McCaskill Plans To Vote For Obama's Budget

The Hill reports that Sen. Claire McCaskill has indicated that she will vote for President Obama's budget, despite concerns from other centrist Democrats about its eye-popping increases and total pricetag.
***
From the article: "But Sens. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.), centrists who wrote a letter to Conrad urging spending restraint, have said they plan to vote for the budget this week. Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), another conservative member, has also said he plans to vote for the budget."

"McCaskill said that Conrad improved Obama’s budget proposal substantially by slicing in half a proposed increase in domestic discretionary spending. She noted that not taking into account proposed funds for the 2010 census and veterans’ care, the budget proposes a slight domestic discretionary spending decrease," reports the Capitol Hill paper.

McCaskill was one of 10 Democrats that met with Obama's budget director Peter Orszag.

Conservative Challenger Seeks Slot on School Board

4 CANDIDATES

3 SLOTS

1 CHALLENGER

THE NEW GUY

Eric Jensen is the lone challenger facing three incumbents in Springfield's School Board election next Tuesday. The trial attorney and self-described conservative boosted merit pay, busted unions and predicted the eventual downfall of No Child Left Behind at a League of Women Voters Forum Tuesday night.

But he faces Andy Hosmer, School Board president Kris Callen and 15-year board veteran Bruce Renner in a top 3 out of 4 campaign.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

"I don't have a lot of history with the district. Some see that as a weakness. I see it as a strength," said Jensen, noting he doesn't have the baggage that's tied to certain education interests and constituencies.

During the hour-long forum at Weaver School, Jensen mentioned merit pay twice, warned that union leaders don't always have the best interest of the children in mind, and pledged to go line-by-line through the budget to find savings.

READ A HISTORY OF MY TWITTER UPDATES FROM THE FORUM HERE

McCaskill Skeptical of Insurance Companies

"LIKE WHITE ON RICE"

Members of a U.S. Senate committee are pressing health insurance companies about how they reimburse consumers for using out-of-network doctors.

Sen. Claire McCaskill, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, is one of the leading skeptics. "We need to be vigilant and stay on you like white on rice," she said, in response to UnitedHealth Group executives' insistence that their company had done nothing wrong.

The New York Times reports that McCaskill told the executives that the public takes a skeptical view of health insurers. "People think they are getting a raw deal," she said.

Recent hearings are meant to consider whether more federal oversight of insurers might be necessary to protect consumers.

Prouty Enters The Fray

NEWLY MINTED MOUTHPIECE

Jonathan Prouty began his new gig Tuesday as spokesperson of the Missouri Republican Party. The first statement he delivered lacked both the customary outrage and partisan shots that are usually staples of party-controlled releases. In the statement, Party Chair David Cole thanked Executive Director Jared Craighead for his service and ushered in the new era of Lloyd Smith:

"Jared Craighead was one of the most dedicated and capable Executive Directors that the Missouri Republican Party has ever had. His leadership and management were one of the reasons that Missouri fared far better than other states in the last two election cycles. The fact that Missouri was the only battleground state that went for the Republican nominee in 2008 speaks volumes about the kind of success that Missouri Republicans have enjoyed under Jared’s tenure. I know Jared is excited about practicing law and I wish him and Alison all the best and continued success," said Cole.

"The fact that Lloyd Smith has agreed to be the Executive Director of the MRP guarantees that Missouri will continue to have one of the best run state parties in the entire country. He has vast political and congressional experiences which makes him perfectly suited to assume management responsibilities for MRP at this critical time. Lloyd Smith is a consummate professional who knows how to develop and execute winning strategies. I am so grateful that he has agreed to take on this important responsibility," Cole concluded.

***

Before taking the reigns at the MOGOP, Prouty served as a communications associate with John Hancock's consulting company.

The Notebook looks forward to working with Prouty through the good, the bad, the ugly --- and through all that outrage.

Senate Cmt. Approves Ameren Bill

A Senate committee has passed legislation allowing Ameren UE to charge ratepayers in advance of a new power plant's construction.

The 6-4 vote pushes SB228 to the full Senate.

Missourians for a Balanced Energy future applauded the vote:

"The balanced legislation will create 3,000 of those jobs, invest over $6 billion in Missouri, and result in a clean, non-carbon emitting power plant," said spokesperson Scott Charton. "The opposition’s deceptive and negative campaign tactics could not trump common sense in the Missouri Legislature."

The legislation is paving the way for Callaway 2, a nuclear plant and the largest construction project in Missouri history. Ameren UE has argued that a change in law is needed to proceed with the plant.

***

The Fair Electricity Rate Action Fund is vowing a fight:

"Ameren should be ashamed. With Missouri’s jobless rate above 8%, you’d think that Ameren would want what’s best for Missouri’s families and seniors. Instead, Ameren is only looking out for their own bottom line, pushing a bill which will raise utility rates on our families and seniors by 40% every single month and guaranteeing job losses in our state," said Gregg Keller, FERAF spokesman.

FERAF believes the bill is a wish-list for Ameren, rather than a comprehensive plan to meet Missouri's energy needs.

MIAC Report Researched Under Blunt, Written Under Nixon

A controversial state security report which targeted certain right-wing and third-party groups as terrorist threats was researched in 2008 and written in 2009, The Notebook learned Monday evening.

According to the State Highway Patrol, work began on the now defunct 8-page Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) "Modern Militia Movement" document back in July of 2008, during Gov. Matt Blunt's term.

But the report was completed during the first month of Governor Jay Nixon's administration.

"The MIAC employee began research on the report during the first week of July 2008," said Highway Patrol Captain Tim Hull. "They completed the written report during the last week of January 2009," Hull added.

February 20th is the date listed on the document.

The revelation of the report's evolution clears up the mystery over when the document was produced, but will likely not resolve the blame game between the Blunt and Nixon camps.

Nixon has noted that the agency and report was formed under the Blunt administration. Blunt said Monday that he had no knowledge of such a report during his term. The timeline detailed by the Highway Patrol revealed that work on this document was done under both administrations.

A spokesman for Blunt said Nixon's reaction to the report was more pertinent than the timing of when it began. "The drafting of a report by a bureaucrat is significantly different than its promulgation and defense by the governor and the department director," Chrismer said. "Governor Blunt has said that he was not aware of any report issued while he was governor that was similar to this offensive one and indicated what action he would have taken had there been one," he added.

Captain Hull's comments also shows that top levels of both administrations were -- and are not regularly immersed in the details of such reports.

For the amount of MIAC reports that are released, they couldn't and shouldn't be, explained another law enforcement official.

Officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about the MIAC controversy, said there are some days where he receives "two or three MIAC reports a day." He said the reports can range from covering events like a jail escapee to a crime in a particular region.

"We're not out to target Ron Paul supporters with bumper stickers. I'd resign today if I knew anyone was doing that," said the Patrolman.












Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Dixon With Nixon on Quality Jobs, Not Healthcare

"I would echo the Governor's call that the Senate get that bill on his desk."

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon agrees with Governor Jay Nixon that the Senate should move quicker to pass the Quality Jobs Act. Some members of the Senate want to reign in the amount of tax credits doled out to developers each year. But Dixon said this legislation "is the wrong thing to be holding up."

BUT: In this interview, which occurred before final votes on the House budget, Dixon was reluctant to commit to Nixon's healthcare plan that would add thousands back to the rolls through higher hospital taxes.

"We've been very clear that we do not want to expand any kind of welfare program at this time," Dixon said, acknowledging he can see both sides of the issue.

The Missouri Hospital Association agreed to voluntarily raise its own taxes to provide the funding. But Dixon said he wanted assurances that the hospital money would not dry up down the road. "I'd have to know for sure it's going to be there," he said.

Ultimately, Democratic attempts to include Nixon's healthcare plan failed.

The Nixon administration is hoping that the Senate will include the plan in its version of the budget.

Matt Blunt Fires Back Over MIAC

In a statement sent to The Notebook Monday, Governor Matt Blunt said while he did create the Missouri Information Analysis Center, he is not responsible for the "offensive report" it produced.
***
"I certainly do not plan on responding to every false charge or false news report," the former Governor began, "but recent assertions regarding the offensive MIAC report warrants a response."

"Let me be clear about the recent, offensive MIAC report that profiled Missourians that hold conservative political views," Blunt said, in a statement e-mailed by spokesperson Rich Chrismer. "While I did create the Missouri Information Analysis Center to act as a fusion center to gather and disseminate tactical intelligence about specific crimes, I did not create the MIAC to profile citizens based upon political views - liberal or conservative. To my knowledge MIAC never issued anything similar to the recent report while I was governor. If they had, I would not have defended it. I would have taken corrective action immediately and certainly held those responsible, accountable for their actions," Blunt added.

"The assertion that I am somehow responsible for an offensive report that was issued more than a month after I left office and that profiles conservatives is so absurd that one would not think it requires a response from me, but evidently it does," Blunt enclosed.

The 8-page MIAC report referred to anti-abortionists, anti-immigration advocates and supporters of certain third party candidates as potential terrorist threats.

After growing political pressure, the Nixon administration scrapped the report last week, and the Governor said his predecessor was responsible for MIAC. While the report is dated Feb. 20th, there are some signs the report was created while Barack Obama was still President-elect. It's not yet clear exactly when the specific report was compiled or who wrote it.

Week 11: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 11 GRADE: C -

When Governor Jay Nixon was first asked about the Missouri Information Analysis Center "modern militia" report on March 20th, the Attorney General didn't blink -- defending it as a necessary tool to analyze threat levels. Six days later, after mounting pressure from citizens and lawmakers coupled with a flurry of media reports, the report had been scrapped and blame was heaped upon Matt Blunt. The administration's reaction to the 8-page document that labeled anti-abortionists, anti-immigration advocates and third party candidates as potential threats began with defiance and ended with passing the buck. Predictably, some Republicans waved their outrage flags in attempt to capitalize on the cultural storm, but Nixon's team gave the opposition an easy opening with their lethargic, slowly-evolving response. The differing day by day concessions looked like the administration wanted to do just enough to make the story go away, without ever addressing how or why the specific terms were included. Even Fired Up, which serves as the pulse and loyal booster of the left, issued a measured response, calling the language "broad, unfair and unhelpful." Rep. Bob Dixon, who is running for State Senate in 2010, told me he didn't believe Nixon was to blame for the report. We now know it was formulated under Blunt's watch. But the Governor didn't feel any need to mention that until it got too hot in the proverbial political kitchen. This was the first real week when a story seemed to get out in front of the Nixon folks, and the experience surely taught them some valuable lessons going forward.

Koster Wins MIZZOU B-Ball Grit Award Via Twitter

In a spontaneous vote via TWITTER, Attorney General Chris Koster was crowned winner of the first ever MIZZOU Basketball "Gritty politico" award.
***
The Notebook conducted the unscientific vote via Twitter Saturday afternoon during the final minutes of the Mizzouri-UConn game, when the Tigers came up short in their quest to win what would have been their first Final Four appearance.

The Notebook asked Twitterers: What Missouri politician most exemplifies the grit and tenacity of MIZZOU basketball this season?

The MIZZOU Basketball "Gritty Politico" award is meant to go to the pol who is "gritty, aggressive, beats expectations, surprises and may start slow, but closes strong."

While Koster came out on top in the voting, Sen. Claire McCaskill and Sen. Kurt Schaefer tied for runner-up. Sens. Jim Lembke and Matt Bartle also received votes, as did Rep. Chris Kelly.

Not in Twitter-land yet?

Who would you cast your "Gritty Politico" vote for?

***ALSO: Due to the Mizzou loss, Sen. Claire McCaskill and Gov. Jay Nixon will both be sending Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd and Governor Jodi Rell a hearty portion of Kansas City Barbeque.

Judge Allows Group to Run Anti-Ameren Ad

A judge ruled Saturday that a group fighting Ameren's plan to raise power rates could air television commercials during Missouri's NCAA tournament game Saturday.
***
FERAF or the Fair Electricity Rate Action Fund is fighting Ameren's proposed rate plan. The group announced a judge rejected Ameren's temporary restraining order to block their commercials. Ameren argued the public would be "confused" by the ads, but a U.S. District Court judge rejected that complaint.

"We are gratified that the court agreed with us on this important issue and that we can continue to communicate directly with Missourians regarding Ameren’s proposed rate hike plan,"said FERAF spokesman Gregg Keller. "Ameren’s rate hike plan will cause Missourians’ monthly utility bills to go up by as much as 40% and is guaranteed to cost Missouri jobs during difficult economic times and our advertisements accurately reflect these facts," Keller added.

WATCH THE COMMERCIAL HERE

According to the St. Louis Business Journal, in January, Missouri regulators approved an electric rate increase of $162.6 million. But Ameren has argued that increase will still fall short of paying for rising operating and financing costs.

Blunt to Tour Mt. Vernon Vet Clinic Monday

Congressman Roy Blunt will visit the Missouri Rehab Center and Gene Taylor Veterans Clinic in Mt. Vernon Monday at 9:45 a.m.
***
OTHER BLUNT POINTS:

• According to American Medical News, Congressman Blunt seems to agree that Congress needs to fix the Medicare reimbursement formula this year. "Almost everyone in the Congress believes that you need to be more fairly compensated and that Medicare takes advantage of the system by not doing [its] part,"Blunt is quoted saying at a March 10th conference.
• Blunt has co-sponsored legislation with Rep. Ron Paul (i.e. Mr. Revolution) that calls for the Federal Reserve to be more transparent about their operations. The legislation requires a full audit of the Fed by the end of 2010. "An extra level of transparency could prevent our current troubles from worsening -- and perhaps could have prevented them from becoming this severe," Blunt said.
• Capital J, a D.C-based Jewish publication, reports that Blunt wants a greater effort from the State Department to enforce sanctions against Iran. He wants the Obama administration to apply more pressure on firms that invest in Iran's energy sector.

ALSO on MONDAY: Blunt has an evening fundraiser set for his U.S. Senate bid at Metro in Springfield.

Mo. Senate Pollster: "I Was Not Fired"

The pollster who ran a recent Missouri U.S. Senate race poll said he wasn't fired from his polling company, as was reported by The Oklahoman.
***
Chris Wilson, who recently conducted a statewide poll as a "feasibility study" for Sarah Steelman said that story, printed in 2004, was wrong. The story said that Wilson was fired for stealing secrets and money while working for a competing firm. Qorvis Communications filed a lawsuit against Wilson. But Wilson said he was not fired. "Our strategic relationship was terminated. This is a complicated business dispute that . . . was resolved in arbitration," Wilson wrote The Notebook in an e-mail. Wilson is the founder and chief executive officer of Wilson Research Strategies, a Republican consulting company with offices in Oklahoma and Washington.

"I find it a bit sad that Blunt and his people would attempt to tie an ancient business dispute to the survey findings," Wilson said. "To do so illustrates a disturbing disregard for the opinions of Missouri voters," Wilson said.

The poll found both Roy Blunt and Steelman trailing Democrat Robin Carnahan in a potential 2010 U.S. Senate match-up. But it was also designed to test the potential vulnerabilities of a Blunt candidacy.

For more on the poll, click HERE.

Tax Credit Talk Stalls Jobs Bill

INCENTIVE or ENTITLEMENT?

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

LOCAL DEVELOPER SAYS DOWNTOWN RENEWAL WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE WITH HISTORIC TAX CREDITS
"They shouldn't mess with it," says Springfield developer Dan Scott

SEN. LAGER PROPOSES REFORMS
"If the business plan is so poor that the private sector won't do it, I don't believe the taxpayer should have to fund it," says Sen. Brad Lager

The entire tax credit debate is tied to Gov. Jay Nixon's Quality Jobs expansion. The bill has been passed by the House, but the Senate is still debating it. The tax credit issue is why a group of Republican Senators are holding it up.

House Passes Budget Without Healthcare Expansion

HOUSE CLEARS 2010 BUDGET

"A COLOSSAL WASTE OF TIME"

***

The House passed a $22.8 billion operating budget in a series of votes Thursday.

Democrats complain that the GOP majority passed up a rare opportunity to restore health care coverage to 35,000 Missourians through no cost to state taxpayers.

Gov. Nixon's plan to increase access would be financed by higher hospital taxes and matching federal dollars, but GOP leaders rejected the plan. "Our version of the budget continues the promise that Missouri will live within our means," said Republic Rep. Jim Viebrock in a statement.

"This is rational and prudent health care policy. It is not charity," said Rep. Chris Kelly, a Democrat who many Republicans respect.

ALSO: The Missouri Budget Project estimates that as many as 70,000 Missourians will be directly impacted by cuts to mental health and senior services.

"The sham that is the House budget process has been a colossal waste of time,” said House Minority Paul LeVota in a stronger statement. "The Senate is going to toss the House budget straight in the garbage and start from scratch."

***

THE PROCESS:

LeVota complained that the budget process is too centralized with the House budget Chair writing most of the budget with little input from other members. LeVota also said that the public only had time to testify on the budget before the budget bills were filed.

But in his weekly newsletter, Rep. Viebrock took aim at the protesters who appeared at the Capitol this week. He said they showed up "too late."

"Right on schedule, the protesters showed up on Wednesday for a rally and to encourage the legislature to fully fund their cause," Viebrock wrote. "They gathered out on the front lawn, got all pumped up and stormed the building chanting and screaming clever catch phrases. They demanded changes and additional monies be put into the budget. All of that is well within their rights to do, however, as I have been stating in previous reports, the time to have that kind of input- has already passed. The day we are voting on the final proposal is simply too late. These groups are nowhere to be found when the actual work takes place, they do however, have no problem showing up after the fact to complain," he said.

Poll Pokes At Blunt's Negatives in Senate Contest

FLASH POLL:

CARNAHAN 47%, BLUNT 44%

CARNAHAN 47%, STEELMAN 39%

***

BLUNT CAMPAIGN RESPONDS: "Push polling is a nasty tactic and these tactics do not merit a response from the campaign."

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

A new U.S. Senate poll shows Democrat Robin Carnahan leading both of her potential Republican opponents in the 2010 contest, but the numbers also point to some political vulnerabilities of Congressman Roy Blunt.

The poll, taken by Republican pollster Wilson Research Strategies and released to The Notebook Thursday, shows probable Democratic nominee Carnahan leading Blunt 47% to 44%. It shows Carnahan leading former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman by a larger margin, 47% to 39%.

The poll, taken between March 7-9, surveyed 600 likely voters in Missouri. It has a margin of error of 4 percent.

The numbers also reveal that although Blunt is much more well-known than Steelman, he carries higher negatives among independents and Democrats. Pollster Chris Wilson said the results highlight Blunt's inherent weakness as a candidate.

"My conclusion is that he starts out with serious issues that are difficult to overcome in the general election, if not the primary," said Wilson in an interview.

On the other hand, the data also reveals that Blunt is stronger within his own party, and that Steelman plays better with "soft Democrats," a potential liability in a GOP primary.

Wilson said the poll was taken as a feasibility study for a potential Steelman U.S. Senate candidacy. But Steelman did not pay for the poll. Wilson said because of his company's confidentiality clause, he could only say that a third party unaffiliated with Steelman paid for the data.

The Blunt campaign's response to the poll was short but pointed: "Push polling is a nasty tactic and these tactics do not merit a response from the campaign," said Blunt spokesman Rich Chrismer.

When asked about the merit of the topline general election numbers, Chrismer repeated his original response.

Wilson, who conducted the poll, was fired from the head of Qorvis Communications back in 2004. According to The Oklahoman, the local business' parent company filed a lawsuit against him for "stealing corporate secrets and cash while plotting to launch a competing firm." Wilson is quoted saying the lawsuit was prompted by a business dispute.

THE INTERNAL NUMBERS:

NAME I.D. (General Electorate)

BLUNT 97%

STEELMAN 75%

FAVORABILITY WITH (General Electorate)

BLUNT 50% (33% unfavorable)

STEELMAN (not included)

FAVORABILITY WITH REPUBLICANS (400 Republicans 5% MOE)

BLUNT 76% (10% unfavorable)

STEELMAN 47% (19% unfavorable)

FAVORABILITY WITH INDEPENDENTS

BLUNT 51% (37% unfavorable)

STEELMAN 41% (15% unfavorable)

FAVORABILITY WITH SOFT DEMOCRATS

BLUNT 25% (50% unfavorable)

STEELMAN 39% (13% unfavorable)

The survey also measured support for Blunt and Steelman after a biography was read to respondents about each candidate. A significant portion of the information given to the voter was negative, in order to test arguments against a candidate.

Wilson said Blunt's paragraph included information about his vote for the original fall financial bailout, his support for earmarks and his ties to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Wilson said after measuring "informed voters," Blunt loses almost half of his support from soft Republicans and drops nearly 20 points among independents. Without access to the full paragraph, it's impossible to gauge the fairness of the wording.

"INFORMED VOTERS"

CARNAHAN 55%

BLUNT 30%

Wilson said that "voters are particularly angered when they learn of Blunt's involvement with Jack Abramoff, and that he was one of the largest recipients of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac campaign contributions."

"The same negatives will hurt Blunt in the Republican primary, where after voters hear this information, he trails Sarah Steelman by more than 20 points," according to the report on the poll.

Wilson's memo concludes that once voters become aware of these negatives of a Blunt candidacy, his "soft support will vanish."

On the other hand, Steelman, Wilson writes, "is uniquely positioned to win over independents and moderate Democrats, while inspiring Republicans with her opposition to bailouts and overspending in Washington."

Nixon Blames Blunt for MIAC

Gov. Jay Nixon told reporters Thursday that no one in his administration, nor anyone he hired, reviewed the MIAC security report before it was distributed to police across the state.

***

Nixon said that a lack of oversight from Gov. Blunt's administration led to the distribution of the report on the modern militia movement, reports The News-Leader's Chad Livengood.

"Nixon noted the Missouri Information Analysis Center was "formed under my predecessor," writes Livengood.

But just last week, when Nixon was originally asked about the report, he defended the work of the MIAC. "It's something we do every day and we're going to continue to do," he said to KRCG.

STATE GOP SAYS NIXON HAD TO KNOW ABOUT MIAC PROCESSES:

Republican Party Chair David Cole notes that Nixon toured MIAC with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano just a few weeks ago.

"Are we now to believe that Nixon didn’t know anything about the processes and procedures that were in place at the Fusion Center understanding that he recently took the Homeland Security Secretary there???," reads the release sent out by GOP Executive Director Jared Craighead.

"Nixon’s ridiculous new defense is particularly troubling and disingenuous since he has stood by the controversial report encouraging political profiling even as members of his administration began to back away from it," added Cole.

Kinder Wants More Answers About MIAC Report

"AN OUTRAGE"
Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder said answers provided by the Highway Patrol about a leaked state security report are inadequate, and that the controversy deserves a more thorough explanation from top officials.

"It doesn't look back at all. It doesn't answer any of my concerns about how this report got out there and whether in fact, as you asked, there are other reports we need to know about. And how far back does this go,?" Kinder said in an interview with KY3 News at the Capitol Wednesday.

***WATCH FULL CLIPS***

Lobbyist Liaisons vs. Meals on Wheels

WATCH 'EM AT IT
Democratic Minority Whip Jeff Roorda challenges freshman Republican Scott Largent (not seen on camera) on his amendment to eliminate funding for legislative liaisons in cabinet agencies and put the money towards the Meals On Wheels program.
****
With Roorda obviously taking the upper hand in the debate over the newly minted State House member from Clinton, attorney and GOP pitbull Rep. Tim Jones comes to the rescue BELOW.

Roorda argues that Republicans never had a problem with these "liaisons" during the Blunt administration; Jones pushes back and dares Roorda to vote against an amendment that would transfer money from "lobbyists" to meals for the needy. In the clip immediately below, Jones begins his argument with the premise that department liaisons should not be taking positions and lobbying lawmakers to support or oppose any particular legislation.

Roorda, referring to the GOP's budget proposals, answers: "Because they're crazy."
GENTLEMEN, PLEASE
MUST-WATCH BACK & FORTH BELOW

WHO WON THE DEBATE -- ROORDA or JONES?

Highway Patrol Scraps MIAC Report

DAY 3: FALLOUT

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT FROM JEFF CITY HERE

The head of the Missouri State Highway Patrol shut down a controversial report linking conservative groups with the modern militia movement, which opposes government laws and administrative rules. The report by the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) portrays militia members as commonly associated with fundamental Christian, anti-abortion and anti-immigration movements. It also says members are usually supporters of various third-party presidential candidates. The report even mentioned Ron Paul, a Republican congressman who ran for president.

In Jeff City Wednesday

The controversy over a state security report seeps into a third consecutive day as the Lieutenant Governor calls for a top official to be put on leave and the House considers a budget amendment to send a signal.

GET TWITTER UPDATES FROM THE CAPITOL HERE

Coverage Begins from Jefferson City on KY3 NEWS @ 5

Kinder: Put Britt on Leave

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder has called for Department of Public Safety Director John Britt to be put on administrative leave because of the MIAC security report.

***

The House is set to take up a budget amendment Wednesday afternoon that would prohibit the Department from using any state funds for "political profiling."

DEVELOPING . . .

FOR KY3 NEWS @ 5, 6 & 10

Lieutenant Governor to Weigh in on MIAC Uproar

ENTER, KINDER

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder will hold a morning news conference Wednesday that will call for action against the head of the Department of Public Safety because of his role in a controversial security report, the KY3 Political Notebook has learned.

Kinder is expected to make a significant announcement regarding alleged "political profiling" by Public Safety Director John Britt.

***

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

The announcement is in response to a political firestorm that has erupted over a MIAC security report that has many conservatives outraged and offended.

Britt has apologized for references to certain political candidates -- but is standing by language that refers to Anti-Abortionists, Tax Resistors, Christian Identity members and Anti-Immigration advocates as potential security threats to the state of Missouri. Conservatives believe the report paints potential threats with too broad a brush.

Senate Moves to Add Cell Phones to No-Call List

The Missouri Senate gave initial approval of a bill that would allow residents to add their cell phone and fax numbers to the state's No-Call List.
***
Sen. Scott Rupp's legislation is also meant to protect No-Call members from automated phone calls during election cycles. Violators could face up to $5,000 fines if the bill becomes law.

Read Senate Bill 65

"These annoying, unwanted calls and text messages are costing Missourians money because they are having to pay for these calls and text messages they don’t want on their cell phones, as well as having to pay for the paper, ink and other costs of receiving a fax," Sen. Rupp said. "Missourians should no longer have to foot the cost for these unsolicited ads."

Any political committee making calls must register with the Missouri Ethics Commission, while non-committees or businesses making calls on a candidate's behalf must register with both the commission and Secretary of State, according to the legislation.

The bill still needs a second vote before heading to the House.

House Members to Attempt Amendment on Public Safety Dept. Budget Over MIAC

"It will be a unified response"

A bipartisan coalition of Missouri House members is planning to sign on to a budget amendment that would prohibit the Department of Public Safety from using any state or federal money for "political profiling."

***

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon tells The Notebook that the proposed amendment will be offered on the floor Wednesday in response to the political firestorm over the MIAC security report.

Dixon said several meetings were held at the state Capitol on Tuesday to discuss how best to respond to lawmakers problems with the language included. "It's just outrageous. The report is so sloppy. When you begin going into specific political candidates, it's really on the edge. Like Big Brother. It's got a lot of people upset," Dixon said in an interview.

Dixon said that there's strong bipartisan support for the amendment. "It will be a unified response," Dixon said.

Rep. Jim Guest will offer the amendment on the floor Wednesday during debate over HB 8. Rep. Chris Kelly will be the leading Democrat to sign on.

The amendment reads the following: AMEND House Committee Substitute for House Bill No. 8, Page 1, Sec. 8.005, Line 5, by adding immediately after the word "Equipment" the following . . . "and provided the Missouri Department of Public Safety shall not spend state or federal funds for political profiling."

There was some discussion within the coalition to try to draft an amendment that would reduce the Missouri Information Analysis Center's budget and move funds to a Cybercrime task force -- but Dixon said that approach was rejected after some discussion.

***

ALSO: NIXON STILL STANDS BY REPORT

In a follow-up with spokesman Jack Cardetti Tuesday, he said that Governor Nixon still stands by the report but agrees that "it could have been done better."

"The Governor believes that law enforcement officials have one of the most dangerous, difficult jobs in society . . . and should have more information, not less," Cardetti said. When pressed on specific characteristics, Cardetti responded, "He certainly believes portions could have been explained or worded better."

Cardetti said specific questions should be directed to the Department of Public Safety.

The Notebook asked the Department of Public Safety to elaborate on some of the specific characteristics listed in the report, including .”Christian Identity, Militant Abortion, Tax resistors, Anti-immigration.”

SPOKESMAN MIKE O'CONNELL E-MAILED THIS RESPONSE:

"I sent you the Director’s letter yesterday. As is mentioned in the letter, law enforcement officers "do the most dangerous job of anyone in our society and regularly put themselves in the path of great danger, bodily harm and death to protect innocent citizens. As such, it is our regular practice to provide as much information as we can to law enforcement agencies and their officers so they are fully cognizant of any situational hazard which they may encounter."

REPUBLICANS: APOLOGY DOESN'T GO FAR ENOUGH

"A tepid apology from the Director of the Department of Public Safety does not go far enough in assuring Missourians that they will not be targeted by law enforcement for holding mainstream views," said David Cole, Chairman of the Missouri Republican Party in a statement Tuesday. "Gov. Nixon unequivocally defended this report after its release. It is time for him to offer a public apology and unconditional retraction."

DEVELOPING . . .

Obama Back in Primetime Tonight

The President speaks to the nation at 7 p.m. CT

EARLY REMARKS RELEASED:

ON THE ECONOMIC CRISIS: "We've put in place a comprehensive strategy designed to attack this crisis on all fronts. It’s a strategy to create jobs, to help responsible homeowners, to re-start lending, and to grow our economy over the long-term. And we are beginning to see signs of progress."

ON THE BUDGET: "The budget I submitted to Congress will build our economic recovery on a stronger foundation, so that we do not face another crisis like this ten or twenty years from now. We invest in the renewable sources of energy that will lead to new jobs, new businesses, and less dependence on foreign oil. We invest in our schools and our teachers so that our children have the skills they need to compete with any workers in the world. We invest in reform that will bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and our government. And in this budget, we have made the tough choices necessary to cut our deficit in half by the end of my first term – even under the most conservative estimates."

ON THE DEFICIT: "At the end of the day, the best way to bring our deficit down in the long run is not with a budget that continues the very same policies that have led to a narrow prosperity and massive debt. It's with a budget that leads to broad economic growth by moving from an era of borrow and spend to one where we save and invest. That's what green jobs and green businesses will do. That's what a highly-skilled workforce will do. That’s what an efficient health care system that controls costs and entitlements like Medicare and Medicaid will do. That’s why this budget is inseparable from this recovery – because it is what lays the foundation for a secure and lasting prosperity."

ON THE RECOVERY: "We will recover from this recession. But it will take time, it will take patience, and it will take an understanding that when we all work together; when each of us looks beyond our own short-term interests to the wider set of obligations we have to each other – that’s when we succeed. That’s when we prosper. And that's what is needed right now. So let us look toward the future with a renewed sense of common purpose, a renewed determination, and most importantly, a renewed confidence that a better day will come."

Newt To Speak At College of The Ozarks

NO JOKE

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich will speak at the College of the Ozarks on April 1st.

Gingrich is slated to speak on the topic of "The Future of America: What Every American Needs to Know" at 7 p.m. in the Jones Auditorium.

The forum is by invitation only and not open to the public.

Gingrich will also hold an informal question and answer session with students earlier in the day around 2:30 p.m.

Midyear Budget Approved Without Nixon Healthcare Plan

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) -- Missouri lawmakers approve a $312 million midyear spending bill that rejects the governor's plan to expand a children's health care program.

Gov. Jay Nixon proposed increasing the funding for a program that covers health insurance costs for children who don't have private health insurance and whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.

The legislation approved Tuesday and now heading to Nixon also averts fears from transportation officials that funding could be cut off for federal stimulus projects.

The concern stemmed from two special state funds created to capture the stimulus money and to make it easier to track how it's used. That's because the Transportation Department didn't have authority to spend money in the new state accounts.

The supplemental budget gives the agency that permission.

State Apologizes For Third Party References in Security Report

NOT FAR ENOUGH?

The Department of Public Safety acknowledged that references to political candidates in a state security report went too far -- but has not yet backed away from other characteristics used to describe potential militia or terrorist groups.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

MoGOP Hits Nixon On Appointing Donors

GOP: PAY TO PLAY?
CARDETTI: ASK NORMA

The Missouri Republican Party estimates that Governor Jay Nixon's appointees and their employers donated around $3.4 million dollars to his election campaign.

"It is stunning how quickly Jay Nixon disregarded his campaign promises, instead appointing his moneyed friends to the highest levels of state government," said David Cole, Chairman of the Missouri Republican Party. "Despite his pledge to clean up Jefferson City, it seems that money is the most important factor in Governor Nixon’s staffing decisions."

The GOP said the most egregious example is the hiring of Jeff Mazur, a former staffer for AFSCME Council 72, who is now serving in the Office of Administration. The union contributed $2.8 million to Nixon and Democrats during the 2008 cycle, according to Cole.

Republicans also note Lloyd "Joe" Carmichael of Springfield, who has been appointed to the Highway Transportation Commission. Carmichael's family and his employer donated more than $41,000 to Nixon, according to GOP calculations.

***

NIXON SPOKESMAN JACK CARDETTI RESPONDS:

"Gov. Nixon has assembled an experienced and professional team to turn around this state’s economy. The Republican-led Missouri Senate voted to confirm each and every member of Gov. Nixon’s cabinet, all of whom have been hailed for their proven backgrounds of leadership, both inside and outside state government," said Cardetti. "The Governor also appreciates the professional manner in which Republican Senators have personally sponsored his appointments to important boards and commissions, including the Highway Commission and the University of Missouri Board of Curators."

Cardetti also notes that Springfield Republican Sen. Norma Champion is personally sponsoring Carmichael's appointment.

McCaskill to Co-Chair DNC "Change" Commission

Senator Claire McCaskill has been named one of two co-chairs of a DNC commission that will recommend changes to the 2012 presidential nominating process.

***

Governor and Democratic National Committee Chair Tim Kaine tapped Congressman James Clyburn and McCaskill to head the "Change Commission" Monday.

The commission is made up of 37 total members and will explore changing when primaries and caucuses can be held, reducing the number of superdelegates and improving the caucus system.

Read full release HERE.

The commission will issue its recommendations to the DNC by Jan. 1st 2010.

Public Safety Director Apologizes For Security Report

REGRET & REMOVE

The Director of Missouri's Public Safety Department said Monday he regrets certain portions of a statewide security report that was construed as offensive to supporters of third party political candidates.

In a letter to former presidential candidates Ron Paul, Bob Barr and Chuck Baldwin, Department of Public Safety Director John Britt acknowledged that "some regrettable information was included in the report on militia groups in Missouri."

"While the intent of the report was only to identify certain traits that are sometimes shared by members of militia organizations, this report is too easily misinterpreted as suggesting that militia members may be identified by no other indicator than support for one particular candidate or political organization," wrote Britt. "This is an undesired and unwarranted outcome. Upon review and reflection, it is the judgment of the Department of Public Safety that the report should have made no reference to supporters of Ron Paul, Bob Barr, Chuck Baldwin or any other third-party political organization or candidate."

Britt said he has ordered that portion of the Feb. 20th report to be removed to excise all reference to "Ron Paul, Bob Barr or Chuck Baldwin."

The letter does not address other portions of the report which describes extreme anti-tax, anti-abortion and anti-immigration characteristics as potential signs of a militia member.

For more information, read the post immediately BELOW this one.

Conservatives Upset Over Security Report

"CULTURE OF DISTRUST"

Conservative citizens, bloggers and lawmakers are upset about a security report compiled by state and federal law enforcement officials that outlines potential signs someone might be a terrorist or member of a militia.

***

The 8-page Missouri Information Analysis Center's report lists extreme anti-tax, anti-abortion and anti-immigration citizens as potential groups to be aware of. Supporters of Ron Paul, Bob Barr and Chuck Baldwin are also listed.

"The law enforcement community needs to focus on the act itself," said Rep. Shane Schoeller in an interview Monday morning. "To me when you begin to put something in print like that, then quickly you being to become a society where people may be more reserved in expressing what they should be able to express anytime," Schoeller added.

*WATCH CLIPS OF INTERVIEW ABOVE*

Schoeller said he and other lawmakers have been bombarded with letters and phone calls from constituents angry about the MIAC report. Schoeller said he fears the report fosters "a culture of distrust."

"When you begin to have this many people with this much concern . . . they really need to take a second look and say this wasn't the wisest idea," Schoeller said.

DEVELOPING . . .

Huckabee Likens Abortion to Slavery

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee likened abortion to slavery in a speech at a fundraiser for an anti-abortion organization.

Huckabee said Monday that the U.S. in abolishing slavery already debated and decided that it's wrong for one person to have complete, life or death power over another. Huckabee said that shouldn't change whether the control is based on racial bigotry or a pregnant woman making a decision for her unborn child.

His half-hour speech was for a luncheon fundraiser for the Vitae (VEE'-tay) Caring Foundation. The organization sponsors advertisements encouraging women to seek abortion alternatives.

Huckabee is to speak again at a Monday dinner for the group. Its organizers hoped to raise $400,000.

Week 10: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 10 GRADE: B

Governor Nixon took his spring break week to announce he was restoring $1 million bucks for tourism this year. And some Republicans rolled their eyes. How can the Gov. take/receive credit for restoring just part of the money he took away just months earlier? It's like taking a few bites out of somebody's sandwich at lunch when they go to the restroom -- and when they return to the table, they thank you for not eating the whole thing. He can, because he's the Gov. Nixon also went back to bipartisan basics, by backslapping Republican Sen. Jack Goodman at his Branson event. Still, despite smiles all around, Nixon got smacked with more bad numbers. The state lost another 6,400 jobs last month, the Department of Economic Development reported. And Nixon needs Republicans to get the program through that he believes will help turn those numbers around. There's some division among Democrats about how Nixon should approach the second half of the season to get his initiative through the General Assembly: more carrots or sticks? Compromise with the resistant GOP, or club them with his first year political capital that will eventually run thin? Despite gripes from the left that it's not Nixon's fault, as the A.P's David Lieb writes this Sunday, "Gov. Jay Nixon's top legislative priorities -- job creation, healthcare and higher education -- largely have been stalled, rejected or ignored," so far. Nixon backers are hoping he's like his beloved Mizzou Tigers --slow starters, but strong closers in the second half.

Blunt Makes Campaign Course Correction

RESHUFFLING THE DECK
Craighead, Perron now on the outs, according to a knowledgeable Republican

Roy Blunt's campaign for U.S. Senate underwent a major shake-up this week with several longtime allies being told they wouldn't be at the top of the campaign structure, as originally expected, a GOP source tells The Notebook.

Jared Craighead, who is finishing his term as executive director of the Missouri Republican Party, will not become Blunt's campaign manager, according to the source, who has deep ties to Republicans across the state, but requested anonymity because of the sensitivity surrounding the discussions and decisions.

Craighead was widely believed to be Blunt's campaign manager in-waiting. At statewide Lincoln Days in Kansas City last month, Craighead donned a "Blunt for US Senate" sticker on his jacket, even though he still was serving in his capacity as a top state party leader.

Blunt's top Washington fundraiser, Jay Perron, has also been let go for the time being, according to the source. Perron has been a top D.C. Blunt moneyman for years, mostly organizing fundraisers inside and around the Beltway. The source said Perron's services won't be needed right now because, "Roy's not going to be able to raise a lot of D.C. money." "Raising money for a candidate who will be in the extreme minority in the U.S. Senate anyway, is tough," explained the source.

Perron did not return an e-mail message and a phone call from The Notebook Saturday.

The obvious question: Why is Blunt making these moves now -- a full 20 months before the general election? The source said that Blunt and his closest advisers must have realized that they were putting together "a totally unwieldy campaign apparatus, a 10-headed monster." The move was not only politically important, but financially prudent.

"These guys had a 10-person top apparatus. It was way too big and bloated, and would lead to a high burn rate," said the source, referring to the cost it takes to pay all the employees this early in the cycle. "I think they had to come to this decision."

Included in the "10-person" top Blunt tier are family members, Abby Blunt, former Gov. Matt Blunt, Andy Blunt and Amy Blunt, as well as, Blunt staffer Gregg Hartley, communications consultant John Thompson, political consultant John Hancock, Blunt staffer Miles Ross, Blunt adviser Rich Chrismer, former Matt Blunt Chief of Staff Trish Vincent, and fundraiser Linda Bond, wife of U.S. Senator Kit Bond.

There are some questions if Chuck Poplstein, who sent out the original "Draft Roy Blunt for Senate" message, will wield a major role. It seems that former Blunt fundraiser Tom Carter of Ozark, will be devoting most of his time to the 7th District Congressional candidacy of Hal Donaldson.

In a short e-mail to The Notebook, Blunt campaign spokesman Rich Chrismer did not specifically address the status of Craighead or Perron or any other roles in the campaign.

"We have made no campaign management announcements, but we are building a good team," Chrismer said in an e-mail. "Our greatest strength remains our candidate."

A key player in any statewide Republican candidate's fundraising is Karen Mohan Day. Day, of Wildwood, is the single most powerful GOP fundraiser in the state, claiming to have helped haul in an estimated $60 million dollars for various Republican candidates over the past 15 years.

According to two sources, Day has yet to sign a long-term deal with Blunt, and is instead helping him so far on an event-by-event basis. "The fundraising isn't going as well as expected," said one GOP staffer, who knows Day but is currently unaffiliated with any campaign.

"She's worried that, following (Kenny) Hulshof, she can only leverage her donor relationships so many times on behalf of flawed candidates," said the other source. Day was not reachable on Saturday. Hulshof lost the Governor's race to Jay Nixon by a staggering 19 percentage points.

Blunt's next Springfield fundraiser is set for Monday, March 30th at Metropolitan Grill. Attendees are being asked to donate $2400.

Some of the comments about the inner-workings of the campaign feed into the impression that Blunt is an inherently weak candidate who will not be able to defeat likely Democratic nominee Robin Carnahan. It's a view held by loyalists close to former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman and Blunt enemies alike.

But for now, Blunt is the only publicly announced Republican in the race, and the clear frontrunner for the nomination. While Steelman is likely to jump into the U.S. Senate contest at some point down the road, she's mostly operating a shadow campaign at the moment. She has made at least two trips to Washington D.C. to meet with potential consultants and fundraisers, but most of her moves have been purposely under the radar. While Blunt is packing his weekends with Lincoln Day events, Steelman's political meetings have thus far been small and private.

"Blunt will work hard. He's a good campaigner," said one Republican close to the Congressman.

One perceived weakness of a Steelman candidacy is her ability to raise enough money to stay competitive with Blunt, in what would become an expensive primary. In her primary race for Governor, Steelman largely depended on Springfield financial adviser Jeff Layman and Kansas City fundraiser Danny Pfeifer. Allies on both sides of the Blunt-Steelman divide believe a primary would require both candidates to raise a significant amount of money outside the Show-Me state.

Let's Be Blunt: Taxing AIG Bonuses "Purely Political"

NOT GONNA HAPPEN

"This bill will not pass the Senate"

Congressman Roy Blunt tells The Notebook Friday that his vote to tax 90 percent of bonus money allotted to the big banks was "all about sending a message" and says he's confident the bill won't pass the U.S. Senate.

"If it was going to be real, it would have to have a lot more thought than that bill had," Blunt said in an interview Friday.

Blunt signaled that he might not have voted to tax the bonuses if he knew the legislation had a chance of passing and being signed by the President. "This is all about sending a message. You're going to get slapped back if you do things that don't make sense to people," Blunt explained, calling it a "purely political" vote.

"I'm for sending messages occasionally, and the message here is, when you take a lot of taxpayer money, you have a different level of responsibility than you had before," Blunt said. "This bill will not pass the Senate. This was all about messaging to people who've taken TARP money."

***

The vote to tax bonuses divided the House GOP caucus, with Blunt voting in favor of it along with 84 other Republicans, including Whip Eric Cantor. House Minority Leader John Boehner voted "no."

Politico on Blunt and Adam Putnam: " . . . the populist anger over bonuses paid by a bailed-out company all but required them to get in line behind the Democrats’ tax plan."

Blunt and Putnam are both candidates for statewide office.

BELOW: BLUNT ON GEITHNER

The Congressman said he doesn't have confidence in the Treasury Secretary yet, but is willing to give him more time.

"I'm willing to give him some more time and he needs more help," Blunt said of the Secretary.

Notes 20 vacancies remain in key advisory roles

"I do think he's probably working as hard as anybody in Washington right now, maybe harder, but not producing very good results because he's not fully populated the government with people that need to do these jobs," Blunt explained.

McCaskill The Moderate

UP THE MIDDLE

Sen. Claire McCaskill said she recently joined a centrist Democratic coalition in order to help move the political ball forward on a variety issues facing the country.

"The path forward is almost always up the middle," McCaskill said in the final installment of our satellite interview.

When asked if she would characterize Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid as a "moderate," McCaskill passed: "I'm not here to label my fellow Senators."

But she made clear the middle ground she's trying to carve out in the U.S. Senate.

"I vote with the Republicans more often than almost any other Democrat on certain issues," McCaskill noted.

McCaskill wrote about the group on her blog Friday.

The Moderate Democratic Group includes 15 members, lead by Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh.

Some believe the group's formation was fueled by worries about signs that the more liberal wing of the Democratic Party was beginning to overreach on its agenda.

McCaskill: 5% of Stimulus Will Be Spent Wrong

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill estimates that 5 percent of the $787 billion economic stimulus package won't be spent correctly and says that the Inspectors General office will play an important role in monitoring mistakes.

"I will tell you, this is a lot of money that we're using to stimulate the economy. It's really important they're on the job, because there's going to be mistakes made," the former State Auditor said in an interview. "95% of the stimulus money will be spent well and right. Five percent will be wrong," McCaskill added.

*WATCH FULL Q & A ABOVE*

McCaskill sponsored an amendment included in the package that beefs up funding for investigators and auditors to track the billions now being spent.

VIDEO on why McCaskill joined "The Moderate Caucus"

DEVELOPING . . .

Blunt: Electronic Health Records Will Drive Down Costs

Congressman Roy Blunt said new online health records that are now being used by St. John's Hospital will improve patient care and drive down costs.

At a midday event with hospital officials touting the new system Friday, Blunt said the main obstacle remains the lack of a standardized system.

***WATCH CLIP ABOVE***

He said Congress has so far resisted setting a standard for electronic records because of concerns about privacy and liability.

Right now, 75% of St. John's doctors are using electronic records. The hospital estimates that all of its physicians will be online by July.

FULL REPORT ON KY3 NEWS @ 10

PLUS: Blunt sounds off on AIG, Treasury Secretary Geithner and Earmarks in our one-on-one interview.

DEVELOPING . . .

Kit Rallies Mizzou with Tiger

Sen. Kit Bond posts a YOUTUBE video showcasing his good-luck charm before Mizzou games.

Click to watch must-see video HERE.

"We're looking for a good 40 minutes of hell against the folks from Ithaca," Bond says.

Missouri faces Cornell this afternoon in Round 1 of the NCAA Tournament.

(I'm hearing some politicos need 13 points to cover . . . Just sayin')

Blunt On The Move This Weekend

U.S. Senate candidate Roy Blunt will hit three Lincoln Day events this weekend in addition to making a Springfield stop on healthcare.

***

Blunt will visit St. John's Hospital Friday morning to discuss how the hospital is investing more than $150 million dollars in new medical records technology.

He'll then continue his tour of Lincoln Day events.

On Friday, Blunt will speak around 6:30 p.m. at Camden County's Lincoln Day at Lake Ozark.

On Saturday, he's do Cooper County's Lincoln Day at 6 p.m. and then head to Cole County's Lincoln Day at 7:30 p.m.

Lager Definitely Running In 2010 . . .

. . . FOR SOMETHING

But this time the State Senator has to choose whether to play it safe or roll statewide.

The 2008 Republican nominee for Treasurer faces Senate re-election in 2010, but he's also seriously exploring a run for State Auditor.

"It's a tougher decision, and to be honest, I haven't made any decision," Sen. Brad Lager tells The Notebook.

Adding: "I'm absolutely considering it. There's a lot of people that are going to be considering it."

*WATCH FULL EXCHANGE ABOVE*

Sen. Matt Bartle is also mentioned as a potential Republican contender. Democratic State Auditor Susan Montee recently announced her intentions to seek a second term.

McCaskill: "I Have Confidence In Secretary Geithner"

Sen. Claire McCaskill said Thursday she remains confident in Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, despite the "very difficult job" he has right now.

***WATCH FULL CLIP ABOVE***

"I think he has been surprised by some of the disconnect within the financial sector," McCaskill said. "Generally speaking, I think this is a man who understands the challenges . . ."

ON WHO'S TO BLAME: "I think blame can be spread around. I think certainly the President stepped up yesterday and said it's my responsibility. I wouldn't disagree with him."

GOP Consultant John Hancock boldly TWITTERS that Geithner will be toast within a month.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

McCaskill: Congress Needs To Go Further on Salary Caps

"We figured out, we're going to have to go that far"

In the first installment of our interview, Sen. Claire McCaskill notes that she offered an executive compensation amendment during the economic stimulus debate that might have helped avoid the A.I.G. bonus controversy.

*WATCH FULL CLIP ABOVE*

McCaskill contends that the compensation limits included in the stimulus just covered "the top people," and not entire divisions of a financial institution.

"Now we figured out, that we're going to have to go that far," McCaskill said. "For the big guys, we limited the top people and thought, that would be enough, not realizing that they were intent upon continuing down a path of giving bonuses to people who have failed."

Said she'll vote to tax the bonuses, but cautions the retroactive move is a "really limited circumstance."

Blunt Votes To Tax Bonuses

Congressman Roy Blunt joined 327 of his colleagues in a House vote to impose 90 percent taxes on bonuses at AIG and other financial firms.

The House vote was 328-93.

Blunt was one of 85 Republicans voting "Yes."

The A.P. writes, "although a number of Republicans cast no votes against the measure at first, there was a heavy GOP migration to the yes side in the closing moments."

Politico: Blunt was one of the last to vote yes, "making a difficult vote in favor of a tax increase."

BLUNT'S SPOKESMAN SAYS BLUNT WAS ONLY LATE BECAUSE OF ANOTHER EVENT:

"He was a yes vote and the reason he was late is because he had a charitable giving press conference," said Nick Simpson, a spokesman from Blunt's Congressional office. "That lasted from about 2 to 2:30. That's why he was one of the last to vote. It didn't have anything to do with waiting for the outcome or anything like that," Simpson said.

BLUNT'S STATEMENT ON HIS VOTE:

"The message sent by the House today was far from ideal but certainly needed. Failing businesses need to realize they are spending borrowed money and they must stop giving insulting taxpayer-funded bonuses to their executives. If nothing else comes from this vote today, I hope it sends the message to corporations operating with tax dollars they have an obligation to the taxpayers," said the Congressman.

MCC on AIG

The Notebook interviews Sen. Claire McCaskill via satellite from Washington on AIG, confidence in Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, how the Inspector General will help oversee stimulus money and her decision to join the moderate caucus.

DEVELOPING . . .

After Blunt Concerns, Obama Drops Veterans Plan

President Obama has scrapped a proposal that would have required veterans to use private health insurance to pay for combat-related industries.

The announcement comes on the same day that Ozarks Congressman Roy Blunt sent a letter to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs calling the idea "irrational and callous" to the 63,000 veterans living in the 7th Congressional District.

"Forcing our veterans to pay for treatment of their combat injuries will reportedly burden them with the $530 million this change would cost and is clearly an affront to the to the VA’s mission statement reflecting President Lincoln’s promise "to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan," Blunt wrote in a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki.

Blunt also said that he worried that pushing combat injuries onto personal insurance plans could make service to our nation a pre-existing condition.

Having dropped this controversial idea, the Obama administration still said it will pursue other ways to save an estimated $500 million dollars a year.

CQ Politics is also reporting on how Congressional Republicans are trying to reassert themselves on the healthcare debate. Blunt, who is chair of the House GOP healthcare task force, acknowledged that the issue needs to become a greater focus for his caucus.

"One of the goals of our working group . . . is also to get our members in this discussion, both in Washington and in their districts,” Blunt said to CQ. "If we could get the same kind of engagement on health care from our conference that we got on energy last year, that in and of itself would be a great success," he added.

Lager Makes Case For Slow-Go on Jobs Bill

"The fundamental belief that not passing this bill is holding up job creation in this state, is incorrect."

In a recent interview, Maryville State Sen. Brad Lager explains why the Senate is moving slower on Governor Jay Nixon's chief economic initiative and says a more methodical process will lead to a more efficient jobs bill.

"It's time for tax credit reform as well," said Lager, who is pledging an overview of the more than $500 million dollars the state annually spends on a variety of tax credits.

The House overwhelmingly passed the expansion of the popular Quality Jobs Act in early February. Nixon pushed the Senate to put the legislation on his desk by spring break. That did not happen.

HB 191 removes the annual cap on the tax credit program that's used to lure new businesses to the state. It's currently capped at $60 million dollars.

But Lager notes that right now, "they haven't even hit the cap for this year's quality jobs program."

*WATCH FULL CLIP OF LAGER'S REASONING ABOVE*

The House bill also includes:

• $5 M in tax credits annually for "technology-based early stage Missouri companies"
• Eliminates the per-company annual $500,000 cap on technology business projects
• Eliminates the per-company annual $750,000 cap on high-impact projects
• Increases the annual cap on job retention projects from $3 M to $30 M

The Senate's version is HERE.

Rove Credits Roundtable Chair Sauer For McCain Win in Mo.

During a conference call with the Missouri Roundtable for Life, Karl Rove says John McCain was able to to squeak out a win in Missouri because of Chairman Fred Sauer.

"John McCain eeked out a victory in Missouri by 3,000 votes and the truth be known, the guy who was probably most responsible for that victory, is the guy who spoke to us first on this call, because Fred went out and raised several hundred thousand dollars to make certain that National Right to Life had the funds necessary to make the phone calls and get out the mail pieces and do the grass-roots activity to alert Missouri voters -- Democrat or Republican or Independent -- who shared the commitment to the life cause," Rove said on the call.

Sauer is a Navy veteran and is said to have a great personal affinity for John McCain

***

In the call with Sauer and Roundtable President Ed Martin, Rove also urged the anti-abortion movement to ramp up its efforts for 2010.

"This is not an issue that we're fortunate to have the national media with us," Rove told the conference call.

ALSO CALLED MISSOURI AMERICA'S BATTLEGROUND -- EVEN IN MIDTERMS:

"We cannot exchange Kit Bond, who has been very good on this issue in Washington, for somebody who would not be good," Rove said.

"They didn't like losing the state by 3,000 votes. I bet you a dime to a dollar you'll see plenty of President Obama and Vice President Biden in the coming months and they're going to do everything they possibly can to sway this Senate seat in their column," Rove warned.

AND: Rove noted that statistics show that young people are more inclined to be anti-abortion than previous generations of their age.

ADDING: "We've got to find a way to talk about our commitment to life in a way that is comfortable to young people and is appealing to people who's commitment to life doesn't spring from a deep, sustained religious faith."

***

In their opening comments, Sauer said the Roundtable is attacking Amendment 2 (the embryonic stem cell initiative passed in '06) on "every front."

Martin said the Roundtable has made contacts with around 50,000 voters. Added that he's glad to be joined in the "field of battle" with Planned Parenthood in the group's ballot initiative fight. Martin also warned that term-limits in 2010 will replace an entire crop of legislators.

"We need them to recognize and be responsive to the pro-life effect," Martin said of new incoming lawmakers in 2010.

LeVota To Meet With Obama

House Minority Leader Paul LeVota will represent the Show-Me State in a meeting with President Obama at the White House Friday.

More than 60 legislative leaders from both parties will attend the meeting, according to a House Democratic release and LeVota is the only Missouri lawmaker scheduled to attend.

The two-hour meeting, sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislatures, will include Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

"This will be a great opportunity to learn more of President Obama’s plans to revitalize the national economy and the role of our state in those plans," LeVota said. "As Missouri’s sole representative, I will express to the president the needs and challenges facing Missourians and the willingness of Democratic members of the General Assembly to assist the Obama Administration in ending the crisis," LeVota said in a statement.

McCaskill Wants NASA I.G. Ousted

Senator Claire McCaskill is one of three U.S. Senators who are urging President Obama to remove NASA's Inspector General, reports Bloomberg News.

"If we are to strengthen our oversight system, we must set the tone at the top and hold inspectors general accountable for improper conduct and just plain not doing their jobs," reads the letter from Sens. Jay Rockefeller, Claire McCaskill and Charles Grassley.

The Senators accuse Robert Cobb of "stifling" investigations and retaliating against whistleblowers.

National Review Mocks McCaskill For AIG Letter

"Senator, An angry letter isn't going to change anything"

National Review's Jim Geraghty writes a scathingly sarcastic post, targeting Sen. Claire McCaskill for saying she feels better because of a letter sent to the AIG CEO about returning bonuses.

"Senator, the checks have been mailed, and probably cashed by now. The money's gone. The CEO doesn't have the power to get it back. An angry letter isn't going to change anything. You might as well send a letter to Octomom demanding she not implant herself with multiple embryos," writes Geraghty.

McCaskill wrote about the letter being sent by Democratic Senators on her new blog.

But NR also poses this question to McCaskill: "Did you recognize that you specifically voted to protect these bonuses when you passed the stimulus?"

AND EARLIER: CONGRESSMAN ROY BLUNT also put blame at the feet of the Obama administration:

"Taxpayers already paid for the poor decisions made by AIG executives and are rightfully outraged to now pay for their bonuses. Officials with the Treasury Department and the White House knew, despite their denials two weeks ago, that taxpayer funds would be used to supplement executive salaries but did nothing to stop this insult to hardworking Americans," Blunt said in a statement.

"I am glad the Administration is promising to recoup these funds but their actions are literally two weeks late and $30 billion short. The economic stability package passed last year contained a provision to ensure companies fully reimburse the tax dollars spent to keep their businesses open and it is time to consider acting on this important provision," Blunt went on.

Nixon Restores $1 Million For Tourism In '09

"Tourism in Branson is people-ready"

Governor Jay Nixon is restoring $1 million dollars to the state tourism budget this year and a majority of the funds will benefit Branson.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

The move to plug $1 million new dollars back into the budget isn't an increase. Due to the budget deficit, earlier this year, the Governor withheld more than $3 million dollars from tourism. But Branson officials say this unexpected new money will help promote their city through television, newspaper and magazine advertisements almost immediately.

"You guys talk about projects being shovel-ready," Nixon said. "Tourism in Branson is people ready," he added. "This is not about next year. This is about releasing this money now."

ON WEDNESDAY: Nixon will join St. Louis Cardinals legend Ozzie Smith for a major announcement about Missouri tourism and the 2009 MLB All-Star Game.

Nixon & Goodman Buddy Up At Tourism Event

BACK TO BASICS: BIPARTISANSHIP

Watch Gov. Jay Nixon & Sen. Jack Goodman offer kind words to each other during Tuesday's announcement on tourism funding.

Goodman introduces Nixon as "a man whom I do respect," who provided "solid service" as Attorney General and who's "working across the aisle."

Nixon returned the compliment, thanking Goodman for his work, calling him "a constant advocate" for tourism. Nixon also said he was hopeful Goodman would "stand with us" to help replace tourism funds that have been sliced out of the 2010 budget by a House Committee.

Goodman arrived just in time to introduce the Governor in Branson.

CARROTS N' STICKS: Though Nixon's chief economic initiative is still being debated in the Senate, advisers believe they'll be able to make more headway with their 2010 budget priorities in the upper chamber.

Bond Blames Obama For AIG Bonuses

Sen. Kit Bond is blaming the Obama administration for not blocking bonuses to AIG when it approved the release of an additional $30 billion dollars for the company earlier this month.

"AIG’s intention to pay these bonuses has been no secret, and the Administration was completely aware of the payments," reads the release from the senior Senator's office. "When the Administration gave AIG an additional $30 billion in taxpayer funds earlier this month, Treasury Secretary Geithner could have ensured taxpayer dollars wouldn’t be used to pay the some $170 million in bonuses," the Bond release continues.

WATCH VIDEO OF BOND HERE

Bond called this latest misstep by Secretary Geithner just another example of his failed leadership, but said the greater problem is the administration's "knee-jerk" reaction to the crisis.

Bond said President Obama should focus on the toxic assets clogging the credit system by 1) identifying the failing institutions 2) removing the toxic assets and "failed leadership" and 3) returning healthy banks to the private sector.

***

At the White House Daily briefing Tuesday, spokesman Robert Gibbs was pelted with questions about the AIG bonuses and Geithner.

Gibbs said that President Barack Obama has confidence in Geithner and the Treasury Department's oversight. But Gibbs underscored that Obama is working as quickly as possible with Congress to find ways to block the bonuses at the American International Group Inc. or recoup that money.

McCaskill Questions Obama on Earmark Reform

WANTS TO PROHIBIT EARMARKS TO PRIVATE ENTITIES

Senator Claire McCaskill sends a letter to President Obama's budget director, asking how the administration plans to enforce its policy on private earmarks. The President has called for all private earmarks to be competitively bid. McCaskill wants to go an extra step, and has introduced a resolution to prohibit earmarks to private entities.
***
Her letter, to Peter Orszag, dated Monday, asks for a "better understanding of how the administration's reforms will be carried out."

"In particular, I would appreciate an explanation of the steps the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be taking to enforce the new policy on private earmarks," writes McCaskill. "As you may know, the Department of Defense (DoD) has a legislative mandate to competitively bid earmarks in its annual appropriations bill, but this process appears to be regularly circumvented. I have, in fact, instructed my staff to begin an investigation into whether DoD’s competitive bidding requirement has been carried out in a meaningful way. How will you ensure that the president’s new rule will lead to real competition and accountability?"

***

McCaskill has also sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates requesting information all all Defense contracts in 2008 and 2009 that were awarded as a result of earmarks. She's asking Gates to produce the information to the Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight by Monday, April 6th.

Nixon To Make Tourism Announcement Tuesday

Governor Jay Nixon will make an announcement on tourism in Branson Tuesday at the Baldknobbers Theatre.

The announcement is slated for 4:30.

Before that, the Governor will tour Watts Radiant in Springfield and renew his call for the legislature pass expansion of the Quality Jobs Act. Nixon's release said that Watts's is an example of a company that can "build and expand in Missouri" with passage of his chief economic priority. That event is set for 10 a.m.

Nixon also has a midday event in Joplin scheduled at Freeman West Hospital to tout his plan to expand healthcare.

With both initiatives seemingly stalled in the legislature, the hard push is on.

Wooten For Long

"They Need To Stay Out Of The Primaries"

Former State House member Chuck Wooten tells The Notebook he's backing Billy Long's bid for Congress and warns his party's apparatus to stay out of pending G.O.P. primaries.

"A lot of it depends on what the party does and how they get involved," said former Rep. Wooten, when asked about Long's chances at winning the 7th District GOP primary in 2010. "I think maybe they learned a lesson about getting involved, after that Governor's race. A lot of people will get mad if the party gets involved again."

Wooten is one of the listed hosts on an invitation for an open house in support of Long's candidacy this Thursday.

***

"I'm going to work for Billy. He's a good friend and I think he'll make a good Congressman," Wooten told The Notebook Monday. "I think we need a businessman."

"I know Jack real well," Wooten said, referring to State Sen. Jack Goodman, also a candidate. "He's a good man. But I'm going to be with Billy. He's well-known all over the district, I think he's got a chance," he went on, before noting how much GOP party leaders get involved will have an impact.

ON THE U.S. SENATE RACE:

Wooten said he wasn't sure who he'd support in a Roy Blunt vs. Sarah Steelman primary match-up. But hinted that Steelman would be a more formidable opponent than some might assume.

"I don't know. People are pretty well mad right now with the establishment in power," Wooten said. "But it's two years away and a lot can happen. They might promise her something else to keep her out, but I'll tell you, if she runs, she'll run good in this area. She's got her followers here and it won't be a runaway," Wooten went on.

Wooten said no matter what happens, he hopes the leaders of his party and the State Committee stay neutral. "When the party comes out and takes a side, it divides us all at once. They need to stay out of the primaries."

Worthy Reads

Random but relevant political points from recent reading:

• THE FOUNDERS' GREAT MISTAKE -- "Once the vote is counted, the President-elect (and new Congress) should take office within a week," writes law professor Garrett Epps for The Atlantic Monthly. "Americans accustomed to the current system will object that this would not allow enough time to assemble a Cabinet -- but in England and France, the new chief executive considers ministerial nominations before the election. A shorter interregnum would force the creation of something like the British shadow cabinet, in which a candidate makes public the names of his key advisers. That would give voters important information, and provide the president with a running start." Epps also recommends that a president who loses Congressional majorities in a midterm election should be forced to present a new Cabinet to Congress. Congress would approve the new slate by up or down vote. If the President can't get his team passed after three tries, he should have to resign. Finally, Epps proposes dividing the gigantic executive branch between two elected officials -- a president and an attorney general who would be voted in during midterm elections. Why? "One of the drawbacks of a single executive is that Justice Department lawyers may consider it their job to twist the law to suit the White House. But the president is not their client; the United States is," Epps writes.
• WHY DEMOCRATS LOSE -- Ok, so they haven't lost recently. But Sen. Chuck Schumer thinks he knows what's caused his party problems in the past: Misdiagnosing who exactly makes up the middle class. As Josh Green writes in The Atlantic profile, "Most of the programs Democrats vociferously tout aim to help people slightly below this economic stratum (the median household income of $48,000): Pell Grants, the Earned Income Tax Credit, the increased minimum wage. Each is worthy Schumer says, but the programs don't reach people in the middle class." "In his 2006 book, Positively American, Schumer notes that Democrats who visit middle-class communities often vow to improve 'crumbling public schools'. This sort of talk exasperates him. In a typical middle-class neighborhood, he points out 'the school is not crumbling; it's just becoming crushingly okay.' Crumbling schools are in poor neighborhoods. So even well-meaning Democrats unwittingly offend by revealing their ignorance of true middle-class concerns. This is why they lose elections," Green wrote.
• OBAMA-PELOSI TENSION -- According to Newsweek, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has been asked to be contacted every time the White House gets in touch with a Democratic House member. She also wants to know exactly what the conversation was about. So far the Obama administration is complying, according to the report.
• RURAL VOTERS SHRINKING -- In 2008, the percentage of rural voters nationwide dropped to just 21 percent, according to Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight.com. In 1992, rural voters made up 35 percent of the electorate. Another troubling sign for Republicans: Their margins in rural America are also shrinking. Silver writes for Esquire, "for all their bluster about small towns, John McCain and Sarah Palin beat Obama by just 2.4 million votes in rural areas, actually a bit worse than the 4.3-million-vote margin that Bush racked up in 2004."
  

Week 9: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 9 GRADE: C-

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

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

Long: "I Will Work Hard To Do Away With Earmarks"

LONG & GOODMAN TALK TERM LIMITS ABOVE AND EARMARKS BELOW

Republican candidate for U.S. Congress Billy Long pledged to "work hard to do away with earmarks" Saturday at meeting of the Ozarks Breakfast Club, but stopped short of promising never to accept one.

State Senator Jack Goodman, another candidate for the 7th Congressional District seat, said he doesn't like earmarks, but advocated reform of the process rather than outright elimination of the provisions used to deliver special projects to specific communities.

The debate over earmarks could become a bright dividing line in the Republican Party's primary races for the 7th Congressional District and U.S. Senate. Long and Goodman's careful comments before a small group of conservatives underscores how GOP candidates must weigh the benefits of earmarks against a populist public outcry against wasteful Washington spending.

"I'm opposed to earmarks. I'm not saying that I would absolutely not ever do an earmark," Long said in response to a question on earmarks at the Golden Corral. "I will work hard to do away with earmarks."

"You need the light of day in legislation and earmarks is where they go into the dark. We don't need that. It's not served us well," Long added.

Repeating a line that Sen. Kit Bond has used in defense of earmarks, Goodman said he's not comfortable with giving control over spending projects to "unaccountable members of the bureaucracy."

Goodman said he favors more transparency and accountability in the process and wants more time so every member of Congress can review requests for earmarks. "I don't think we should engage in bringing unneeded pork back to the district just to buy continued loyalty," Goodman said.

But Goodman also explained how earmarks can be a benefit to individual Congressional districts. "There are times when there is a legitimate need within the district for the government to play a role in the system," Goodman said.

On the issue of term limits at the federal level, Long said he was unequivocally opposed to any limit. Goodman said would respect the public's decision on the issue and cited arguments for and against term limits.

WATCH BELOW: FULL VIDEO ON EARMARKS

Billy Long Talks About Netting Big "Mystery" Donor

"That charisma don't clear up in a couple weeks, try Penicillin."

Republican candidate for the 7th District Congressional seat Billy Long tells the Ozarks Breakfast Club that he's been able to land the support of a major GOP "mystery" donor.

In the clip above from Saturday morning's meeting, Long also briefly teases The Notebook mid-story.

***WATCH IT ABOVE***

GET THE TWITTER-DEAL HERE

Below: Long finishes his "big donor" story, also explains why he's running and can't resist pointing out that a 1/3 of Congress is composed of lawyers.

(Sen. Jack Goodman, who also spoke at the breakfast, is also a lawyer.)

Sen. Jack Goodman's comments at the Breakfast Club:

"I get to work for, I get to live with, God's greatest example of the Golden Rule."

Homebuilders Worried About Obama's Limit on Mortgage Deductions

New proposed limits on the amount of mortgage interest homeowners can deduct from their taxes has homebuilders concerned about the fallout.

This is just one of the new tax increases that President Obama has in his budget plan.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

The concerns were voiced to Sen. Kit Bond during a business roundtable at the Chamber of Commerce Friday.

The Breakfast Club

"MEET ME AT THE GOLDEN CORRAL"

The Breakfast Club of the Ozarks will host 7th District Congressional candidates Billy Long and State Sen. Jack Goodman at their Saturday morning meeting.

The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Golden Corral on Glenstone & Primrose.

A spokesperson describes the Breakfast Club as a "conservative group that cares about local issues". The group's monthly meeting is open to the public.

If you'd like to eat breakfast during the meeting, you're urged to get there earlier.

Bond: Without Earmarks, Money Will Go To "Left Coast"

Sen. Kit Bond defended using earmarks to bring back millions of dollars to Missouri over the years, and said most of the reforms he's heard about are already part of the process.

***

"I agree with transparency . . . Bring them to the floor, defend them," Bond said in an interview with The Notebook Friday. "I think they ought to be out there, where people can look at them, argue about them."

*WATCH FULL CLIP ABOVE*

Bond also notes he knocked out $1 million dollars for the "Hippie Museum" and used an earmark to eliminate the so-called "Bridge to Nowhere."

BELOW: BOND SAYS IF MISSOURI SENATORS DON'T FIGHT FOR EARMARKS, MONEY IS LIKELY TO GO TO POPULATION CENTERS

With Bond's retirement in 2010 and Sen. Claire McCaskill's pledge not to take any earmarks, will Missouri continue to benefit from such funding?

"There are times when we won't," Bond warned. "The money will tend to go to the east coast and left coast."

ALSO: Says he went to Washington because as Governor, he saw how much federal money was being misspent on the wrong priorities in Missouri.

Steelman to ABC: "Primaries Aren't Necessarily Bad"

"What they should worry about is who can beat Robin Carnahan."

Former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman dropped by ABC News' Washington Bureau Friday to talk about her probable run for U.S. Senate.

The headline: 'Sarah Palin with an economics degree?'

From ABC's Teddy Davis:

"Asked what she tells Republicans in Washington who worry that her potential challenge to Blunt might jeopardize the GOP's chances of holding onto Bond's Senate seat, Steelman said, "Primaries aren't necessarily bad. What they should worry about is who can beat Robin Carnahan."

Steelman previewed a potential campaign against Congressman Roy Blunt: 1) His vote for the $700 billion dollar financial bailout 2) His support for earmarks.

But Davis reports that Steelman has not "thought through" her positions on other big issues:

"She has not thought through whether she would accept money from registered lobbyists," writes Davis. "She also struggled to articulate her views on health care and President Obama's plan to drawdown U.S. trooops in Iraq."

The Steelman campaign won't yet confirm all the stops the candidate made in Washington D.C. during her 3-day trip. The Notebook has just been able to confirm through a separate source that one of her meetings was with The Club For Growth.

Bond Hosts Business Roundtable

Senator Kit Bond hosts a roundtable with Springfield business leaders Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce.

The focus will be on proposed tax increases that Bond says "will kill jobs, hurt homeowners, cut family budgets and threaten charities."

GET TWITTER UPDATES HERE

Representatives from City Utilities, BKD, the Homebuilders and Contractors Associations, J.Russell MacLachlan Homes and Beaman Electric are all expected to attend.

Dems Turn To Plug

ANOTHER REASON TO READ THE NOTEBOOK . . .

CHICKS DIG IT.

Watch the GOP plug HERE.

Skelton A Potential Hurdle to Overturning "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Rep. Ike Skelton supports continuing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy regarding gays in the military, despite President Obama's pledge to overturn it.

FOX reports that sources say a potential roadblock to the change at the committee level is Armed Services Committee chairman, Ike Skelton. Skelton supports a review, but he also continues to support Don't Ask Don't Tell, his spokeswoman said.

A Congressional Aide is quoted saying Skelton "isn't there yet."

AND: Midwestern Dems Could Be A Problem

"I still think we have significant issues with a lot of the Midwestern Democrats being on the fence," an said to the Boston Globe, adding that some Democratic senators are considered "shaky." Some of those include Evan Bayh of Indiana, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, and Ben Nelson of Nebraska - all representing states with significant conservative constituencies. All three declined to provide their views.

Some doubt Obama will even attempt to address the issue right now with so many other more pressing issues on his plate.

Bond Shells Out Earmarks While McCaskill Calls For Reform

"They shouldn't have an inside track to funding because of who they know, or because of the power of that individual member." -- Sen. Claire McCaskill on why she doesn't accept earmarks.

***

Southwest Missouri will receive $31 million dollars as part of the omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama Wednesday.

$2.6 million dollars for the Springfield-Branson airport. $1.2 million for Route 60 bridges. $1.4 million for the Jordan Valley Clinic. Around $20 million for area lakes.

All of those dollars are courtesy of earmarks, delivered by Senator Kit Bond.

But critics, like Sen. Claire McCaskill, believe the earmark spending process is out of control and needs to be reformed. She has sworn off earmarks, accepting none.

Earmarks are specific projects that are slipped into budget bills by a single Senator without much oversight. Seniority makes Senator Kit Bond one of the most prolific earmarkers in Congress. He's proud of that, and so are officials at Springfield National Airport.

Continue reading and Watch the KY3 NEWS @ 10 report HERE

BELOW: BOND DEFENDS EARMARKS
Also: Comments from Shawn Askinosie, Kent Boyd

"I believe that the earmarks that I put in will continue to help Missouri grow." -- Sen. Kit Bond, defending $86 million dollars in earmarks he's bringing back to Missouri as part of the mid-year budget bill.

MORE PERSPECTIVES ON EARMARKS:

"Our review of 7,760 earmarked projects valued at $8.05 billion within Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and Federal Aviation Administration -- which accounted for 99 percent of these earmarked projects -- disclosed that 7,724 of the 7,760 projects were either not subject to the agencies' review or selection processes or bypassed the states' normal planning and programming processes," according to a 2007 Office of Inspector General Report about transportation earmarks.

"We've got about $20 million dollars out of $117 million dollars that come from the federal government. Earmarks. This place wouldn't of happened without those earmarks. I suppose in an idealistic sense that earmarks are bad, but the reality is they do help get things done," said Kent Boyd of the Springfield-Branson National Airport.

"I would say that if this money is going to be spent, that we have to have a process in place other than applying to the office of Roy Blunt and Kit Bond," said businessman and Republican Shawn Askinosie.

"The circa 1980s expansion of the Springfield airport terminal was a Danforth project. As I remember, it was accomplished by persuading the Secretary of Transportation to allocate discretionary funding, an earmark. In other words, the same as actual in-bill language. Sen. Danforth was Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, which is DOT's oversight committee. He used his position in the Senate to get something the Springfield area needed," said Steve Hilton, a former press aide for Sen. Jack Danforth.

"Earmarks that members do seek must be aired on those members websites in advance. Each earmark must be open to scrutiny at public hearings. Any earmark for a for-profit, private company should be subject to the same competitive bidding requirements as other federal contracts," said President Barack Obama, laying out his proposed earmark reforms Wednesday.

"It is a bit incoherent to hear him saying this as he signs a bill stuffed with thousands of pork-barrel projects worth tens of billions of dollars . Actions speak louder than words," said Tom Schatz of Citizens Against Congressional Waste, who also praised Obama's arguments against earmarks.

"The President could have resolved this issue in one statement - no more unauthorized pork barrel projects - and pledged to use his veto pen to stop them. This is an opportunity missed," said Sen. John McCain.

"He should simply have said, I'm vetoing this, send it down Get 4,000 of the earmarks out and send it back, and you pick 'em. And I want to show you I mean business," said Pat Buchanan, MSNBC political analyst on the President's decision.

"He would've clogged up business in both the House and the Senate at time when he can't afford to do that," said Lawrence O'Donnell, MSNBC political analyst, responding to Buchanan's suggestion.






(Some of the Steelman folks are out of town, so maybe that lessens the chance of this poll being hacked. Play nice . . . I'll be watching your cookies.)

Planes, Trains & Earmarks

THE GREAT DEBATE

w/Claire, Kit & the whole Caboodle

Tonight on KY3 News @ 10

State Senate Attempts Tax Credit Overhaul

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - After weeks of negotiation, senators unveil a plan that would rein in Missouri's tax credits while simultaneously creating new incentives for businesses.

The plan outlined Wednesday is a dramatic overhaul of the job-creation bill backed by Gov. Jay Nixon and passed previously by the House.

The core of the plan still would expand the state's Quality Jobs program, which offers tax breaks to businesses that add jobs with above-average wages and health insurance.

Some senators stalled the bill last month because of concerns that Missouri's tax credits had grown out of control. On Wednesday, they outlined a plan placing a dollar cap on the amount of tax credits that can be authorized annually for each of the state's tax credit programs.

McCaskill-Bond Split on Omnibus

$410 B OMNIBUS PASSES

The spending measure will receive President Obama's signature Wednesday, despite several objections by lawmakers about the nearly 8,000 earmarks it contains.

***

But Reuters reports The Senate approved it by voice vote -- meaning the public will never surely know how any of the wavering Senators voted unless they volunteer it.

"Thereby alleviating the chances that they will be criticized for backing it," explains the wire.

***UPDATED @ 10:45 AM: A McCaskill spokeswoman says the Reuters report is wrong, and that there was no voice vote because the cloture and final votes were "one in the same."

SENATOR CLAIRE MCCASKILL VOTES NO

But Sen. Claire McCaskill TWITTERED: "Voted against the Omnibus budget bill. It passed with 62 votes, including a half dozen or so Republicans."

"My no vote was a combo of things," McCaskill went on. "Over 8% increase in spendng from last year, no reconciling with spending decisions in stimulus,and earmarks.

***

SENATOR KIT BOND VOTES YES

The senior Senator sent out a flurry of releases touting new funding in the bill for Missouri.

BOND SECURES $1 MILLION FOR MOSMART, blasts one release.

BOND SECURES MORE THAN $31 M FOR SWMO, reads another.

"Some politicians trust only bureaucrats to do all the earmarking. They may not trust themselves or local leaders to set priorities in Missouri, but I do," said Sen. Bond.

"In contrast to the massive, ad hoc, trillion-dollar bill I opposed last month, I have routinely supported the annual budget bill that funds critical government programs like veterans’ health care, affordable housing, and unemployment assistance," Sen. Bond added.

Sen. Bond had the third most earmarks in the bill, totaling $85.6 Million dollars.

CATANESE'S TAKE:

Sen. Claire McCaskill supports a gigantic $800 billion dollar economic stimulus bill, but can't support an annual operating budget that keeps day-to-day government functioning. Sen. Kit Bond enthusiastically supports the $400 billion dollar omnibus, with tons of goodies like airport and lake money included, but rails against a wasteful "Sin City" train in Obama's massive stimulus package. One's person's waste is another's stimulus. One Senator's beef is another Senator's pork. How to square all this up. Are both McCaskill and Bond being intellectually honest or inconstent? One could still question how Bond went around the state touting low-income housing tax incentives in a stimulus bill he voted against. But another could wonder how McCaskill found enough "waste" to oppose a $400 billion dollar bill, but not have a philosophical problem with the $800 billion dollar bonanza. The most intriguing thing about this is that its ruffling both parties and their core beliefs. U.S. Senate candidate Robin Carnahan likely won't go as far as to sign onto McCaskill's no-earmark pledge and some Dems are uncomfortable with McCaskill's blanket "no-earmark policy." Meanwhile, I'm hearing from some prominent local Republicans who quietly admit to liking McCaskill's moves and are wondering why "she's the new fiscal conservative in Missouri." On the other hand, there's the GOP establishment tied to the Bond/Blunt brigades that find it completely irresponsible not to work at slipping local projects into big budget bills. No one at Missouri State, Jordan Valley or the airport seems to be complaining. So, is McCaskill the new most fiscally conservative member in Missouri -- Is Sarah Steelman's position closer to McCaskill than Roy Blunt's or Kit Bond's -- Or is Bond's position of opposing the stimulus but supporting the general budget more substantively conservative? All questions the public and politicians will be wrestling with as we race towards 2010.

McCaskill Posts Reporter Interviews on YouTube

THE VIEW FROM HER WINDOW
You saw our version of CLAIRE CAM
Now, Sen. McCaskill has posted her compilation
WATCH IT HERE

Steelman Back To Washington

Sarah Steelman will head back to Washington, D.C. this week for a three-day trip beginning Wednesday, according to a source from the nation's capitol.

A major focus of Steelman's trip will be fundraising, according to the D.C. source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "She's meeting with groups that can potentially raise her significant money, and the Republicans up here are talking and asking about it," said the Capitol Hill source Tuesday. "I know she'll be here until Friday, so that's a significant trip."
***
One of the groups Steelman is expected to meet with is the Club for Growth, which endorses Republican candidates who support "limited government and lower taxes."

DEVELOPING. . .

Nixon Plan Would Expand Medicaid to 35,000

DEALMAKER

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Governor Jay Nixon announced a healthcare agreement with state hospitals Monday that would expand Medicaid coverage to 35,000 parents by tapping into more federal funds.

According to the deal unveiled in a flurry of stops across the state, the Missouri Hospital Association would contribute $52.5 million dollars annually, which would draw down almost double that amount in matching funds from the federal government.

It adds up to a pot of $145 million dollars that Gov. Nixon boasted could be used for low-income healthcare "at no increase cost to state taxpayers."

"This is simply an opportunity we can't afford to miss," Nixon said during a stop in Springfield at the Jordan Valley Community Health Center. "Providing healthcare to 34,000 more Missourians at no extra cost. It's not just the right thing to do . . . it's the smart thing to do for our economy," Nixon added.

Nixon's plan does require legislative approval. That means convincing a Republican-controlled legislature to increase Medicaid eligibility to 50 percent of the federal poverty level from its current level of just 20 percent.

Republicans have voiced considerable opposition to expanding any type of social welfare programs during a period of declining state revenue.

McCaskill Denies GOP Tax Shelter Charge

"It's A Gotcha Deal"

Senator Claire McCaskill flatly denied that she or her husband has an off-shore tax shelter in Bermuda, a claim the Missouri Republican launched last week.

McCaskill has part ownership of a company called Rural Reinsurance Company International, but said it has "absolutely nothing to do with a tax shelter."

Last week, Missouri Republican Party Executive Director Jared Craighead called McCaskill a hypocrite for co-sponsoring legislation that would clamp down on offshore tax shelters while benefiting "from a tax haven of her own in Bermuda." Party Chair David Cole said she has dodged questions for years about Bermuda-based Rural Reinsurance.

At Saturday's Democrat Days in Hannibal, McCaskill called it "a gotcha deal." (Watch full question and answer clip above.)

"We . . . do not have, and have not had a tax shelter, and one of the reasons I sponsored the legislation, is to make sure no one does," McCaskill replied, responding to questions from The Notebook.

She explained that most reinsurance companies are stationed in Bermuda or London because they deal with 50-state or international selling.

"There is not one dime from that company that would not be subject to every single penny of taxation in the U.S.," McCaskill said.

Nixon Appoints Carmichael to Highway Commission

Governor Jay Nixon talks to The Notebook about why he appointed former Democratic Party Chairman and Springfield attorney Joe Carmichael to the Highway Commission.

Jim Anderson's term will soon expire; Carmichael will serve a 6-year term to expire in March 2015.

ALSO: Nixon says talks about how to solve the state's looming road funding crunch have "slowed just a tad" because of the federal stimulus package that will provide $600 million dollars over the next year.

"The Potential Is Great; The Perils Can Be Avoided"

PRESIDENT OBAMA OVERTURNS FEDERAL FUNDING BAN ON EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH

"The proper course has become clear. The majority of Americans -- from across the political spectrum, and from all backgrounds and beliefs -- have come to a consensus that we should pursue this research; that the potential it offers is great, and with proper guidelines and strict oversight, the perils can be avoided," said President Obama during his executive order signing Monday.

"Promoting science isn't just about providing resources -- it's also about protecting free and open inquiry. It's about letting scientists like those who are here today do their jobs, free from manipulation or coercion, and listening to what they tell us, even when it's inconvenient -- especially when it's inconvenient," Obama went on.

OBAMA ALSO CALLS CLONING FOR HUMAN REPRODUCTION "DANGEROUS AND PROFOUNDLY WRONG"

***

REACTION:

"The fact that President Obama is willing to once again say to the rest of world that we will be the beacon for cures and hope is encouraging. My religion teaches me to heal the sick and God gave us this intelligence to find cures for the sick. I think it’s a great moment and I’m proud of him for reversing President Bush’s executive order," said Sen. Claire McCaskill.

"The Stem Cell Amendment also means, when treatments are available, Missouri families will have immediate access and won’t be forced to travel elsewhere to care for their loved ones when they are most vulnerable. In other words, Missouri patients may enjoy the same access to medical care that residents of other states do. While the federal announcement is an important, positive step, patients, their families and others who care about the search for cures must remain alert to ongoing threats at the state level," said Donn Rubin, Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures Chairman.

"While we are disappointed with President Obama’s order that will now direct federal money to human cloning research, we are not surprised especially in light of his reversal of the Mexico City policy which will now allow organizations that do abortions and counsel young women to have abortions to receive American taxpayer dollars. Both of these actions by President Obama make it more clear why the constitutional amendment the Missouri Roundtable For Life has proposed is necessary. The Missouri Roundtable For Life’s ‘Taxpayer Protection Amendment’ simply stops Missouri taxpayer dollars from going to abortion services and human cloning research," said Todd Jones, Missouri Roundtable for Life Executive Director.
***

Bond On The Fence On Omnibus Vote?

The Hill reports that Senate Democrats are confident they have enough votes to move a $410 billion omnibus spending bill through the upper chamber -- and could have more Republican support than previously expected.

But Sen. Kit Bond dodged a question about how he'll vote.

"Openly and honestly," Bond joked when asked how he will vote. "We’ll find out for sure tomorrow."

Majority Whip Dick Durbin is also quoted in the piece saying that a number of Republicans will consider supporting the spending measure if their amendments are included.

Chrismer: Steelman An Earmark Hypocrite

ROUND 1 HAS BEGUN

"It would be nice if Sarah Steelman was truthful about her own record . . ."

TEAM BLUNT FIRES ITS FIRST REAL SHOT BACK AT THE FORMER STATE TREASURER OVER THE ISSUE OF EARMARKS

The News Has Us All A-TWITTER

Steelman: Roy and the boys are attacking! Does this mean he is for or against earmarks? LOL

John Hancock, former Hulshof campaign manager & GOP consultant: the press is chomping at the bit for a GOP Senate primary... I'm thinking they may be disappointed.

Tony Messenger: I agree, as to the possible lack of primary. At the moment, @sarah_steelman still isn't even a candidate.

FOLLOW MY TWEETS HERE

Roy Blunt's U.S. Senate campaign is calling former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman "dishonest and hypocritical" for challenging the Congressman on earmark reform.

Late Monday a spokesperson for Blunt, cited a Rolla Daily News article calling Steelman "dishonest" for attacking her opponent for not bringing enough funding back home to their State Senate district.

Steelman served as the District 16 State Senator from 1998 until 2004, when she was elected State Treasurer.

"Sarah Steelman's letter is dishonest and hypocritical," said Blunt spokesperson Rich Chrismer in a statement. "When she was in the State Senate, Sarah Steelman supported earmarks and bragged about earmarks like $200,000 for soybean research and $5.5 million for a local university construction project. She even bragged about state spending for baseball fields and sewers in her district. In October of 1999, the Rolla Daily News reported that Steelman even vowed to continue bringing state assistance to her district in order to generate economic development," Chrismer went on.

Earlier Monday, Politico reported that Steelman sent a letter to Blunt's office asking him to "never request earmarks as a U.S. Senator." "It is clear to me and many Missourians that the earmark spending habits of the past ten years have contributed significantly to our present economic difficulties," Steelman wrote, according to Politico's Ben Smith. "Will you join me in pledging that as a U.S. Senator you will never request earmarks and that you will fight politicians like Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid who insist on maintaining the corrupt earmark process?," Steelman asked.

"Roy Blunt has a totally open record of fighting for Missouri's fair share and he will continue fighting for Missouri in the United States Senate," responded Chrismer in a response sent to reporters. "It would be nice if Sarah Steelman was open and truthful about her own record before she launched political attacks against other Republicans."

In her letter to Blunt, Steelman also pointed to a letter sent to her during her primary race against Kenny Hulshof for Governor.

"During the governor’s primary you signed a letter chastising me for my stand against earmarks. I would respectfully suggest that recent economic events and the pork laden bills being passed by Congress have vindicated my position," Steelman wrote.

But Chrismer noted that Blunt's name wasn't the only signature on that letter.

"Sarah Steelman knows that Roy Blunt did not send a letter chastising her on spending. Every Republican member of Congress in Missouri sent her a letter because she was not truthful and misrepresented the facts in a campaign television ad," Chrismer responded.

WaPost: Steelman In Talks With John Weaver

TOP GOP CONSULTANT COURTING STEELMAN

Likely U.S. Senate candidate Sarah Steelman is in talks with John McCain's former top strategist, reports The Washington Post.
***
Johncombest.com provided the link to the story this morning.

"Sarah Steelman is a breath of fresh air for our party," Weaver said in the article. "However I'm involved, I'm sure this conservative reformer will be the next senator from Missouri."

Chris Cillizza writes: "It's hard to see, however, how Blunt will be able to be anything but the insider in the race -- given all the years he spent atop the House leadership. At issue is whether Steelman can emerge as a credible outsider candidate given the establishment forces lining up (organizationally and financially) behind Blunt."

Dems Embrace Steelman While GOP Ignores Her

"I'm not sure that that's a cheap shot, is it?"

Pity or praise Sarah Steelman, her current political position is a tad ironic.

The Missouri Democratic Party can't talk enough about her, while the top apparatus of her own party will barely acknowledge her.

The mood at this weekend's Democrat Days in Hannibal would've been beaming with optimism even without a potential GOP U.S. Senate primary in 2010 looming. But the prospect of a Sarah Steelman -Roy Blunt steel cage match was not only the quiet buzz during afterparty cocktails, but in plain sight on the Quality Inn stage.

Both Governor Jay Nixon and Sen. Claire McCaskill, the two top Democrats in the state, poked fun at the possibility. The message: We're united. They're not. And boy does it feel great.

To be fair, it wasn't too long ago the Dems were in a similar position. Claire McCaskill made her name by knocking off a sitting Governor in her own party in 2004. For a few hours in January 2008, Robin Carnahan sent smoke signals that she was at least considering the possibility of jumping into the race for Governor, despite Jay Nixon having staked out his candidacy years earlier.

These things come in cycles. But Democrats are walking a fine line. They clearly want to run against Roy Blunt, yet are dangling the candidacy of Steelman like a piece of red meat over a stray dog. A Democrat's dream: A knock-down drag out primary, but with Blunt the ultimate, if narrow, victor. Call it Hulshof, Part deux. Some Republicans hope: Blunt neutralizes the insider issue against "legacy" candidate Carnahan and rides an anti-Democratic tide. Another scenario: A perfect storm spurs a Steelman primary upset, and slingshots her candidacy of reform into the national spotlight.

"The Democrats know, and some Republicans even feel, if there's a tough primary, even if Sarah loses, it will be hard for Roy to beat Robin," says one Springfield Republican without an alliance yet.

So the Dems cynically stoke the fire, between each other and to journalists. "I think it's sexist what they're doing to Sarah. Telling her to run for Auditor," says one Democrat. "They're handling her all wrong. She should go for it," urges another.

Even McCaskill, who pledged to avoid "cheap shots," during her speech got into the game. "Alaska doesn't know we have our own Sarah," said McCaskill during her keynote address, in a joke that no one's really been able to explain to me yet.

When asked about the comment afterward, McCaskill's reply was too clever by half. "I'm not sure that that's a cheap shot, is it?" She then went on to favorably compare Steelman with Sarah Palin. (Watch the VIDEO above.) Funny that wasn't in the speech. (It's either a put down, or it's not funny, right?)

Meanwhile, while the Dems can only hope Steelman runs, Roy Blunt and his team have chosen to basically ignore her. The strategy: Put the focus on Carnahan early and often. Don't engage in a weekly back and forth with Steelman that could potentially elevate her. Frame the general election before there even is a primary.

But there is a case that both Steelman and the party could be handling a potential showdown better. The party made an error by not allowing or inviting their only prominent female to address the Lincoln Day dinner. Steelman made a mistake by taking her ball and going home -- dissing her own party's event and taking a small entourage downtown.

She could have agreed not to trash Blunt or Kit Bond and talk principals and accomplishments. They could have applauded politely and then left even more determined to work for Blunt.

Instead, the knives are slowly being sharpened behind the scenes with consultants and allies on both sides peddling the case against the other side.

For now, the divisions and apprehension sit in the G.O.P's corner, and the Democrats can't get enough of it. No matter who the candidates are, 2010 will be closely tied to the national political environment. As Chairman Craig Hosmer noted, the last time the Democrats controlled the White House, the Governor's mansion and both U.S. Senate seats in Missouri was 1964.

Translation: It doesn't happen often. Missouri can be politically fickle. The Show-Me State usually goes for balance. And Democrats should be careful what they wish for.

Week 8: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 8 GRADE: C

This may be remembered as the week the honeymoon ended for Governor Nixon. His approval rating -- while still very healthy -- came back down out of orbit to a more Missouri-like 55%. His budget plan is clashing with the reality of a GOP-dominated legislature. His chief economic development initiative is collecting dust in the State Senate, without a vote in sight. The last of those three is what had the Governor visibly agitated this weekend at Democrat Days in Hannibal. Nixon delivered his most forceful speech yet, scolding the Senate to "get to work" on expanding his Quality Jobs bill. He wants it on his desk by spring break. Problem is, time flies in Jeff City. Spring break begins Thursday. But the signals are that the Senate isn't likely to move that quickly. A few Senators want to deal with tax credit reform before they move anything, and that will take time. As a colleague mentioned to me this weekend, Nixon must be angry with Senators who didn't seem to have any problem with these same type of credits during the Blunt era. Nixon spent his week chiding and criticizing, whether it was on S-CHIP funding or economic incentives. He's using the power of his megaphone to pressure his Republican rivals, but it's questionable if the other side is even listening anymore.

Nixon's Recent Grades:
Week 7: A-
Week 6: B
Week 5 B

McCaskill Turns The Tables

CLAIRE CAM
***DEMOCRAT DAYS '09***
After finishing a serious interview with a trio of reporters on various topics, Sen. Claire McCaskill suddenly whipped out her own mini-cam to turn the tables.

WATCH THE CLIP TO SEE WHAT FOLLOWS

McCaskill apparently wanted to put Tony Messenger, Jo Mannies and I in the uncommon role of answering questions. Then, I begin filming McCaskill's experiment shooting us. The Senator asked for quick soundbites and hit me with a tough criticism about my own blog -- that it's video heavy.

"Has anyone ever told you your blog kind of cheats . . .?"

ALSO: Messenger cleverly gets in a Twitter plug.

So we'll cap this long Democrat Day in Hannibal with a fun . . . video clip, of course.

McCaskill says she may use clips for her own Senate YouTube channel.

(We'll show you the serious interview with the Senator soon)

Carnahan Stays Clear of Specific Votes on Key Issues

***DEMOCRAT DAYS '09***
Likely Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Robin Carnahan wouldn't say whether she would have voted for or against specific economic packages in an interview with The Notebook Saturday.

The current Secretary of State steered clear of specifics and instead spoke of general principals that would guide her philosophy in tackling some of the thorniest economic issues of our time.

NO PLEDGE ON EARMARKS, BUT SIGNALS REFORM
"I'm not over there to take a look at what all these things are right now," said Carnahan, who also noted "the process has got to be reformed."

***WATCH FULL VIDEO CLIPS ***

ON FALL BANK BAILOUT: "There didn't seem to be the accountability and transparency in there . . ."

STILL, When asked how she would have voted, replies: "I wasn't there to vote on that."

Which raises the question . . . Is it important to you that Carnahan take clear, specific positions on past votes in the Senate or is that not fair/less relevant because she wasn't there at the time?

The Associated Press' David Lieb is reporting that Carnahan indicated her support for the federal economic stimulus package during an interview Saturday. In her interview with The Notebook, Carnahan also said there was a strong argument for action, but declined to specifically say she would have been a "Yes" vote.

"I didn't read the 18-hundred page bill and wasn't asked to vote on that," Carnahan said. "There's no reason for me to kind of talk about something I didn't have any input on."

WATCH STIMULUS Q & A BELOW

CARNAHAN REBUFFS FORUMS FOR NOW, TALKS BLUNT-STEELMAN BELOW:

Blunt: Gov't Healthcare Will Stifle Competition

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- While Democrats were basking in the basking in the glow of their 2008 victories and ramping up for 2010, Congressman Roy Blunt was raising concerns about government-run healthcare in the GOP response to President Obama's weekly address.

In a Saturday address, Blunt said he was concerned that government intervention could disrupt or even push out private health care plans. You can watch Blunt's speech HERE.

"This could cause your employer to simply stop offering coverage, hoping the government will pick up the slack," Blunt said. "Just imagine a health care system that looks like a government run operation most of us are all too familiar with -- the local DMV. Lines, paper work, taking a number. Or how about another government agency -- the IRS," Blunt went on.

This week the President made healthcare a top priority in his first term. President Obama has said reforming healthcare would help reduce the massive budget deficit and spur economic growth.

But Blunt said "real competition" would be key to any healthcare reform.

"It encourages innovation so that the health care treatments and services available to you are the ones that you need and you want. Republicans are committed to common-sense solutions that promote competition and innovation," Blunt said. "Not surprisingly the government never gets the price right: overpaying for some services, underpaying for others. It's also a system that leads to unfair rationing of care. Part of that comes from the backward way the government looks at problems. Washington is the only place that tells you how much they care about something based on how much it costs, instead of how well it works," Blunt added.

Sen. Kit Bond has warned of similar concerns. He has said if government gets involved in healthcare, it would result in overblown bureaucracy and rationed treatment.

LeVota Calls Obama Resolution "Shameful"

***DEMOCRAT DAYS '09***
House Minority Leader Paul LeVota calls the first half of the 2009 legislative session a tale of the "good, the bad and the ugly."
***
Cites "scary resolutions" on Gitmo detainees coming to Missouri and President Obama's citizenship.

Also renews criticism on Republican decision to strip healthcare expansion for children from the budget.

"Despite the talk of bipartisanship, they want to continue the same failed policies that they've had for years and years," LeVota said. "We are dealing with people that just don't seem to get it," he added.

VIDEO: With Force, Nixon Pressures Senate on Jobs Bill

***DEMOCRAT DAYS '09***

"Get to work this week on that bill"

Governor Jay Nixon strongly urges the State Senate to pass expansion of the Quality Jobs Act by spring break, which is next Friday.

"150 House members can't be wrong," Nixon said during his remarks Saturday morning.

The House easily passed his major economic initiative, but Republican Senators have held the legislation up because of questions about the tax credits included.

***WATCH HIS FORCEFUL PUSH ABOVE***

Afterword, in a media gaggle with reporters, I asked Nixon why it was so important to have that jobs bill on his desk by March 12th.

"They haven't shown any will . . ."

Governor Nixon said quicker action on Quality Jobs legislation that's currently languishing in the State Senate would put him in a stronger negotiating position to lure companies to the state sooner.

"If we do those in the deal we've got on the table right now, it'll give me a stronger negotiating position when I'm negotiating against Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and other states," Nixon said in an interview after the Democrat Days brunch in Hannibal.

Nixon said over the past two and a half weeks, the Senate hasn't shown "any will." "They haven't put the bill on the floor at all," Nixon charged.

VIDEO: Nixon Pokes Fun At Steelman-Blunt Sniping

***DEMOCRAT DAYS '09***
"It's like their karma's running over their dogma."

Governor Jay Nixon officially, but not surprisingly, announced his backing of Secretary of State Robin Carnahan for U.S. Senate in 2010.

He then went on to chide the two top Republican contenders -- Roy Blunt and Sarah Steelman -- for their disunity.

"They are sending letters and press releases out attacking each other -- at our event," Nixon said to laughs.

Nixon spoke at the morning brunch in Hannibal during Saturday's Democrat Days.

***WATCH FULL CLIP ABOVE***

Democrats Convene in Hannibal

FLIP JOPLIN, AND REVERSE IT

The 38th Annual Missouri Democrat Days Continues Saturday
in Hannibal, Mo.

The Notebook will have live up-to-the-minute coverage
GET TWITTER UPDATES HERE

Banquet begins @ 7 p.m.
Sen. Claire McCaskill will deliver the keynote address

Asked what Hannibal is like, one Springfield Democrat tells me: "It's like taking Joplin and reversing it into a Democratic town. Small-town, rural . . . even conservative on some things, but Democratic. It's a different brand of Democratic politics up there."

Lampe's Big Bold Stand

***ANALYSIS***

The look on Sara Lampe's face said it all.

Springfield's #138th District State Representative doesn't hide her emotions well.

She wears them on her sleeve, and face and throughout her body -- as she did when she walked off the House floor Tuesday after a brief but emotionally explosive debate on abortion.

A major portion of the legislation at hand was a provision to criminalize the act of coercing a woman to have an abortion. Lampe, who is in the process of weighing a State Senate run in 2010, didn't have to stand up and voice opposition. She knew, legislatively, it was a losing battle. She's also fully aware of abortion politics in Greene County. A consultant might have warned her to lay low and zip it. But she didn't sit on her hands.

Instead, she offered an amendment to make an exception for rape and incest, while raising the point that a significant number of those victims are children under the age of 12. "If this 12-year-old, 11-year-old, 10-year-old is pregnant, this child is now considered a woman," Lampe said on the floor. "Most parents, in dealing with 10, 11 or 12-year-old, are going to be, perceived as being coercive with their child."

Lampe's amendment predictably went down to defeat two days later.

In an interview immediately following her speech, Lampe was visibly shaking. She acknowledged she "had to stop getting so worked up about these things." But then immediately began doing just that in our interview.

Ed Martin of Missourians United for Life sent me a scathing statement that he wanted included in my story Tuesday night. It viciously ripped Lampe for not caring about women being coerced into abortions. After watching that debate, and seeing Lampe in person, I couldn't run that statement in my story. It seemed over-the-line and unfair -- in addition to avoiding the central point about particular cases of rape and incest. (When asked by The Notebook, Martin declined to offer further on-the-record comment.)

Debate on the merits of the position should be encouraged; labeling someone in favor of coercion seems like over-the-top demagoguery.

Anti-abortion advocates believe the rape and incest statistics are overblown just as much as abortion-rights supporters think partial-birth abortion numbers are inflated overemphasized. Some on the right willingly admit they're happy to have a fight over what "coercion" means, if it stops an abortion. Their position is pure and deep-rooted in fundamental beliefs.

But so is Lampe's.

If Lampe, who is in Hannibal this weekend for Democrat Days, does decide to seek Springfield's 30th District State Senate seat, her abortion amendment is likely to pop up in fliers, door hangers and robo-calls. (Sara Lampe voted to allow women to be forced into abortions . . . the voice will intone.)

She's full aware that she'll see and hear about this vote again. It would've been easier to skirt off the floor and claim a prior appointment.

But the fact that despite all of this, she still stood up and voiced her minority opinion is a bold stroke of political chutzpah.

Later in the week, Nora Cox, Lampe's closest political confidante, said that the State Representative had been deluged with messages from around the region from women thanking her for her stand.

One woman described a pregnancy while dealing with mental health issues. Others wrote about overcoming incest -- and worse.

"This is not about politics for her. It's too important for politics," Cox said, dismissing the possible fallout that may occur down the road.

It's hard for any Democrat to get elected in Greene County. Being vocally in favor of abortion rights won't likely help Lampe's chances in achieving that goal.

But any politician willing to stand their ground -- politics be damned -- deserves a hat tip.

McCaskill on Sunday Morning TV

Senator Claire McCaskill will appear on ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos this Sunday to talk about the economy.

Other guests on This Week include Sens. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., and Richard Shelby, R-Ala. as well as Thomas Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

McCaskill's got a busy weekend on her hand. She'll welcome home National Guard troops at a Saturday morning in St. Louis.

Then, she's slated as the keynote speaker at Democrat Days in Hannibal, Mo. Saturday night.

McCaskill's also drawing the attention of the GOP. In a statement Friday, State Chair David Cole called McCaskill a hypocrite. "Earlier this week, McCaskill co-sponsored a bill by Sen. Carl Levin that would clamp down on offshore tax shelters. Of course, this is the same Claire McCaskill who has benefited from a tax haven of her own in Bermuda," said Cole in a GOP statement.

Steelman Blasts GOP Question For Carnahan

"The Missouri Republican Party should not proclaim earmark spending a virtue"

Likely U.S. Senate candidate Sarah Steelman is blasting a Republican Party press release that questions Robin Carnahan's support for the federal earmarking process.

In an open letter to all Missouri Republicans sent to reporters Friday evening, Steelman wrote that she was "bewildered" by one of the questions the State Republican Party wants Carnahan to answer at this weekend's Democrat Days in Hannibal, Mo.

Earlier Friday, former GOP executive director Jared Craighead sent out a release posing "10 Questions for Robin Carnahan." Number six reads: "Senator Bond supports worthwhile projects for Missouri in Congress. Senator McCaskill won't. Would you join with Senator McCaskill, so that Missouri unilaterally disarms itself, and gets nothing while other states get projects in Congress?"

Steelman said she didn't have any problem with most of the questions, except that one. "However, I am bewildered by question no. 6," Steelman wrote, "which not only asks Robin Carnahan's position on the improper, inefficient, and corrupt practice of earmarking, which is an entirely appropriate question, but actually defends pork barrel spending at a time when most Republicans, at least those who don’t live in Washington D.C., are trying to stop the mounting and dangerous deficits."

"I don't believe that a majority of the state committee supports inefficient and wasteful spending. I know that a majority of Missourians don't," Steelman wrote. "The Missouri Republican Party should not proclaim earmark spending a virtue. It is not. This does nothing but harm the efforts of principled politicians of both parties, who recognize that the old way of doing business; earmarks, pork, and a lack of accountability, has cost America jobs, security, and confidence. The old ways can no longer be tolerated."

Steelman will likely challenge Congressman Roy Blunt in the 2010 GOP primary for U.S. Senate. Carnahan is the likely Democratic nominee. It's unclear why the GOP press release was sent out by Craighead, and not Lloyd Smith, who was elected the new executive director of the party last month.

Steelman's letter closes, "I have been asked how the Republican Party lost its Congressional majority. One of the major reasons, in my opinion, is that our party no longer has credibility on fiscal issues. I want our party to flourish and expand and to help lead the country out of this economic disaster. But why would anyone believe in our principles when Republican elected officials don't? We can no longer be the party that says one thing and does another. We must restore fiscal restraint and discipline. We must be the party that supports ethical reform by holding our elected officials to a higher standard of public service than exists today. We must always remember that Congress is spending taxpayer’s money – it belongs to the people – and it should be spent prudently."

Did McCaskill Prevent Reid From Getting to 60?

MCCASKILL'S FISCAL CHOPS PUT TO THE TEST

"She was undecided as this evening"

UPDATE 7:35 AM: McCaskill Had Planned To Vote For The Bill

The Senate has put off until next week a final vote on a $410 billion catchall spending bill.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he was one vote short of the 60 votes needed to advance the measure.

The right is already cheering about setback. "Senate Majority leader Harry Reid took to the Senate floor tonight and admitted he lost," wrote Phil Kerpen of Americans for Prosperity.

CNN's Dana Bash reported that while Democratic Senators Evan Bayh and Russ Feingold announced that would not vote for the spending bill because of the high cost, Sen. Claire McCaskill was still weighing her vote Thursday.

Some are now speculating whether McCaskill was one of the undecided or "no" votes that prevented Reid from getting to 60 votes.

"We don’t know exactly who opposed it because the vote didn’t take place, but we have a pretty good idea. Three Democrats–Evan Bayh, Russ Feingold, and Claire McCaskill–have looked at the bill’s pork-barrel-earmarks-as-usual and said enough’s enough. Based on the outcome tonight, there is a good chance that they backed up their public statements with a firm commitment to vote against the bill," wrote Kerpen.

McCaskill spokeswoman Adrianne Marsh said, "There was no vote. They're allowing amendments tomorrow so the vote was postponed until Monday."

But when The Notebook asked Marsh if McCaskill was ready to sign on, she replied that since there was no vote, it would be difficult to tell. "She was undecided as of this evening," Marsh wrote, via text message.

UPDATE 7:35 AM FRI: Marsh spoke with McCaskill Friday morning and learned that McCaskill said she had planned to vote for the bill. "However, Senator Snowe insisted on opening the bill up for amendments," Marsh said.

Burlison's First Time

"WE WERE MERELY FRESHMEN"

#136th District Republican freshman Eric Burlison talks about speaking on the House floor for the first time this week about the adverse impact of a new federal consumer law.

Burlison spoke in favor of a House resolution that urges the Consumer Product Safety Commission to provide a waiver for youth ATV's and motorcycles from new federal lead limits.

Said he's received lots of calls from ATV stores in Springfield, complaining about large inventory they can't sell. "These kids are not eating the engine block," said Burlison in an interview.

***

Burlison also said he favors term-limits for state lawmakers, but added that the 8-year limit now makes it easier for freshmen to speak up sooner. "Freshman are more encouraged to speak."

"Now with term-limits, you've got to hit the ground running. You've got to come in here as an expert in some capacity and be able to contribute immediately," he said.

Burlison's speciality is health care. He's the vice-chair of the Special Standing committee on Health Insurance.

Burlison told The Notebook he would support "Any Willing Provider" idea with some changes to the existing legislation. "Transparency would be a necessary aspect of the bill," Burlison said. "For a patient, when they are making a decision about which provider to go to, I feel it's important to know a lot about the provider. Sometimes it's important to know if a doctor has made a mistake in the past, what their history is and how they perform. It's good to know what the costs are upfront."

This week, Speaker Ron Richard assigned HB 303 to committee. Proponents view the move as a significant first step towards getting their legislation passed.

We Know It's Been A Long Week But . . .

SLEEPING IN'S FOR S