

Asked by The Notebook whether Governor Nixon is concerned about Martinez's past statements on illegal immigration, press secretary Scott Holste responded:

"The Governor believes Linda Martinez is the perfect person to help turn Missouri's economy around at a time when 219,000 Missourians are out of work. Ms. Martinez has answered questions from a number of senators, and the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee could take up her nomination as early as Wednesday morning."

CORRECTION: Martinez nomination could be taken up by full Senate today


Greene County Sens. Dan Clemens and Norma Champion sit on the Appointments Cmt.

Sales Tax Fails; O'Neal Routs Mayoral Field

***DECISION 2009: SPRINGFIELD***

"NO"

A one-cent sales tax to fund police and fire pensions FAILS 52%-47%

- An 881 vote difference -

(Above: Somber city officials watch the final results trail in.)

O'NEAL WINS ROUND 1 BIG

Jim O'Neal is the clear frontrunner to be Springfield's next mayor.

THE PRIMARY:

JIM O'NEAL 61%

CHRIS DONEGAN 21%

Turnout in Springfield totaled 17%

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

FOR OTHER COUNCIL RACE RESULTS, CLICK HERE

At his watch party at Springfield's Metropolitan Grill, O'Neal said there's a stark difference between his approach and that of Republican Chris Donegan.

To solve the pension issue, O'Neal is leaving the option of another possible one-cent sales tax on the table. Donegan opposes a one-cent tax, favors budget cuts but is open to supporting a 1/4 cent or 1/2 cent tax down the road.

The general election is set for April 7th.

O-NEAL!

CALL HIM MR. MAYOR?

CAN THIS MAN BE BEATEN?

Chris Donegan will advance to the general election against Jim O'Neal, but the former city councilman has won the primary in a rout, racking up more than 60% of the vote.

CITY SALES TAX CLOSE . . . BUT FAILING

81% Reporting: 52% NO 47% YES

Decision 2009: Tax Issue TIGHT, O'Neal Routs to the General

50% Reporting:

Springfield Sales Tax
47.5% YES
52.5% NO
(434-vote difference)

Springfield Mayor
JIM O'NEAL easily moves on to the general . . . carrying 60% of the vote in the rout.
In second, Christopher Donegan with 21%. Tamara Finocchiaro trails in third with 11%. (Yes, 742 people have voted for Sandra Queen Noble)

In ZONE 1 . . . NICK IBARRA LEADS OVER INCUMBENT DENNY WHAYNE, but WHAYNE looks safe to advance to the general.

Robert Stephens leads in General Seat A . . . John Rush leads General Seat B.

DEVELOPING . . .

Vague . . . Spotty . . . Caroline?

G.O.P's 1st SHOT HITS CARNAHAN DYNASTY

Missouri's Republican Executive Director compares Robin Carnahan's U.S. Senate bid to the failed effort of Caroline Kennedy in New York.

"Robin Carnahan's long free ride has come to an end. Her bid, like Caroline Kennedy’s is based purely on family legacy and not personal accomplishment. Missourians will not allow her to use her family’s legacy to become Missouri's second robot vote in the U.S. Senate for Barack Obama. Her futile attempts will bring attention to the shallowness of her record and raise important questions about her values and experiences in life," said Jared Craighead in a statement. "To our knowledge, she has never held a stable job in the private sector. In an attempt to place her own hereditary claim on a major office, at least Caroline Kennedy could point to co-authorship of a book.”

EARLY PLAYBOOK:
1) Export/Import Bank: Craighead said her work there gave "sweetheart deals to big corporations."
2) Guns: Craighead said President Clinton "strongly endorsed and praised her radical anti-Second Amendment views."
3) SOS: "As Secretary of State, she has unobtrusively punched the time clock and accomplished nothing legislatively. She is best-known for earning judicial rebukes for trying to rig the language of ballot titles."

Bond Votes Against Hollywood

"INSULTING and OUTRAGEOUS"

BOND HELPS KILL TAX BREAK IN STIMULUS

U.S. Senator Kit Bond was one of 52 Senators who voted to remove a $250 million dollar tax break for Hollywood movie producers from the gigantic $800 Billion dollar stimulus package.



"It's insulting to struggling families in Missouri and across the nation that the Democrats would try to sneak in an almost $250 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers in their so-called stimulus bill," said Bond. "Calling a tax break for Hollywood movie producers ‘emergency stimulus spending' is outrageous."

The provision would allow large Hollywood studios the opportunity to choose between the existing tax break for movie studios, or to write off 50 percent of the entire production costs for movies and TV shows made in 2009.

The vote to strike the special tax break passed 52-45.

Springfield's Decision 2009: Polls Close @ 7 p.m.

***FOR RESULTS, CLICK HERE***

FULL REPORTS ON KY3 NEWS @ 10

Struckoff: Turnout on Pace for 18%

Greene County Clerk Richard Struckoff tells The Notebook turnout is on pace for about 18 percent in Tuesday's sales tax election.

"It all depends what happens after 4 p.m. If it falls flat like in November, it'll be 15%. If it picks up, it will be closer to 20%," Struckoff said.

The City of Springfield is voting on whether it should raise the sales tax by one-cent for the next five years to help fund the city's police and fire pension fund.

A 4-way Mayoral primary is also underway -- and just 2 candidates will survive tonight.

WATCH KY3 NEWS @ 5 & 6 for FULL REPORTS

PLUS: Springfield Residents weigh in on FACEBOOK

Polls close @ 7 p.m.

Nixon Will Return Motorola Contribution

Governor Jay Nixon's campaign says it will return a $10,000 campaign contribution from Motorola made as Nixon's administration is weighing an $80 million dollar contract with the company.

The Associated Press inquired about the contribution Tuesday:

Nixon put a hold on Motorola's contract to construct a new radio system for the Missouri State Highway Patrol and emergency responders. The governor is reviewing whether to go forward or opt out of the contract. Campaign finance reports show Nixon received $10,000 from Motorola on Jan. 26. After The Associated Press asked about the money Tuesday, Nixon campaign manager Ken Morley said it would be refunded because of Motorola's pending state contract. Morley said Motorola had committed to donate the money for Nixon's inaugural before its contract was put on hold.

Gingrich: McCaskill Should Be Outraged With Herself

In a column for Human Events, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich blasts Sen. Claire McCaskill for her plan to cap salaries of top executives.

"Vice President Biden and Sen. McCaskill should be outraged with themselves. The reason is simple: If there had been no big government bailout of these companies, their CEOs would have no fiduciary duty to the taxpayers," Gingrich writes. "It wouldn’t be any of Sen. McCaskill’s business how they compensate themselves. But government offered the money, and private companies took it. So now government is in charge."

Carnahan Makes It Official

Democratic Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announces she will run for U.S. Senate in 2010.

"It's time we had elected leaders ready to stop the political bickering and start solving problems," she said in a video posted on her website. "Like rebuilding the economy so it works for everyone and making government accountable so every nickel counts."

WATCH HER FULL ANNOUNCEMENT HERE

ALSO: Sen. Bob Menendez, the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in a statement that Carnahan was the best candidate for the seat:

"She has a proven ability to garner votes across the state including the rural areas. Secretary Carnahan’s values of hard work and integrity are values she shares with all Missourians,” Menendez said. "She will make a superb United States senator and she will show that to the people of Missouri over the coming campaign."

Voters to Decide Fate of Sales Tax

***DECISION 2009***
Does Springfield's one-cent sales tax have a shot?
For closing arguments:
Watch the KY3 News @ 10 Report HERE

Polls open at 6 a.m. Tuesday

10 to 20 percent turnout projected (so bet lower)
***

PLUS: THE PRIMARY RACE FOR MAYOR
Top 2 advance to the general
Jim O'Neal looks to be a favorite for advancing.
Look for Tamara Finocchiaro and Chris Donegan to battle for the second slot.

ALSO: DOES DENNY WHAYNE SURVIVE?
In Zone 1, Nick Ibarra and Cameron Eaton are gunning for the incumbent.

Watch KY3 News @ 5 & 6 for ELECTION DAY REPORTS

Tune into KY3 News @ 10 for FULL RESULTS

Nixon Boots Kinder Off Census Committee

Governor Nixon has signed an executive order that removes Lieutenant Governor Kinder from a statewide Census committee.

***
The order says that Commissioner of Administration, Kelvin Simmons, will now chair the Complete Count Committee. Last year, when Governor Blunt created the committee, he appointed Kinder the chair.

The committee is designed to make sure Missouri gets an accurate count of its population in the 2010 Census. The state faces the possible loss of a U.S. House seat, based on population loss.

Nixon spokesperson Jack Cardetti said the change had to do with budget savings and the ability of the Office of Administration to handle demographic data. Jeff Mazur of the Office of Administration provided The Notebook with a budget comparison.

The Lieutenant Governor's office was allotted $735,565 to do the work.
The Office of Administration was alloted $559,821.
That's a difference of about $175,744.

The difference? The Lt. Gov's budget included money for three staff assistants. The OA makes the case it can do the same work without them.

But Kinder's office said it was planning to cut at least $200,000 from their budget, by using web-conferencing for meetings and other cost-cutting measures. "Just because you're allotted the money, doesn't mean you have to spend it all," said Gary McElyea, a spokesperson for Kinder.

Asked for reaction, McElyea said: "We were notified a few hours before the State of the State by OA that the Governor would be transferring the committee. We weren't notified by the Governor's office. It's understandable that there would be changes, but we've put quite a bit of ground work into this, organization, communication with members about meetings. Now we're forced to take a step backwards. It doesn't seem cost-effective. We expected to cut down on costs considerably."

The census committee had scheduled its first meeting for February 11th, but that meeting has now been put off, according to McElyea.

Liberals Ramp Up Stimulus Pressure on Bond

Not sure if this is running in the Southwest Missouri television market, but NBC's First Read has the ad that's targeting Sen. Kit Bond's stimulus vote in Missouri.

Americans United For Change is responsible for the spot, which is also targeting Sen. Dick Lugar in Indiana.

Dems Want To Fill In Military Pay Gap

A Columbia House