7th District Power Rankings

Who's The Strongest Of Them All?

This is the second installment of The Notebook's monthly survey of the 7th Congressional District field and each candidate's chances of winning the GOP nomination in 2010.

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The higher the candidate's ranking, the more likely he/she is positioned to win the nomination at this point and time -- and be put on the path to replace Roy Blunt in the U.S. House.

For last month's inaugural rankings, click HERE

1. Jack Goodman (Up 1) - Although it obviously doesn't hurt, Goodman's roll out of endorsements from lawmakers and county officials isn't the main reason we're marginally placing him on the top of the heap. He's clearly the establishment candidate. That still counts for something in GOP primaries. But he also showed measured improvement in his second big campaign event. More comfortable, more confident, better energy, crisper message. The coaching is working. But he's also attempting to carve himself out as the fiscal conservative, drawing a harder line on earmarks than we'd expect from the party's guy. Goodman still needs to loosen up, and show that he's not timid. The honchos want a fighter in the 7th, not a lover. (He'll need to be quicker, sharper and tougher in a debate with Gary Nodler) Still, Goodman's reserved manner also benefits him. He has few enemies. Even those not on the team say they like Jack personally. They say he's a guy in it for the right reasons. That can't be said for who we see as his biggest threat.

2. Gary Nodler (Up 1) - The Notebook spent the day debating whether Goodman or Nodler should get top billing. We've concluded smart cases can be made for both scenarios. Nodler's up one notch because he's made it official, and he'll clearly be a force. He's run for the office twice, knows the district well, and for now, is the only candidate from the west. But we deny Nodler the # 1 ranking simply for the number of his enemies, who immediately emerged hours after he made his candidacy official. The joke goes that Gary Nodler always thinks he's the smartest guy in the room. At times, he probably is. The Senate Appropriations Chair knows his stuff and carries himself with an heir of confidence. But his opponents think he's arrogant and a posturer, as well as a hypocrite on "Christian values" and "pork". Right to Life wasted no time taking him on -- not even giving him the courtesy of one day to bask in his announcement glow. And have you seen this video yet? As this campaign heats up, others will have their arrows out as well. Nodler will be a marked man in this race -- partly because he's a big dog in the pack, but also because he's a big target.

3. Billy Long (Down 2) - The cowboy-hat wearing auctioneer didn't do anything to drop his rank but . . . do nothing. Long had an impressive 1st quarter fundraising haul and he's already spent some of the money, on newspaper ads and a big Springfield billboard. Hey, when you got it, spend it . . . No? But he hasn't actually done a big media event yet. No big campaign roll out. No press conferences. He told The News-Leader's Chad Livengood, he'll hold a big event in July where reporters can grill him. Does that mean he's hitting the books for a month to put some meat on those policy bones? The first time Gary Nodler throws a fastball at him, he'll get away with laughing it off as the non-politician. But the second or third time, Long will be expected to articulate a coherent policy response. We're not saying it won't happen, we just point out that it's the elephant in the room. Another shot being quietly asked about Billy: How can the rich guy who lives in Highland Springs get away with being the regular Joe at the same time?

4. Darrell Moore (----) - The Greene County prosecutor wasn't even on our inaugural list. We had heard rumblings, but now know he's serious. His campaign kick-off speech went on way too long and lost focus, but Moore is clearly well-read and has taken the time to think about the issues he cares about. That gains him respect with the Republicans who may choose to sleep in on Sundays instead of head to the nearest megachurch. But Moore's issues aren't the issues the right usually gets excited about. No mention of gays, guns or abortion at his announcement. He wants to tackle healthcare, Social Security and our mounting debt. He wants to get away from the rhetorical bomb-throwing and broaden the GOP. Moore will be the moderate in the race, but where did that ever get anybody in a GOP primary? As prosecutor, Moore should have considerable name I.D. around the Ozarks. He's regularly on TV. (Now prudent stations should be extremely judicious about how often they put him on the tube. He is a politician now, afterall.) Moore will bring a level of seriousness and new ideas to a field that is predictably similar on ideological grounds. Now let's see if he can raise some money and pick up traction.

5. Jeff Wisdom (Stable) - The Ozarks Technical Community College instructor knows how to deliver a speech. He's been hitting some county Lincoln Day events, and getting good applause lines. But is he considered serious by Republicans -- or is he the Tom Tancredo/Ron Paul of the group? -- "Welcome to the party, but don't expect to get the last dance." Wisdom's 2nd quarter campaign finance report will (unfortunately) help determine if his candidacy has legs. But for now, we're enjoying his all-too-human Facebook messages. A recent status update: "Jeff Wisdom is wandering somewhere between confusion and uncertainty, clarity and resolution." We hear ya man, but if you're running for Congress, just remember: Everything you write can and will be used against you in a twisted television ad. (Then again, only if you're relevant.)

6. Kevin Elmer (Stable) - The Nixa alderman has been hitting the pavement hard, speaking to everyone from the College Republicans to a group of local architects. Elmer certainly has fire in the belly, and friends admire his work ethic. He made early, but clear pledges to the voters: For term limits and the Fair Tax, against Congressional pay raises. Now comes the hard part, putting together an organization that will be able to compete in a saturated field.

7. The Unknown (Down 1) - He or SHE could still be out there, but time is a ticking. Donors are committing, staffers are signing, resources are drying up. But if you are still out there, call me;)

8. Hal Donaldson (Stable) - Yes, he's stable. But last month we ranked Greene County Circuit clerk Steve Helms, former State Rep. B.J. Marsh and Jasper County Fair Tax advocate John Putnam. (We haven't heard anything more from any of three.) So Donaldson's basically stable by default, and nothing else. We still haven't heard a peep out of the Convoy of Hope president since he formed his exploratory committee. There hasn't been a large natural disaster. I'm guessing he's still exploring? Somebody call Spence!

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MUL Condemns Murder of Abortion Doctor

Missourians United for Life condemn the murder of Kansas abortion doctor George Tiller.

MUL President Ed Martin issued a statement Sunday calling the act "an inappropriate and deplorable response to the terrible injustice of abortion."

Dr. Tiller was shot Sunday during church services where he was serving as an usher.

"MUL encourages all Americans to do everything that they can do to stop abortions and to lessen the number of abortions in our nation" said MUL President Ed Martin. "However, we condemn acts of violence like today's murder of George Tiller as inappropriate and deplorable. Tiller was the worst example of a physician gone bad; he chose to kill late term babies out of a twisted sense of individual freedom. His acts are deplorable and should have been stopped but not by murder."

Read President Obama's statement, via TIME, HERE.

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Week 20: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 20 GRADE: A -

While Governor Nixon did not win an agreement to expand healthcare to low-income parents this legislative session, he did attain a smaller victory on a $40 million dollar program designed to expand healthcare training programs at colleges and universities. It's a less controversial initiative, but one that Nixon says will make tangible progress towards his number one priority: creating jobs. When you can please the higher education folks at the same time, it's even better. Nixon also won some favorable press in a look back at his first session. Jo Mannies of the St. Louis Beacon penned a comprehensive article showing why a "kinder, gentler" Nixon has (so far) been more successful than Missouri's last Democratic Governor. It's tough for the GOP to churn out serious attacks on Nixon when the Republican Senate Majority Leader is referring to the Governor as pragmatic and patient. Sure, Nixon can be political and partisan like the best of them. But it seems that even Republican leaders are willing to acknowledge his bipartisan attempts, despite broader ideological rifts.

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Nixon "Truly Undecided" on Helmet Law Repeal

Gov. Jay Nixon says he has not yet decided on whether he will sign a bill that includes a provision repealing the mandatory motorcycle helmet law in Missouri.

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The Governor also denied making any commitments to any group saying he would sign the legislation.

On May 21st, The Associated Press reported that a member of the Freedom of Road Riders claimed Nixon told him personally he would sign the legislation. Asked about that report in Springfield this week, Nixon replied, "I've made no commitments to anybody."

"I will have to say that as we sit here I'm glad I have a few more weeks to study it," said Nixon. "I'm truly undecided, David, on what I'm going to do on that."

Notes he's a "government least-government best guy," but says he's also weighing health concerns

*WATCH IT ABOVE*

"Ultimately it comes down to a pretty lonely decision," Nixon acknowledged.


BELOW: NIXON LAUGHS IT UP

SNL's Chad Livengood asks Nixon if he's ever ridden a motorcycle. He says he has. The Notebook follows up with, "Did you wear a helmet?" Yucks all around.

HE'S A MANLY MAN

Nixon then sort of goes into a Mitt Romneyesque "varmits" rant --

"I've shot birds . . . I've caught fish . . . I slam-dunked a volleyball once."

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Goodman Suggests Nodler Is "Business As Usual"

BACK AT YA

When asked Friday what separates him from Gary Nodler, Sen. Jack Goodman replied: "fiscal conservatism," without elaborating on specifics.

On Thursday, when posed the same question, Nodler said that he was the most experienced candidate in the field. "He has obviously less experience," Nodler replied, referring to Goodman.

Goodman pointed out that the time the two have served in the state legislature is the same. Both were first elected in 2002: Nodler to the Senate; Goodman to the House. (Goodman moved to the Senate after a special election in 2005.)

"I think the real distinction between the two of us is that I am not here to bring more politics and business as usual," Goodman said. When asked to elaborate, Goodman sidestepped specifics other than to say, "One area of distinction between the two of us is probably fiscal conservatism." VID ALERT: (Rep. Charlie Denison, seen in the background, apparently agrees. Check out his nod.)

*FULL EXCHANGE ABOVE*

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Goodman Sets Criteria For Earmarks

Calling the current federal appropriations process "broken," Sen. Jack Goodman announced a set of criteria Friday that would guide him in determining if he'd request an earmark.

"I think that our appropriation process in Washington is very broken and the transparency and accountability we need are not there," Goodman said, flanked by Ozarks area lawmakers at a Friday morning Springfield event.

The 3 questions Goodman pledges to ask each time he considers a request:

-Is the request for funds for an appropriate government function -- or could the private sector handle it better?

-Is it an appropriate federal government function?

-Is this the most transparent and efficient way to meet the need?

Goodman promised to oppose any federal spending request that does not bring an affirmative response to all 3 of the above questions.

"Until we get a handle on the abuse of discretionary spending of taxpayer dollars, we're not going to bring our country back where we need to be," he said.

*WATCH HIS PLEDGE ABOVE*

EXTRA VID: *WATCH GOODMAN GLADHAND HIS ENDORSERS BELOW*

"A MORE JUDICIOUS FIGHTER"

The Mt. Vernon State Senator also announced a group of endorsements from area lawmakers, including three from Sen. Gary Nodler's backyard in the Joplin area.

From the eastern/central part of the district, they include: Rep. Mike Cunningham, Rep. Charlie Denison, Rep. Don Ruzicka, Rep. David Sater, Sen. Delbert Scott, Rep. Shane Schoeller, Rep. Maynard Wallace, Rep. Jay Wasson, Rep. Ray Weter and Rep. Dennis Wood.

Notable is the 3 western representatives that are backing Goodman over Sen. Gary Nodler: Those are Rep. Ed Emery from Lamar, Rep. Kevin Wilson from Neosho and Rep. Marilyn Ruestman from Joplin.

The endorsement list also included 50 names of county officials in the 7th District.

Rep. Dennis Wood tells The Notebook: "Fiscal responsibility is what he's all about. That's Jack Goodman."

Former Greene County Sheriff Jack Merritt is also backing Goodman, telling The Notebook: "Ask Gary Nodler how many law enforcement officers are supporting him. Probably not many."

Added that Nodler "has not been there" on key issues for police and Sheriff's departments.

AND MORE:

Rep. Ed Emery: "I like Jack's character. I believe Jack is committed to doing the right thing regardless of politics. I think he has humility with conviction. He strikes me to someone who is remarkably humble, even though he has reason not to be. He works issues without personalizing them at the Capitol."

Says Nodler never asked him for an endorsement, but that he informed Nodler that he was supporting Goodman

"Gary certainly has more years invested in government. But I don't necessarily think experience is the final trump card," Rep. Emery said. Says Goodman has "excellent temperament." On a difference between Nodler & Goodman: "I don't know I've ever felt I have the influence with Gary as I do with Jack. I think Gary can point to things as a fighter. I think Jack is a more judicious fighter."

Rep. Kevin Wilson: "I've seen Jack in action, under pressure. I know Jack's principals do not waver. He's a professional and a good friend." Asked about an experience gap between Goodman & Nodler, Wilson dismissed it. "I think you look at experience, he was Assistant Majority Floor Leader in the House and Senate. I would put Jack's experience in government up against anybody in this race." Declined to directly compare Goodman & Nodler.

Notes that Sen. Nodler did approach him for an endorsement, but told him he had already committed himself to Goodman. "I said I was a man of my word," Rep. Wilson said.

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Ky3 News @ 6: What Makes Nodler Different

*IN CASE YOU MISSED IT*

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 6 PIECE

on Gary Nodler's entrance into the race Thursday

Note: I misspoke when I said Nodler was Taylor's chief of staff in my live tag. He was just Taylor's district staff director from 1973 to 1988. Apologies for the error.

Check out the wicked box editing by Taka Yokoyama - he's second to no one.

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Right to Life Targets Nodler

SHOTS FIRED in the 7th

STEM CELL CONTRIBUTIONS AT ISSUE

"It's like running on an anti-pornography platform and taking contributions from Hustler"

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"If you're chair of the Appropriations Committee, you're going to get contributions from everybody under the sun"

Missouri Right to Life is raising questions about Sen. Gary Nodler's "pro-life" credentials a day after he announced his candidacy for Congress, pointing to contributions the Budget Chair has received from pro-embryonic stem cell groups over the past two years.

Right to Life political action committee chairman Dave Plemmons estimates that Nodler's two campaign committees have received at least $12,475 from what he calls "two pro-cloning committees" -- Supporters of Health Research and Treatments and the Life Science Fund of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.

Nodler's January 2009 campaign finance report shows the most recent donations: a $2,000 contribution from Supporters of Health Research and Treatments and a $2,000 check from the Life Science Fund. Both were made in October 2008.

"I've got no qualms about his claims to be pro-life on abortion, but if you are basing some of your candidacy's draw on being pro-life on the cloning issue and the embryonic stem cell issue, why are you taking so many thousands of dollars from people you say you're against," said Plemmons in an interview with The Notebook Friday.

"It doesn't work that way. It's like running on an anti-pornography platform and taking contributions from Hustler," Plemmons added.

In his Congressional campaign kick-off in Springfield Thursday, Nodler made a short four-word statement on the stem cell issue: "I oppose human cloning."

Nodler spokesperson Gregg Keller wouldn't address the donations specifically, but said that Sen. Nodler "is proudly and unabashedly pro-life and opposes human cloning."

"That's why pro-abortion activists like NARAL have branded him an enemy of theirs and why he has been elected and re-elected with huge pluralities in one Missouri's most pro-life Senate districts," Keller said.

But Plemmons called the donations "dirty money," and noted that while Right to Life has made no endorsement in the 7th District Congressional race yet, "Southwest Missourians deserve a truly pro-life representative in Washington."

Nodler and Right to Life have clashed before on legislative issues and whether funding to universities can be restricted from being used for "life sciences" purposes.

According to KMOX, Nodler accused Missouri Right to Life of lying on the Senate floor on March 5th. "Forget what you hear from Missouri Right to Life because they lie! They misrepresent legislators. They misrepresent our votes. They misdirect the people of our state," Nodler is reported saying.

Missourians United for Life, another anti-abortion organization that was formed in response to some lawmakers complaints with Right to Life's "pro-life" criteria, came to Nodler's defense.

"We would describe him as pro-life," said Ed Martin of Missourians United for Life. "He's been especially helpful in passing laws limiting the number of abortions in Missouri. He's been very open to encouraging limits on taxpayer dollars going to abortion services, human cloning," he added.

Martin said the contributions in question would be something "we'd like to sit down and talk more about," he doesn't necessarily hold them against Nodler.

"If someone takes Stowers money and they still vote our way, I don't really care," Martin said, referring to the Kansas City biomedical research center. "What I know is that Gary Nodler has been a reliable pro-life vote. And if you're the chair of the Appropriations Committee, you're going to get contributions from everybody under the sun," Martin added.

Plemmons said that explanation isn't sufficient, especially when Nodler made abortion and cloning issues key elements in his campaign Thursday.

"As Appropriations Chair, why didn't he say no to the cloning people about those contributions? That's the golden question," Plemmons said.

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Nixon Touts Funds For Healthcare Students

Missouri State University will receive $2.2 million dollars from next year's state budget to help the institution beef up a program designed to attract and train health care professionals.

Governor Jay Nixon stopped by MSU Thursday to tout a program that he says is critical to help meet the needs of a state where 79 counties fall short of the health workers they need, according to federal guidelines.

*WATCH A CLIP OF NIXON'S COMMENTS ABOVE*

The program provides $40 million dollars to state universities. Missouri State said the funds would help increase enrollment in its nursing program by 41 students; 10 in physical therapy and 9 in physician assistant/audiology programs. Ozarks Technical Community College will receive $471,224 for its program.

MORE HERE: The AP notes: "It contains no scholarship money and does not it require the new health care graduates to stay in Missouri. And Nixon acknowledged that many hospitals, particularly in rural areas, don't have the money to hire any new workers."

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Nodler Praises Blunt, But Opposes Earmarks

The newest candidate for Congress in the 7th District came out against federal earmarks Thursday and said he would not accept them if they don't go through the normal appropriations process.

In response to a question by SNL's Chad Livengood, Nodler denied that his support for a $25 million dollar Eagle Pitcher project in Joplin was an earmark.

"That did not occur in the Missouri General Assembly," Nodler said, explaining that the project was part of the committee report. "An earmark is an unidentified addition expenditure added on the floor in a substitute without having gone through the process. That is the wrong way to appropriate funds. It circumvents the voice of the people and should not be done."

Nodler suggested that some of his colleagues may not understand the actual definition of an earmark. But after being pressed several times on the issue by The Notebook, he seemed to swear them off.

"I believe that projects for the 7th district that I would advance would go through the normal committee process and be ranked and voted on in the normal way," Nodler said.

*WATCH FULL EXCHANGE ABOVE*

ALSO: Says Congressman Blunt has had "a remarkable record of success"

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Nodler Q & A: Experience Matters

In the beginning of the question and answer session with reporters, Sen. Gary Nodler was asked specifically about how he's different from his Republican opponents in the 7th Congressional District.

ON SEN. JACK GOODMAN: "Jack's a fine guy. He has obviously less experience. Has a different type of record in the Senate."

ON THE FIELD'S SIMILAR VIEWS: "If the profile of the candidates is ideologically similar, then I would think the next question would be experience and ability and knowledge of the process."

Adds that he doesn't think any other candidate in the field can match his experience necessary to deal with the financial crisis.

ON HIS TWO PREVIOUS LOSSES FOR CONGRESS: "I'm different. When I ran before I didn't have the same sort of experiences in government."

ON THE CHANGING DEMOS IN THE 7th: "I'm not certain that I would've lost that first race in the current formation of the 7th Congressional District."

*FULL ANSWERS ABOVE*

More Q & A to come . . .

FULL REPORT on KY3 News @ 6

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VIDEO: Nodler Announces for Congress

NEW FRONTRUNNER?

State Senator Gary Nodler launched his bid for Congress in Springfield Thursday morning, immediately positioning himself as the major player in a crowded and evolving race for the 7th Congressional District.

*WATCH CLIPS from HIS ANNOUNCEMENT*

NODLER BYTES:

"My approach to public life is informed by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ."

"I believe that the 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees freedom of religion, not freedom from religion."

"Public enemy number one is debt."

"The very first order of business should be to secure our borders."

"No position in the Missouri General Assembly is more demanding than the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee."

DEVELOPING . . .

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Ready . . . Set . . . Nodler

Sen. Gary Nodler officially jumps into the 7th District Congressional race Thursday morning in Springfield.

GET TWITTER UPDATES FROM HIS ANNOUNCEMENT HERE

His announcement will occur at the Discovery Center in Springfield on 438 East St. Louis Street at 10:30 a.m. The public is welcome.

Politicos say he's been making calls, inviting them to attend -- making it clear, "he's all in."

Then -- Nodler heads to Joplin, to make his announcement at The Continental Banquet Center at Granny Schaffer in Joplin at 2:30 p.m.

Nodler will join Sen. Jack Goodman, auctioneer Billy Long, Greene County prosecutor Darrell Moore and Ozarks Technical College Instructor Jeff Wisdom in the field. Convoy of Hope President Hal Donaldson has an exploratory committee -- but hasn't been heard from since he's begun exploring.

Inside Nodler's head: Who does he think his biggest competition is?

Our guess: Billy Long

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New Ad Targets Blunt on Cap & Trade Bill

A new ad targeting Roy Blunt in his home district for his "NO" vote on the Democratic energy bill is obviously political -- but is it fair?

"Americans are coming together . . . supporting a new clean, energy future . . .

". . . But Roy Blunt said no," booms the new 30-second spot paid for by the League of Conservation Voters.

And Republicans aren't the lone targets -- an Arkansas Dem is also on their radar

And HERE is why the League has teamed up with Vote Vets & Builders for the ad

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

The ad, not surprisingly, fails to point out the reason Blunt voted no on the bill in committee. The reason is because of the "cap and trade" plan. Under the proposal, energy companies would need to buy permits to emit carbon dioxide. The bill would make a fixed number of permits available. If a company emits less than expected, they could sell the permits to others for profit. (The Economist has a thorough write-up of the details HERE.)

The goal: to encourage companies to reduce emissions -- and in the long-run reduce costs. (The Marginal Revolution does some cost-benefit calculations.)

Raising energy costs is a non-starter for Congressman Blunt --- who points to a Energy Policy Group study, now being touted by the Missouri Public Utility Alliance, showing that the plan could raise utility rates by 40 percent in Missouri by 2015.

BLUNT CAMPAIGN STATEMENT:

"We know that Roy Blunt is being targeted for early attack because he is the Republican most feared by Robin Carnahan who has spent her entire campaign hiding from Blunt, the news media and voters," said spokesman Rich Chrismer. "The ad says wrongly that Roy opposes things that he supports. Roy Blunt says 'yes' to cleaner, more affordable American energy and more production here at home, and 'yes' to more renewables and more conservation," he added.

"Roy Blunt opposes this backdoor energy tax, and even offered amendments to suspend it if rates were to increase by 10 or 20 percent, in addition to suspending the tax if rates increased by 100 percent. The Democrats were nearly unanimously opposed to these amendments," Chrismer went on.

Also notable is that Blunt's potential Democratic opponent for U.S. Senate hasn't explicitly endorsed the proposal either:

"Robin hopes that the Congress will get this finished and get it right this year," said Tony Wyche, spokesman for Robin Carnahan's campaign. "She hopes they can work together to find a bipartisan solution to help decrease dependence on foreign oil, create jobs, and curb pollution - without sticking consumers with the bill."

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Your Sotomayor Spreadsheet

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

It's pronounced Soto-my-your. With flavor! . . . (Even some of the national anchors are flubbing it.)

OBAMA on his pick: "What Sonia will bring to the Court, then, is not only the knowledge and experience acquired over a course of a brilliant legal career, but the wisdom accumulated from an inspiring life's journey."

She was raised in a Bronx housing project/nominated to U.S. District Court by Bush 41. Served on U.S. Court of Appeals since 1998. Yale, Princeton . . . yadda yadda. No Harriet Miers. Got plenty of experience; some cable chatter that Obama should have went even bigger than 3rd woman/1st Hispanic and also tapped a non-judge.

SOTOMAYOR TV BYTE: "I strive never to forget the real world consequences of my decisions on individuals, businesses and government."

COME BACK TO HAUNT HER BYTE?: "Court of Appeals is where policy is made, and I know, and I know this is on tape and I should never say that, because we don't make law, I know." That was 4 years ago when she was a federal appeals court judge.

She suffers from diabetes, but her health was part of the vetting process.

POLITICO says Obama called Sotomayor around 9 p.m. on Memorial Day to offer the nomination. CNN puts the @ around 8:30 p.m. Axelrod on cable: "(Obama) had an instinct in that direction for some time." Jake Tapper on ABC World News: "Judge Sotomayor was always the leading contender."

MISSOURI REACTION:

BOND out of the gate FIRST with a NON-REACTION reaction @ 10:49 CST: "I look forward to reviewing Judge Sotomayor's record and learning more from her hearings. Judge Sotomayor once said ‘I don't believe that we should bend the Constitution under any circumstances,’ I agree that is how judges should rule and I will expect her to continue that view."

**KC Star notes that Bond didn't vote when Sotomayor was up for her Appeals vote*

GAYS like her: "Judge Sotomayor has consistently recognized the constitutional right to privacy, first articulated in Griswold, that lays the foundation for fundamental rights for LGBT people," said Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese.

LIBERTARIANS don't: "It is troubling that Obama, who won the highest elected office in the world without racial preferences, would nominate someone who openly admits the government should racially discriminate against its own citizens to serve the needs of political correctness," said William Redpath, Libertarian National Committee Chairman, citing firefighter case in New Haven, Conn.

ROY BLUNT WAVES RED FLAG @ 1:22 p.m (Issues longest response of the big 3): "The most important issue when considering a Supreme Court nominee is their judicial philosophy and whether they are an activist who would attempt to legislate from the bench, or a jurist who respects the authority of the Constitution. Their nominee offers proper professional credentials and a compelling life story. However, her view that judges should make policy raises a huge red flag. The U.S. Senate should neither pre-judge or pre-confirm, but thoughtfully, thoroughly and rigorously examine the record of this nominee to our nation's highest court.

(NO STATEMENT released from Robin Carnahan.)
UPDATE @ 10:34 PM, Spokesman Tony Wyche said, when asked by Jo Mannies, Carnahan provided this statement to the STL Beacon: Carnahan said, "Sonia Sotomayor is an accomplished judge with a long record of experience and a compelling personal history. As someone who has been appointed by both Republican and Democratic presidents and has earned bipartisan Senate confirmation in the past, she’s clearly qualified. I hope that Senators on both sides of the aisle will cut through the partisan bickering and conduct a fair and efficient confirmation process."

MCCASKILL COMES IN at 2:32 PM with reaction: "She has accomplished great things in her life through the all-American values of discipline, hard work, and integrity. I'm especially glad she has experience as a courtroom prosecutor and a trial judge. There hasn't been a person with more experience nominated in decades. She will be a terrific Supreme Court justice."

DRUDGE HEADER: OBAMA PICKS LATINA

On MSNBC PAT BUCHANAN cites New Republic piece: "He talked to all of these clerks, they said she was a bully on the bench. That she is not that intelligent. They are concerned . . ."

She'll meet with Senators next week; WH wants confirmation hearings by July, confirmation by August.

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Nodler's Turn

Joplin State Sen. Gary Nodler will make an announcement about the 7th Congressional District seat this Thursday, the KY3 Political Notebook has learned.

Nodler is slated to hold a 2 p.m. event at Granny Shaffer's Continental Banquet Center on 2728 N. Range Line in Joplin to make his political decision public.

Although he hasn't yet confirmed it, Nodler is expected to jump into the 2010 campaign for Roy Blunt's seat against Sen. Jack Goodman, auctioneer Billy Long, Greene County prosecutor Darrell Moore and college instructor Jeff Wisdom.

Last month, a private poll showed Nodler carrying the highest name identification in the 7th District.

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Week 19: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 19 GRADE: C +

(Late West Coast edition)

As Governor Nixon readied his pen to determine which bills to sign and which to veto, last week the former Attorney General had to decide an issue of life or death. Nixon's rejection of a petition for clemency in the state's first execution in four years shows that on crime and punishment, this Governor is just as "throw the book" as any Republican. Is that a leading indicator for his ultimate decision on a motorcycle helmet repeal? Or did he really promise advocates for a repeal that he'd side with them? Seems odd that a law & order guy like Nixon would defy safety and law enforcement who plead that a repeal would endanger lives. But the issue has the potential of becoming a bit of lightning rod, no matter what Nixon ultimately decides. Nixon hasn't made any of his major calls yet, but he will soon enough. And you can be sure that any spending vetoes he makes will be scrutinized by a watchful GOP, looking for any place to point out political favorites. Finally, there's some light grumbling on the left about Nixon's commitment to healthcare and the fact that his chief economic initiative could've been crafted by Matt Blunt. By right now, that's no political problem. For the left in Missouri have few places to turn.

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"Never Underestimate The Power of Denial"

10 THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T UNDERESTIMATE THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

1. Sarah Steelman's inclination to sit back and watch for awhile more.

2. Annie Busch's keen ability to hold her cards close to her vest.

3. The likelihood of a primary in the 140th legislative district.

4. The chance that some politician somewhere will exploit veterans in an attempt at taking a political pot shot at an opponent.

5. Jay Nixon's conflicting thoughts about whether he should sign or veto the repeal of the motorcycle helmet law.

6. Tom Schweich's seriousness.

7. Behind-the-scenes scrambling about the direction of the Greene County GOP.

8. Robin Carnahan's strategic silence.

9. The anticipation for Sunday's Colin Powell appearance on Face The Nation.

10. Quiet, yet, incremental grumbling on the left about the Governor's commitment to healthcare.

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Gov. Nixon to Headline Memorial Day Service

Governor Jay Nixon will be the headline speaker at Springfield's Memorial Day Service Monday.

The ceremony is slated to begin at 1 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery on 5201 South Southwood. The Governor will be introduced by Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard Brig. Gen. Stephen Danner.

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ALSO: Congressman Roy Blunt will be the keynote speaker at the Tales of World War II event in Neosho. He'll also be attending the Springfield service on Monday.

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Shields Tells Rahn To Butt Out Of Helmet Debate

Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn overstepped his bounds in calling for Governor Jay Nixon to veto legislation that would repeal the state's motorcycle helmet law.

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"The last time I checked, laws are written by the people’s elected representatives to the state House and Senate, and the governor then has the power to approve or veto the laws they pass that represent the will of the people," Sen. Shields said, in a stern statement released Friday. "I am alarmed that an appointed bureaucrat would use taxpayer money to pay for polling and then hold a press conference while on the clock to oppose a specific piece of legislation."

Yesterday, Rahn called on Governor Nixon to veto a repeal the legislation, which he said "makes no sense," and would lead to more motorcycle deaths.

Senate Bill 202 would exempt anyone over the age of 21 from wearing a helmet while driving or riding a motorcycle, except when on an interstate.

Shields said Rahn should stick to his number one priority: Missouri's transportation infrastructure.

"I appreciate that Pete has taken us from a sub-par state to one that is now recognized for smoother, better roads," Shields said. "That is why I encourage him to refocus his efforts on continuing to build and improve Missouri's roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure, because this is the second instance this year where he has veered off-track by misusing taxpayer dollars in an effort to lobby elected officials," Shields added.

Shields is referring to media reports that Rahn had MODOT employees lobbying for stricter seatbelt laws earlier this legislative session.

Nixon has not said whether he will sign or veto the bill.

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The Steelman Show Comes to Branson

Former state Treasurer and possible/probable U.S. Senate candidate Sarah Steelman joins the Oak Ridge Boys & Peter Pan for an appearance in Branson Friday night.
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Steelman will appear at at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre, which is owned by Gene Bicknell from Pittsburg, Kansas.

She'll attend a special VIP BBQ with the performers and then join Bicknell for an 8 p.m. Oak Ridge Boys show.

Bicknell is a Republican donor who has given to Kansas candidates like Jim Ryun as well as presidential candidates. Bicknell is also the world's largest Pizza Hut franchisee with 834 stores and 20,000 employees nationwide. He's also been a candidate for Governor himself.

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Look Who's Coming to Lunch

BLIND DATE

Possible U.S. Senate candidate Tom Schweich lunches with possible U.S. Senate candidate Sarah Steelman Thursday, Schweich tells The Notebook.

Schweich wouldn't reveal details of their conversation but said it was his first face to face meeting with the former State Treasurer.

"We had an enjoyable discussion," Schweich said in an e-mail.

No word on what they ate or who picked up the tab.

Schweich said he's still hasn't reached a decision on the race. "I am still about where I was a week ago -- talking to a lot of people, doing some media, strategy sessions," he said.

He said he has not yet spoken to Congressman Roy Blunt.

Oh, to be a birdie!

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Bond, Skelton React to Obama Speech

Sen. Kit Bond said he was disappointed that President Obama's speech failed to outline a specific plan to deal with the detainees at GITMO.

"The White House needs a new calendar – bashing the policies that have kept our nation safe from another 9-11 is not a national security strategy," said Bond. "The election is over, President Obama won, and now he needs to tell the American people his plan to keep our country safe."

MEANWHILE, REP. IKE SKELTON said he was encouraged:

"I am very encouraged by the president's focus on the future and his commitment to work with Congress to address complex and sometimes difficult national security issues. ... I do not believe the current system can bring terrorists to justice in a way that ensures convictions can withstand judicial scrutiny."

ALSO: The House overwhelmingly approved legislation reforming the way the Pentagon buys weapons.

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Missouri's Using Stimulus Money to Pay Tax Rebates

CHECKS IN THE MAIL BY JUNE 8th

The state is using $250 million dollars in stimulus money to send tax refunds.

The Office of Administration announced its transferring that amount into the state's general revenue fund to make it happen. The move was necessary because income and sales tax revenues have fallen even further behind already negative projections. Some Missourians have been waiting since mid-March to receive their rebates. The infusion of stimulus cash should allow refund checks to be sent out by June 8th.

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Blunt Nabs 18 of 23 GOP Senators

Congressman Roy Blunt's campaign for U.S. Senate announced the endorsements of 18 Republican State Senators Thursday, including Springfield's Norma Champion and the GOP leadership.

The list includes:
State Senators Norma Champion, Dan Clemens, Jane Cunningham, Tom Dempsey, Kevin Engler, Jack Goodman, John Griesheimer, Jim Lembke, Rob Mayer, Gary Nodler, David Pearce, Luann Ridgeway, Kurt Schaefer, Eric Schmitt, Delbert Scott, Charlie Shields, Bill Stouffer and Carl Vogel.

As Jason Rosenbaum notes, it's always more interesting to see who's NOT on the list. Those Senators include: Matt Bartle, Jason Crowell, Brad Lager, Chuck Purgason and Scott Rupp.

"So many State Senators are supporting Roy Blunt because he is the strongest candidate to beat Robin Carnahan in the general election," said Senate Majority Floor Leader Kevin Engler in a statement.

Former U.S. ambassador Tom Schweich and former state treasurer Sarah Steelman are also mulling bids.

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McCaskill: Obama Underestimated GITMO Challenge

Sen. Claire McCaskill says it's better to be right than quick in dealing with the detainees housed at GITMO.

In an interview, McCaskill wouldn't second-guess the President's decision to announce the closing of GITMO in January without an accompanying plan. But she did add: "He probably underestimated how difficult it was going to be."

*WATCH IT ABOVE*

"This isn't a President that's afraid to say, I need to back up and take another look. There's no shame in that . . . I think it's fine that we're going to wait another few months," McCaskill said.

Get Sen. Bond's quite different take on it all HERE.

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Missing Roy Blunt

The Ozarks Congressman gets a nice, positive write-up in The Hill featuring colleagues who say his leadership will be missed when he leaves the House next year.

PRO-BLUNT BULLETS in the piece:

• "We’re going to lose a hell of a lot," Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) said.
• Blunt’s wins frustrated Democrats so much that they changed the rules of the House
• "They lose a member who has a great sense of the pulse of the conference," said former Republican Conference Chair Adam Putnam.
• "I have a great deal of respect for [Blunt’s] integrity," said Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

Little mention of his U.S. Senate race, besides a short mention that he's behind in the money race.

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Bond Led Charge on Defeating Obama's Gitmo Plan

The Senate's overwhelming rejection of bringing Gitmo detainees to U.S. soil was an unequivocal victory for Sen. Kit Bond, who was one of the earliest and most vocal critics to President Obama's plan.

Obama has said he wants to close the facility by early next year -- but has not yet offered a plan detailing where the detainees should go.

Sen. Bond also stressed that a Pentagon report saying that Guantanamo Bay detainees will return to terrorism should encourage the President to reconsider his plan.

"Sending these terrorists back to the battlefield isn’t an option – because we know Guantanamo graduates go back to the fight," said Bond. "This latest evidence should be another nail in the coffin of the White House's premature closing of our detention facility with no plan to deal with the dangerous terrorists housed there."

ANOTHER BLOW TO OBAMA: The FBI Director warned that bringing detainees to the U.S. would pose a number of possible security risks -- including providing financing, radicalizing others and undertaking attacks.

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Blunt Greenhouse Gas Amendment Fails

An amendment by Congressman Roy Blunt to abandon a cap-and-trade system if electricity rates increase was rejected by the House Energy and Commerce Committee in a vote that mostly broke among party lines.

The legislation at hand would set limits on U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and allow companies to buy and sell pollution permits. Blunt says Missouri utility regulars estimate the legislation would increase rates by as much as 40 percent.

Read the Bloomberg piece HERE.

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"We must look at the real ramifications this bill will have on our already struggling economy," Blunt said. "The bill the Committee is debating can best be described as a national energy tax. It will kill jobs, make America less competitive and punish everyone from families to small businesses and manufacturers by forcing electricity rates to spike. My amendment would serve as an emergency exit from this damaging backdoor energy tax."

Read more of Blunt's view HERE.

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MoDOT to Nixon: Veto Helmet Law Repeal

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Transportation Director Pete Rahn says legislation repealing the state's motorcycle helmet law for adults "makes no sense" and that Gov. Jay Nixon should veto it.

Lawmakers during their annual session that ended last week approved a bill that would lift the helmet requirement for those who are at least 21 years old and not traveling on interstate highways.

Rahn on Wednesday denounced the bill in front of the emergency room of a Jefferson City hospital along with two doctors and a motorcyclist who says he survived a 2006 accident because of his helmet.

A spokesman for Nixon said the governor plans to review the legislation.

Supporters of repealing the helmet law contend motorcyclists should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to wear helmets.

For more of our coverage on the helmet law debate, click HERE.

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Nixon Denies Clemency for Skillicorn

Governor Jay Nixon has denied a clemency petition for Dennis Skillicorn, who is set to be put to death at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

"After careful deliberation, I have denied this petition," the Governor wrote in a statement released late Tuesday.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

"At the time he murdered Richard Drummond, Dennis Skillicorn was out on parole for another murder in Missouri. The jury that recommended the death sentence for Dennis Skillicorn took that previous murder conviction into consideration as an aggravating circumstance. The jury also took into account during the sentencing phase the fact that Richard Drummond was kidnapped and robbed before he was murdered. After more than a decade of legal challenges, both the conviction and the death sentence of Dennis Skillicorn have held up under extensive judicial review by the state and federal courts," Nixon went on. "The two murders for which Dennis Skillicorn was convicted in Missouri are not his only murder convictions. He also received life sentences after pleading guilty to murdering an Arizona couple in 1994, a few days after the Drummond murder."

"The jury that convicted Dennis Skillicorn determined that he deserved the most severe punishment under Missouri law, and my decision on clemency upholds the jury’s action," Nixon concluded.

The Governor also asked that Missourians remember and pray for Skillicorn's victims -- Richard Drummond, Joseph and Charlene Babcock and Wendell Howell.

SEN. CLAIRE MCCASKILL: "What I hate about what's going on this week, is there's a lot of talk about the person who's being executed and what he's been doing in terms of prison and not very many people are thinking about the victim."

DONNA WALMSLEY of Missourians To Abolish The Death Penalty: "Mr. Skillicorn, in his case, he's been doing so much good work in prison that it's a shame he will not be able to continue his good work. We do not believe an execution of someone solves anything."

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Montee Zaps Ozark For Documentation

A state audit found that the City of Ozark often doesn't properly document how it spends taxpayer money.

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At a meeting Tuesday night, State Auditor Susan Montee presented recommendations but said there as no criminal wrongdoing.

"We're not questioning whether or not there was a good decision made in either one of these, but we couldn't even evaluate whether there would be because there was not adequate documentation," Montee said Tuesday night.

*WATCH CLIPS ABOVE TO GET TO MONTEE'S POINT*

"That is a risky area when you're talking about taking cash and not being able to tell if your deposits are being made . . . For instance, that's what led to fraud in the municipal court in Springfield."

WATCH SARA FORHETZ'S KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

A citizen petition by local activist Claude Kinser prompted the audit.

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