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!

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.

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.

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."

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*

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.

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.

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.

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."

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"

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

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 . . .

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

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."

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

***

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.

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.

***

"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.

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.
***
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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

***

"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.

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.

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."

Montee Zaps Ozark For Documentation

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

***

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.

McCaskill Says She's Told WH She's Not Interested in SCOTUS

Senator Claire McCaskill virtually took herself out of the running for a longshot Supreme Court nomination Tuesday by saying she's not interested in the gig.

"I'm not interested. I really like to stir trouble . . . I don't think I'm the right personality for the United States Supreme Court," McCaskill said in a satellite interview Tuesday.

*WATCH FULL CLIP ABOVE*

ADDS: "I've certainly let the White House know that that's not a job I'm interested in."

Last week, CNN reported that Obama was seriously considering her for the Court. A former Bush aide said McCaskill would be a good fit for the job.

D.C. Mayor Showers Mo. Pols with Nats Tickets

Several members of Missouri's Congressional delegation have been treated to free Washington National tickets courtesy of D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty.

WTOP radio reports that Fenty has showered thousands of dollars worth of baseball tickets to campaign contributors, political allies and friends -- including Sen. Kit Bond and Sen. Claire McCaskill.

The article notes that Bond got tickets, despite his vote against D.C. voting rights in 2009.

Mark Segraves writes: "Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) also said yes to the freebies. Rep. JoAnne Emerson (R-Mo. 8th), who was one of the 22 Republicans who voted in favor of D.C. Voting Rights in 2007, is on the list as is Rep. William Clay Jr (D-Mo.1st)."

Fenty spokesperson Mafara Hobson defended how the tickets are being distributed. "The mayor is committed to sharing the tickets with District residents," Hobson says.

"We've Taken a 2 by 4 to the Fine Print"

Sen. Claire McCaskill said new legislation cleared by the Senate Tuesday will remove "hidden traps" used by credit card companies to slap on extra fees and penalties.

A 90 to 5 Senate vote sends the legislation to the President, who is expected to sign it in the coming days. It's a bill that supporters say will make the companies spell out terms in fewer words and treat customers more fairly.

"It's a new day for consumers," said McCaskill in a round of satellite interviews with Missouri television stations Thursday. "We've taken a 2 by 4 to the fine print."

In our interview with the Senator, she said prohibiting companies from issuing cards to people under 21 years of age without a co-signer was one of the most important elements of the bill.

"Kids in college are not a great credit risk. It's a terrible time to lure them into a very bad habit of overspending," said McCaskill.

*WATCH CLIPS OF HER ANSWERS ABOVE*

Sen. Kit Bond also supported the legislation.

Missouri Unemployment Drops in April

8.7% to 8.1%

Missouri's unemployment rate in April dropped by more than half a percentage point to 8.1 percent, the Associated Press notes.

The drop from 8.7 percent in March breaks a nearly yearlong string of rising unemployment numbers and is the greatest monthly drop since at least January 1976.

THE BAD NEWS: In April, Missouri still lost 9,300 jobs in manufacturing, retail and leisure and hospitality.

AND: April also generally posts lower unemployment rates because seasonal work and outdoor industries are hiring but school is still in session.

Run with Robin

Robin Carnahan's campaign for U.S. Senate has sent an e-mail to supporters touting the Democrat's polling advantage over her Republican rivals and inviting supporters to run with Carnahan in a St. Louis race.

"Not only is Robin running for Senate, but once again this year she will be running in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in St. Louis," writes Carnahan campaign manager Mindy Mazur. "For the past few years, Robin, a breast cancer survivor herself, has led a team of family and friends to participate in this run/walk that benefits research to find a cure for breast cancer."

The race is June 13th in St. Louis.

Mazur also asks each supporter to ask 10 people to get involved in the campaign.

Mo. Execution Puts Death Penalty Debate at Forefront

The Grey Lady looks at the death penalty debate in Missouri as the state prepares to execute a prisoner for the first time since 2005.

At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Dennis J. Skillicorn is to be executed for his role in the murder of a businessman in 1994. He was not believed to be the gunman.

The N.Y. Times notes: "In the final days of the state legislative session in Jefferson City last week, a death penalty moratorium was rejected, but the House, which Republicans control, passed a provision calling for a commission to study the question. House leaders say their chamber’s vote sent a signal to Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat in his first term, who has yet to issue a decision on Mr. Skillicorn’s request for clemency."

"He is not the one who actually killed the person, and that just says to me: ‘Whoa! Let’s take a step back,’ ” said State Representative Steven Tilley, the Republican leader.

Mr. Nixon declined interview requests. His aides said he was giving Mr. Skillicorn’s clemency request “a full and fair review.”
***
ALSO: Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty are planning a vigil Tuesday night at 7 p.m. to pray for Skillicorn. The vigil will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on 2818 East Bennett in Springfield.

McCaskill: Homeland Security Should Rely Less on Contractors

Senator Claire McCaskill thinks too many contractors are being used to do government work for the Department of Homeland Security and has asked its director for a count.
***

“Is it like the secret growth of government that we don’t have to own up to the fact that government’s size has blown up because we have all of these contractors?” McCaskill asked Secretary Janet Napolitano during a Senate committee hearing reported by FederalTimes.com.

Read it HERE.

Napolitano said she didn't have a count on contractors but that she would look.

ALSO: McCaskill's request for a July hearing focusing on federal government contracts awarded to Alaska Native corporations have Alaska's Senators concerned.

They believe McCaskill's attempt to gather information from a "selected few" Native corporations could cause inadvertent harm to those groups.

McCaskill: More Stimulus Money In The Mail

Seniors and some disabled veterans will soon see a check in the mail from the federal government as a result of the stimulus package, Sen. Claire McCaskill announced Monday.
***
The one-time $250 check is designed to help put some more money in the pockets of seniors during the economic downturn.

McCaskill's office says the following groups will receive the check:

• Retirees and disabled individuals receiving Social Security
• Disabled veterans receiving benefits from the VA
• Railroad retirement beneficiaries

Payments have begun and will continue throughout May. Seniors don't need to do anything; checks will be sent to them automatically.

Is The Record The "Right" Answer?

A new voice for conservatives recently entered the blogosphere called The Missouri Record.

It's got a sleek look, a neatly organized homepage and the conservative muscle of Patrick Tuohey and Jay Barnes.

The site clearly has a Republican-bent, but Tuohey has promised an arena where opposing views will be represented and stand on their own feet in the battle of ideas.

Case in point: one of the first editorials it published came from David Steelman, who wrote a biting critique about the Republican party. Jay Barnes, a former aide to Congressional candidate Bob Onder and ally of Kenny Hulshof, then issued a response. This type of back and forth from two opposing views is not often seen in the current hyper-partisan blogosphere.
When surveying the blogosphere, the problem isn't the lack of diverse voices. It's trying to find the credible, well-reasoned venues that bring worthwhile thoughts, analysis or new information to the debate.

As blogs have proliferated, they've seem to become more partisan. Nationwide, they're also more liberal blogs out there than conservative blogs.

In Missouri, while there are several conservative-leaning blogs, not one has had the staying power of Fired Up, the go-to website for the Democratic perspective. Fired Up posts more regularly and is cited more by mainstream media blogs than its counterparts. Conservatives might be tempted to say that's because the mainstream media is liberal.

But it may say more about the lack of one cohesive blog that represents the Missouri Republican Party.

Tuohey said he decided to start The Missouri Record after participating in the 2006 and 2008 election cycles. He said he observed that people in Missouri have few places to go to either write about their own views or read about the political views of others.

"Campaign sites depend on the fortunes of the campaign and then are focused on a single issue and blogs are often nasty and authored by just one person," Tuohey said. "Several blogs are run by consultants who just act as shills for their clients."

Tuohey said the Record is designed to be a "perpetual and statewide op-ed page of a newspaper, independent of any campaign, party or client."

If Tuohey's stated goal remains pure, that would be a welcome departure. In fact, he won't even call his website a blog. "Although the Record has a blog attached to it, I think it is the least of our offerings," he said.

In the coming weeks, The Record hopes to interview freshman House members from both sides of the aisle and all of the candidates to fill Sen. Kit Bond's seat.

But he said not to look for it to become the conservative answer to Fired Up.

"I don't care for Fired Up's model for several reasons. First, they publish under pseudonym, something we have committed to not do. Second, Fired Up prints personal attacks which I don't care for, and third, Fired Up is so rabidly partisan that it really brings nothing of value to readers, save for making like-minded partisans more angry," Tuohey said. "When you visit Fird Up, you already know what you are getting."

Asked for a response, Fired Up's Sean Nicholson said Tuohey's dislike of Fired Up may be related to his website's reporting "that his efforts on TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) were not a Missouri-based effort, but were instead an Astroturf group based on behalf of New York millionaire Howard Rich."

He added that "a significant portion" of the Fired Up community posts under their own names, and that the decision is left up to the individual user.

Despite their ideological differences, Nicholson said he welcomes The Record to the debate. "If he is trying to build a conservative counterweight to Fired Up, we wish him the best. It'll be the fourth of fifth try," Nicholson said.

Tuohey said he wants to attract a readership that comes for the quality, not because they can guess the content. "Although the three directors who run The Record have a right-of-center worldview, we will publish well-written pieces with which we disagree," Tuohey pledged.

Now just imagine a world where Record contributors could submit the occasional response to appear on Fired Up and vice versa.

Now that'd be content we'd all be interested in.

Week 18: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 18 GRADE: B +

As is usual in politics, there are two ways to gauge the amount of success Governor Nixon had during the final week of the legislative session. You could give him credit for eeking out the economic development bill that he made his the top priority. Or you could dock him major points for failing to convince Republicans to restore any healthcare coverage to a single Missourian this year -- a pledge that was the foundation of this campaign for Governor. On another big campaign pledge: expanding A + scholarships, Nixon also came up short. And while he was able to squeeze out a deal with the clock winding down, the first-year Governor was not able to meet his own mid-session goal of signing an economic development bill. There's a fair argument to be made that Nixon didn't deliver on some key initiatives. But here's why The Notebook grade reflects credit where credit is due. In the end, he got his economic development package and Republican Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields praised Nixon's behind-the-scenes negotiating tactics in helping craft the agreement. Nixon's subtle deal-making skills were also on display in nudging lawmakers to authorize $133 million dollars in stimulus money to extend unemployment benefits. It's an idea that was blasted by business groups and some Republicans earlier this session, but Nixon won out. And right now, James Carville's legendary thesis -- "it's the economy stupid" -- especially rings true in state politics. Nixon's failure to get any Medicaid restoration was a clear loss, but it wasn't for not trying. And that's a promise he'll be judged on down the road, so he gets political slack for now. Plus: he is up against Republican majorities while trying to do all this. The most troubling part of the week for Nixon may have been the news that two Republican lawmakers signed affidavits accusing a top aide of attempting to bribe them. It's a blemish, but it's too early to know how big of one. Overall, Nixon received fairly good press from my colleagues in Missouri's "Capitol Gang" in their aftermath writings. The Kansas City Star delivered the most emphatic verdict by declaring a Nixon a winner -- for not losing by avoiding a harsh political setback. Nixon said he scored a touchdown, but missed the point after. That seems fair. We're glad he's keeping score too.

Down The Stretch They Come

'09 SESSION REACHES FINAL STRETCH
Closing Bell Rings Friday @ 6 p.m.

With just hours left in the 2009 legislative session, Senators are close to a deal on a major economic development bill, crime legislation is in conference and there are fresh doubts about a healthcare agreement.

But never say never in Jefferson City.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Will Texting Ban Survive in Crime Bill?

Senator Ryan McKenna (D-Crystal City) has added an amendment to the omnibus crime bill that would ban young people from text messaging on Missouri roads except in certain circumstances.

House Bill 62 must be worked out in a conference committee to survive. The Senate blog has more on the slew of provisions in the bill HERE.

WATCH Sen. McKenna and Sen. Matt Bartle debate the texting provision in the clip above.

"There's an epidemic going on in this country," said Sen. McKenna.

"There are lots of activities that lead to inattentive driving . . . and eating is one of them," countered Sen. Bartle.

Rep. Shane Schoeller tells The Notebook a ban on texting for those 21 years and younger is still alive in the crime bill's conference report.

A COMPROMISE?: How about just banning Twittering while driving?

Schoeller: Anti-Abortion Bill Likely Dead

A bill that would expand Missouri's 24-hour informed consent law for abortions is likely dead, according to Willard Rep. Shane Schoeller.

"The pro-life bill is no longer a reality," Schoeller told The Notebook Thursday evening. He said a Senate severability provision that would exempt a Columbia abortion facility for three years likely killed the bill. "There's not enough consensus to even bring it to the floor," Schoeller said.

WHAT KILLED IT?

"If the new law is struck down, you could keep the exception for that center, so in 2012, if that were to occur, the whole statute goes away. Then you have no 24-hour notice for anyone," explained Schoeller.

The bill passed the Senate, but it ran into trouble in the House because anti-abortion lobbyists complain the bill has been "watered down."

The measure, House Bill 46 & 434, would add newer requirements that must be met at least 24 hours before an abortion can be performed. New materials developed by the Department of Health and Senior Services that detail the risks of an abortion and the development of an "unborn child" at two weeks must be shared with the expectant mother, according to the legislation. The expectant mother must also be allowed to view an ultrasound and hear the heartbeat.

*WATCH A SENATE FLOOR CLIP ABOVE*

Sen. Rob Mayer of Dexter argues for it;

Sen. Jolie Justus argues against it

Without Any Dissent

A proposed constitutional amendment that would provide a property tax exemption for disabled POWs is likely on its way to the November 2010 ballot.

***

Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal's proposal would exempt POWs who suffer from a total service-related disability from paying property taxes.

The House passed the House Joint Resolution 159-0, followed by a Senate shutout of 31-0.

"Disabled former prisoners of war have suffered and continue to suffer from the consequences of their confinement," said Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City. "This proposal is one small way for Missouri to recognize their sacrifices."

The proposed constitutional amendment will go on the November 2010 statewide ballot unless Governor Nixon sets an earlier date.

Danforth Brings Schweich to Springfield

LUNCH WITH JACK & TOM

Former Sen. Jack Danforth brought potential U.S. Senate candidate Tom Schweich to Springfield Thursday to meet with some high-dollar GOP donors, The Notebook has learned.

Sources say it was part of a daylong tour of multiple cities to feel out potential support for Schweich's 2010 Senate campaign.

According to a brief phone conversation with John Mahaffey, a major Republican donor, Schweich was in town for a luncheon.

But during our conversation, Mahaffey quickly became annoyed with the interviewer and abruptly hung up the phone.

Here's the transcript:

Catanese: Mr. Mahaffey, I heard that Senator Danforth was in town with Mr. Schweich. Can you tell me if that's true?

Mahaffey: They were. We had a little luncheon meeting.

Catanese: So was it about his Senate candidacy?

Mahaffey: I'm not prepared to comment on that.

Catanese: Ok. Well, can I ask if you're supporting someone in the Senate race yet?

Mahaffey: That's not what I said. Don't try to put words in my mouth now, boy.

Catanese: I didn't try to . . . Well . . . Can I . . .?

Mahaffey: That's what I told you. If you're gonna be a son of a bitch about it, I don't want to talk to you.

-Phone Hangs Up-

Mahaffey is a longtime ally of and contributor to Sen. Kit Bond. He was also a "Pioneer" for George W. Bush, raising at least $100,000 for him. He is president of Mahaffey Enterprises Inc.

***

ALSO: Springfield Republican donor Neal Ethridge of the Tindle Mills Company would not comment on a meeting with Schweich.

"I don't have a comment," Ethridge said when asked about Schweich's visit. "That's my business. I have no comment," he added in a brief, but less volatile conversation.

AP Ponders A Session of "No"

With about 24 hours left in the legislative session, Missouri's wire service notes that major initiatives are currently stalled.

***

Lawmakers have been unable to reach agreements on large bills dealing with economic development, health care and abortion.

POINTS OF CONTENTION:

• Senators are stuck over whether to limit the amount of tax credits that can be approved to renovate old buildings.
• Legislators are still wrestling with language that would expand Missouri's 24-hour informed consent law to have an abortion.
• Disagreements remain on a proposed expansion of healthcare.

Session ends 6 p.m. Friday

Objects In Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear

DEM POLL: STEELMAN LOOKS TOUGHER

"It is telling that Steelman initially performs nearly as well as Blunt, despite having a name identification 30 points lower . . . This speaks to Blunt's weakness."

*Analysis*

ALSO: TEAM BLUNT RESPONDS

The news that another poll shows Robin Carnahan leading both of her potential GOP opponents in the 2010 U.S. Senate race is no surprise.

The primary-less Secretary of State should come out ahead in most every poll for at least the rest of the year. After all, Republicans from the grass-roots (think Tea Party) to the upper echelons (think Sen. Danforth) are, should we say, sorting through their options.

But go inside the analysis and internal numbers of this Democracy Corps poll and you find the juicier data that will have Republicans conversing over drinks at Metropolitan Grill this weekend.

For instance, in the second paragraph of the analysis you come upon this sentence: "It appears as if (Sarah) Steelman may be the tougher foe with a stronger profile than (Roy) Blunt and the potential to run a fresh outsider candidacy that Blunt cannot offer."

Reads like a Steelman for Senate press release. But this a Democratic poll. That's a sentence you discuss in private staff meetings, not blast out to the public. So why would the Dems publish a poll making Steelman's case for her, and then leak it scores of reporters?

Why not just leave it at: "Carnahan licks 'em both. It don't matta." Maybe it's brutal honest analysis, maybe there's something more cynical at work or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.

FAVORABILITY

Carnahan 46%, Blunt 33%, Steelman 22%

Carnahan's favorables are much higher than both her Republican rivals. Despite being state treasurer and running for Governor just last year, just half of voters have a good idea of who she is. She's largely undefined.

"It is telling that Steelman initially performs nearly as well as Blunt, despite having a name identification 30 points lower. This speaks to Blunt's weakness as a candidate," reads the analysis of the poll. "Steelman looks like the tougher candidate"

It continues: "The consummate political insider, Blunt is weighed down by his long history of voting the Republican Party line, his numerous votes to give himself pay raises while opposing a minimum wage increase and his leading support for the TARP bailout."

This Democratic makes the argument for Steelman without her making even a peep more about "white guys in suits."

Not surprisingly, the Blunt campaign isn't impressed.

"The timing of this poll is suspect and we would not be surprised if the same liberal group that ran this poll was working with the liberal group that falsely attacked Roy Blunt because he opposed an energy tax on Missouri families," said Blunt spokesman Rich Chrismer in an e-mailed statement.

"Other public polls, including the one by Public Policy Polling and the controversial push poll by Wilson's Strategies have shown the race within the margin of error. In fact, every public poll has shown Roy Blunt as the strongest Republican candidate in a head to head race with Robin Carnahan," Chrismer added.

It's true that Blunt still comes closer to Carnahan than Steelman. But it's just by 3 points. In a static environment. Without television ads blaring about "Abramoff, bailouts and earmarks."

Parsing through the questions, there are glimmers of hope for the party with the blues. Give 'em generic party I.D. and the Republicans come out ahead 45-43%. It's still Missouri afterall.

Also, asked if you want someone who supports Obama -- it's a 49%-40% edge for the pro-Obama candidate. But Missouri was the only battleground state Obama lost in November. And dive further into the numbers and respondents are split between Obama as "making the right decisions" and "spending, borrowing and taxing too much." It's a 49%-49% tie.

Finally, the statements read about each candidate (pro & con) seem pretty fair after the first read.

Here's a sample of some of the positives and negatives presented about each candidate:

PRO-ROBIN: "Carnahan cracked down on companies that tried to take advantage of Missouri's senior citizens through investor fraud. In the Senate, she will work to rebuild the economy . .

ANTI-ROBIN: "If Carnahan is elected to the Senate, she will be a rubber stamp for Democratic Party leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid . . ."

PRO-ROY: "In Congress, he fought for and passed the largest tax cut for Americans in history so businesses can grow and create new jobs . . ."

ANTI-ROY: "For ten years in Washington, Blunt has voted down the line with his Republican Party. He voted with George Bush to stop an expansion of children's health care . . .

PRO-SARAH: "As State Treasurer, Steelman stood up to the Governor of her own party when he tried to use taxpayer money on a secret deal to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit . . ."

ANTI-SARAH: "Steelman supported massive health care cuts which have slashed or eliminated health care for four hundred thousand Missourians . . ."

The questions seem very pointed but fair. And overall, this poll may be more positive news for Steelman than it is for Carnahan.

Then again, if Mr. Tom Schweich decides to leap in over the next few weeks, throw it out the window.

New Polls Show Blunt & Steelman at Comparable Strength Against Carnahan

DRIP, DRIP, DRIP
A new poll of the Missouri U.S. Senate race released to The Notebook by a Democratic pollster shows Democrat Robin Carnahan holding steady leads over both Congressman Roy Blunt and Sarah Steelman.

But the margin between Blunt & Steelman is within the margin of error -- Carnahan over Blunt by 9 points; Carnahan over Steelman by 12 points:

CARNAHAN 53%
BLUNT 44%

CARNAHAN 54%
STEELMAN 42%

The poll was taken by Democracy Corps of 800 Missouri likely voters between April 28th-30th.

The margin of error is 3.5%

Nodler: Anywhere You Raise, I Can Raise More

MAY DAY
The Joplin State Senator sounds more and more like a Congressional candidate in an interview with the Capitol Hill based publication Roll Call -- signaling he'll decide on a race to replace Roy Blunt by month's end.
***
NODLER DROPS $$$ GAUNTLET:
"If I run, I will be able to raise money in more parts of this Congressional district than any other candidate. I will have a less regional fundraising report in the sense that I think you'll see contributions from every part of the Congressional disrict," Sen. Gary Nodler told reporter John McArdle.

Adds: "All of the folks who posture may not end up being candidates who make the trip to the state Capitol and file."

Nodler has not yet said if he'll run, but signaled a decision by the end of May.

Article also includes quotes from already announced candidates Darrell Moore, Jack Goodman and Billy Long

Read the entire piece HERE

Lawmakers OK Gitmo Resolution

State lawmakers have given final approval to a resolution that urges the federal government not to use Missouri for the transportation of terror suspects from Guantanamo Bay.

***

The resolution is symbolic and nonbinding and will be sent to President Obama and Congressional leaders.

Specifically it asks the federal government not to use Missouri’s airports, highways, railways and waterways for the transportation of terror suspects from Guantanamo Bay. Rep. Clint Tracy, a Naval Reserve, sponsored the resolution after President Obama ordered the prison closed within the year.

"Exposing Missouri's citizens to any potential hostile threat is unwarranted and it is a shame that the current administration does not hold this same judgment," said Rep. Tracy. "With still no plan from our federal government on how to properly manage the President's ill-conceived executive order, we have taken it upon ourselves to echo what Missourians are saying across the state, 'Don't bring them in our backyard,'" Tracy added.

Rambling & Rumbling With The Rabbi

SHALOM!

Wake up bright and early Thursday morning and tune into to "Ramble & Rumble with Rabbi Eukel" to hear me chat about Missouri politics.

***

Rabbi Eukel has invited me on from 7-7:24 a.m. to talk about the latest developments in the 2010 U.S. Senate race and 7th Congressional district race in Missouri.

Click HERE to listen, and then look for the May 14th episode.

Open up the community chat room to leave your thoughts, comments and criticisms.

Read more about the Rabbi HERE.

A+ College Tuition Expansion Likely Dead

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The chairman of the House Education Committee says a proposal to give certain students four years of free college tuition likely won't pass this year.

Republican House member Maynard Wallace, of Thornfield, is reshaping a large education bill that was defeated Tuesday. The A+ Schools Program expansion was in the bill, but Wallace said
Wednesday it won't be when the bill resurfaces.

Part of the proposal would have covered community college tuition for students from all high schools, rather than only certain schools.

A second part would have given students who begin at community college two more years of free tuition at public universities.

Taken together, the provisions could cost more than $50 million.

Gov. Jay Nixon had campaigned on the scholarship expansion last year.

Blunt Left Out of Obama Healthcare Meeting

Congressman Roy Blunt is not happy about not being included in a White House meeting about employer healthcare costs.

***

President Obama held a roundtable discussion with business leaders Tuesday -- but Republicans were shut out.

From the Washington Post: "I've told the President and White House staff on numerous occasions that the House Health Care Solutions Group is ready to work with him toward the shared goal of making quality, affordable health care accessible to all Americans," Blunt said in a statement. "This common ground serves as a constructive starting point for true health care reform, but we find private, one-party meetings that set arbitrary deadlines a sign of a troubling lack of bipartisanship," he added.

Blunt chairs a House special committee on healthcare.

Take It Where Ya Can Get It

Springfield's GO Magazine is out with its "20 Under 30" list, and apparently the Missouri Political News Service was shut out of the voting.

The Notebook humbly thanks the folks over at "GO." Their generous description will surely have music fans horrified (Lady GaGa!), some conservatives outraged (Chris Matthews!?) and many of my colleagues rolling their eyes.

You can read their "20 under 30" picks HERE.

McCaskill Tapped to Help Obama on SCOTUS Pick

Sen. Claire McCaskill is one of three Senate Democrats who have been tapped by President Obama to help advise him on his pick for the U.S Supreme Court.

Roll Call reports that the president has asked McCaskill and Sens. Dick Durbin and Chuck Schumer to help him vet and gauge Senate support for prospective nominees.

Supreme Court Justice David Souter has announced he's retiring at the end of the term, and the president said he'd like a new justice in place by the fall.

From Roll Call: "Obama has used McCaskill, in particular, as a window into how his pick might be viewed by Democratic centrists and female Senators, one Democratic aide said. Another Senate Democratic aide said Obama will likely count on McCaskill, Schumer and Durbin to act as the chief defenders of his nominee when the candidate comes under attack."

Neither Schumer nor McCaskill would answer questions related to the Supreme Court nomination on Tuesday.

Lawmakers Want All Cigarettes Self-Extinguishing

PUFF, PUFF

State lawmakers have passed legislation requiring that all cigarettes sold in Missouri be self-extinguishing.

It's a bill that easily passed both chambers with strong bipartisan support. But one smokes salesman points out that Missouri's just playing catch-up -- and that not all smokers are digging the taste.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Nixon Close To Fee Office Reform

Governor Jay Nixon is lauding the passage of legislation that will require Missouri's license fee offices to be put up for competitive bid.

UPDATED @ 9:40 PM: BUT GOP CALLS FOUL ON REFORM

Says Major Nixon contributors have now become the new contractors for HALF of all the license offices

Nixon's fee office reform was one of the first policies he announced as Governor. In January, the South Fremont office in Springfield was one of the first he put up for bid. The passage of House Bill 683 is expected to make those changes permanent.

To date, the Governor's office says 102 of 183 of the state's license offices have been put out for competitive bid. 11 offices have been awarded; the bidding process has closed on another 61 offices.

"Four months after I ended the system of political patronage for fee offices, the General Assembly has ensured that its vestiges will be gone under future Governors as well," Gov. Nixon said. "Missourians deserve to know that the management of their local fee office has been chosen based on merit and how well they serve their customers, not on political affiliation. This is a great day in making our reforms permanent."

MOGOP RESPONDS:

"In the wake of criticism surrounding Governor Jay Nixon's appointment of his moneyed supporters to plum government positions and his attempt to bribe state lawmakers, he is now falsely boasting that he somehow 'ended' Missouri's patronage system when, in fact, he has rewarded multiple license offices to his political cronies," said GOP spokesman Jonathan Prouty. "Nearly half of the license offices awarded by Nixon to date have been doled out to his campaign donors—donors linked to more than $40,000 in contributions to his 2008 gubernatorial campaign. This figure could increase exponentially as a number of wealthy, well-connected Nixon donors have placed bids for license offices that have yet to be awarded," said Prouty.

PLUS: Tony Messenger TWITTERS that two conflicting fee office bills have now passed.

Ron Paul Group Upset With Blunt-MoveOn Meeting

Missouri's Campaign for Liberty group is blasting Congressman Roy Blunt for his staffers meeting with MoveOn.org.

In a blogpost on their site, Paul Hamby writes: "Congressman Blunt, We should ABOLISH the Department of Energy. They have accomplished nothing in their 30 years of existence."

On Monday, The Notebook reported that two Blunt staffers agreed to meet with Springfield members of MoveOn.org about energy policy and that MoveOn leader Jonathan Conrad was "satisfied" with the meeting.

"Do you recall that we had nearly $5 per gallon gas recently and we have not built a new Nuclear Power Plant in America in all the years that you were in Washington? We should start that budget cutting your friend Obama talks about by eliminating the dept of energy," wrote Hamby in an angry response.

"Perhaps you should file in the Democrat Primary where your agenda of big government and reckless spending belong," Hamby wrote.

Campaign for Liberty is group affiliated with former presidential candidate Ron Paul, with the stated goal of promoting "the great American principles of individual liberty, constitutional government, sound money, free markets, and a noninterventionist foreign policy."

Elmer Speaks To Architects

Nixa alderman Kevin Elmer will speak to the American Institute of Architects at Drury University Wednesday afternoon.

Elmer, who is currently in the exploratory phase of a run for the 7th Congressional District, says he'll speak more about his ideas if he were to run for Roy Blunt's seat. Elmer also says he'll encourage other architects to become politically involved.

The release reads: This will not be an announcement regarding his candidacy.

The meeting is set for noon at the Hammons School of Architecture on Drury Lane.

Huckabee to Headline College of the Ozarks Graduation

Mike Huckabee will be the commencement speaker at this Sunday's College of the Ozarks graduation ceremonies.

***

The former Arkansas Governor and Republican presidential candidate will speak in the Keeter Gymnasium where 251 students will receive their diplomas. Baccalaureate service will begin at 11 a.m. and commencement will follow at 2 p.m.

Huckabee currently hosts a weekend talk show on the Fox News Channel. He also does daily radio commentary for ABC radio.

Springfield Woman Becomes New Women Voters President

Springfield's League of Women Voters President has been elected state president of the organization.

Lois Detrick was elected president at the group's annual convention in Jefferson City earlier this month. Cindy Stephens, vice president of the local chapter, was elected secretary of the Missouri League of Women Voters. Their terms will run until 2011.

"This is the first time two southwest Missouri League members have been elected to such high state offices in the organization," Detrick said in a statement.

AP: There's A Snake In Jeff City

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A snake is being blamed for a power outage at the Missouri Capitol.

The electricity went out in downtown Jefferson City for about an hour Tuesday as lawmakers were debating legislation and scores of schoolchildren were touring the Capitol.

AmerenUE spokeswoman Susan Gallagher says a black snake got into the underground electric cables near the Capitol, causing two cables to short out. The snake got electrocuted.

Several people were stuck in Capitol elevators when the power went out around noon. Capitol Police Chief Todd Hurt says they all were freed within 20 minutes, and no injuries were reported.

The power outage also affected the Governor's Mansion and various other downtown buildings.

Danforth Lends Credibility to Schweich

*ANALYSIS*

Former Senator John Danforth's endorsement of St. Louis law professor Thomas Schweich for U.S. Senate gives the little known former U.S. ambassador an initial jolt of credibility among top tier Republicans who remain uneasy about next year's election prospects.

Schweich is not well known outside of St. Louis political circles, but Danforth's strong backing of his former chief of staff is grabbing the attention of GOP leaders, donors and consultants across the state.

"I think it's important we have a viable Republican Party. I think Tom offers an excellent possibility that we can keep the seat. He is a fresh face. He is hard working, tenacious and he knows how to spot the major issues," Danforth said in an interview with The Notebook Monday, in describing why he's backing Schweich.

Danforth, a political moderate who has said evangelical Christians wield too much influence in the modern Republican Party, is once again taking on the establishment of his party with his public backing of Schweich. It's a direct rebuke of Congressman Roy Blunt's candidacy and a clear separation from the current incumbent, Sen. Kit Bond, who just tossed his official blessing to Blunt on Friday.

If there was any doubt that the Missouri Republican Party is deeply conflicted about how to best defeat Robin Carnahan next year, Monday's news should rest the case.

"I think we have a better chance at keeping Senator Bond's seat with Tom Schweich than anyone else I can think of," Danforth said.

Schweich has only said he would run if he can prove to be a unifying force. But Danforth isn't likely to advocate so publicly for a former colleague without a clear sense of his intentions.

In our conversation, Danforth chose his words carefully, always heeding to the 11th commandment created by President Ronald Reagan. "I'm not for speaking ill of any Republicans," Danforth replied, when The Notebook asked him specifically about Blunt and former state treasurer Sarah Steelman.

"I simply present him as an alternative. At this point and time in our history, I believe it would be good to have a fresh face. I believe it would be better to have someone who has not been part of Washington," Danforth said without ever specifically mentioning Blunt.

back in 2001, meant to question Within hours of Schweich's announcement, the opposition research wheels began running. There was word of a $500 dollar campaign contribution from Schweich to Claire McCaskill in 2001, a leak designed to question Schweich's allegiance to the Republican party.

Schweich could prove to be a prolific fundraiser who could position himself as a political outsider with insider credibility. Or he could prove to be a flop. But the impact of Schweich on Blunt, Steelman and even Carnahan's prospects is for another day. (Does Schweich help divide the vote for Steelman in St. Louis? Would he be best against Robin?)

Schweich's mere public interest in the race, and Danforth's enthusiastic blessing of it, is another piece of evidence of the strain in a Republican party currently fighting about whether going through rehab is the best option.

Danforth said he would ultimately support the Republican nominee, whoever it is.

"If he decides to do it, I will be very encouraging. I will be all for him," Danforth said. "If he does not do it, I will support whoever our party chooses."

But with his comments Monday, Danforth becomes an elder Missouri statesman who has ventured back into the arena, deciding that his party sits at too critical a crossroad to remain on the sidelines.

And if Schweich proves to be viable candidate, he likely won't owe many people more than former Senator Danforth.

Blunt Wants GOP Healthcare Plan By Memorial Day

Congressman Roy Blunt says he hopes to arm his colleagues with a set of GOP healthcare solutions before the Memorial Day recess.

Blunt chairs a special group on Healthcare reform.

"We hope to have a set of solutions outlined that we think Republicans can rally around for our members to take home with them when they leave here at the end of the month," the former House GOP whip told The Hill.

Blunt is also raising concerns that President Obama has not detailed the specific costs of his plan.

"Reining in costs is important," Blunt is quoted saying in McClatchy Newspapers, "but we cannot overlook the fact that this pledge alone doesn't save the federal government any money." Blunt said Americans deserve to know how Obama would pay for a plan that has been estimated to cost more than $1.2 trillion over a decade, and "we still haven't seen a plan."

MoveOn.org Reports Satisfying Meeting With Blunt Staff

BLUNT AGREED TO MEET WITH THE GROUP HIMSELF

You can't always hug it out, but sometimes actually sitting down and talking with your political adversary can help turn down the partisan temperature.

Case in point: Springfield's representative for the liberal MoveOn.org political group said he's satisfied after a meeting with Congressman Roy Blunt's office on the issue of energy. (Go ahead, read it again.)

Jonathan Conrad of Springfield's MoveOn.org chapter told The Notebook that his group met with two Blunt staffers last week, and called it "a well-rounded meeting."

Blunt even agreed to meet with the MoveOn members himself on May 1st, but his campaign spokesperson said (and MoveOn confirms) that it was MoveOn that declined the meeting. (Blunt spokesman Rich Chrismer said Blunt rearranged his schedule to fit the meeting in.)

"It was too soon." said Conrad. "They were offering us a meeting the next day and we just didn't have all our people ready," he added.

Still, Conrad said the rescheduled meeting with staffers was productive, if not always agreeable. It centered on the cap and trade energy bill, and why they are advocating for its passage. "They agreed with us on many parts of the bill, but were clearly concerned about costs. But it was a well-rounded meeting and we're satisfied," Conrad said.

Chrismer makes the case that this shows Blunt "is an open book," -- a clear contrast with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Robin Carnahan.

"First this shows that Roy is an open book, accessible and willing to discuss his positions on issues, even with liberal Democrats who clearly have a partisan agenda," Chrismer said.

"Second, this shows a real difference between Roy Blunt and Robin Carnahan. Roy is willing to discuss his positions and record on the issues and Robin Carnahan is attempting to conceal her positions and record on the issues by dodging questions from the media and refusing to meet Roy for a series of candidate forums this year," Chrismer added.

Nixon: Autism Issue Could Prompt Special Session

Governor Jay Nixon signaled that he'd consider calling a special legislative session if the House doesn't move on autism legislation by week's end.

"If they were not to get this done by 6 o'clock on Friday, I'd consider calling them back to take another shot at it," Nixon said at a news conference in Springfield Monday.

*WATCH NIXON'S PUSH ABOVE*

The Governor used the event to call on the Missouri House to take up legislation passed by the Senate, which would mandate insurance coverage for autism treatments. He said the vast majority of insurance plans available in Missouri offer no coverage for autism.

"The bill passed 29 to 2 in the Senate . . . In all due deference and respect to the position of the Speaker, I think the people of the state of Missouri have spoken very, very clearly on the issue," Nixon said.

Could Missouri Get Growlers To Go?

Legislation that would allow certain restaurants to sell growlers of beer to go is now heading to Governor Jay Nixon.

Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal's bill would apply to larger establishments that have at least 45 taps of draft beer and derive at least 50 percent of their income from the sale of food.

"This minor change in state law will allow small businesses that specialize in craft beers, including many made in Missouri by both large and small brewers, to attract new customers and grow their sales," said Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City in a statement Monday. "Many of these specialty beers are available only on draft at restaurants and bars. This legislation will allow adult beer aficionados to enjoy these fine products at home."

Growlers Pub, in Creve Coeur, describes an original growler as "a wooden bucket used to transport beer, before the invention of bottles or cans." Now, the growler has transformed into a 64-ounce glass jug.

Rep. Chapelle-Nadal attached her proposal as an amendment to House Bill 132, which includes various provisions related to state alcohol regulations.

Steelman Reacts To Schweich

"Let's Try Having A Little Competition"

Still unannounced Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Sarah Steelman welcomes Tom Schweich to the fray after the St. Louis lawyer tells reporters he's considering a candidacy for U.S. Senate.

In an e-mail to The Notebook, Steelman, who seems likely to run for the seat but has not made any official announcement, said she was glad to see Shweich (pronounced SHW-IKE) taking an interest.

"The US Senate is a very important office and I am glad to see Mr. Schweich taking an interest in it. I don't know what he stands for yet so I will be interested in learning his views about the role of government," said Steelman. "I think the Republican Party needs to embrace people who are willing to run for office instead of letting political power brokers who are more interested in profiting off of government and retaining their power hand pick someone for the job. Let's try having a little competition in the free market of ideas in the Republican Party instead of a monopoly," Steelman added.

Schweich said Monday that he will seriously consider a race for Senate and plans to talk to Republicans across the state over the next month before he decides.

Blunt Reaches Out To Schweich

Congressman Roy Blunt wasted no time reaching out to Tom Schweich Monday, hours after the former U.S. ambassador and Washington University law professor told reporters he was interested in running for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

"Roy Blunt would welcome Mr. Schweich's support in our campaign," said spokesman Rich Chrismer in a statement sent to The Notebook. "As Senator Bond said last week, Roy has the desire and the ability to unite our party which is why he has wide and broad support from grassroots volunteers to Missouri's elected officials," Chrismer added.

The news of Schweick's political interests comes just days after the Blunt campaign unveiled a round of endorsements from public officials in a clear attempt to reset a campaign that's been hobbled by an early round of unfavorable media reports.

Last Thursday morning, Roll Call reported that Blunt had signed on Karen Mohan day for his fundraising efforts. Later in the day, the campaign announced the backing from 71 state House lawmakers. On Friday, Sen. Kit Bond and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson flew around the state, touting their backing of the Ozarks Congressman.

Now comes news that former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman isn't the only Republican rival eyeing Blunt in a primary.

"This has a potential to cut majorly into Roy's fundraising base," said one St. Louis Republican, speaking freely on the condition of anonymity. "These are some big names lining up behind Schweich. Big money Republicans that give $2 or $4-thousand dollars every cycle," the Republican continued.

For more on Tom Schweich's background, click HERE and HERE.

But Chrismer noted that Blunt has been the only candidate to directly engage likely Democratic nominee Robin Carnahan.

"Roy Blunt appears to be the only one willing to draw contrast with Robin Carnahan or compare his record on the issues with hers," Chrismer said. "If we are going to prevent the national Democrats from total one-party control in Washington, we need a candidate like Roy Blunt who is going to stand up for Missouri common sense and fight and win to put Missouri's future first," Chrismer said.

A Third Way for 2010?

Former U.S. ambassador and current law professor Tom Schweich says he's seriously considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2010.

Schweich, who served as an ambassador for counternarcotics in Afghanistan under President Bush and chief of staff for Sen. Jack Danforth when he was special counsel to the Justice Department, tells The Notebook he's been encouraged to run by prominent Republicans unhappy with the candidacy of Roy Blunt.

Former Sen. Danforth and Sam Fox are believed to be pushing Schweich's case.

"What's most important is winning," said Schweich in an interview Monday. "If I could be a unifying force, I would do it, if not, I wouldn't."

Schweich wrote an editorial in The St. Louis Post-Dispatch earlier this year criticizing Blunt's ability to win the general election. "That's my only criticism. I like Roy Blunt. I think he's been a good for the state. This is just about winning."

Schweich went on: "I am really concerned about having two Democratic Senators and a Democratic Governor and that as Republicans we would be shut out of the top leadership in our state. It's an unbalanced situation for our state and our country. We need to think carefully about who can beat Robin Carnahan. To the extent that I would make it easier to do that, I would run."

Schweich said he had no official timeline for making a decision , but said he wants to spend the next two to three weeks talking to more Republicans around the state.

"The main thing is I don't want to be a divisive figure. I think the opposition I have is the thought that I'd have a tough time against Roy Blunt. But I think the reason people are approaching me is because they are looking beyond that, to the general. That's why people are looking at me."

Week 17: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 17 GRADE: C -

Much of the rough and tumble of last week's legislative budget crafting ended up being overshadowed by Republican allegations that a top aide to Governor Nixon offered bribes for votes. The state GOP's move to request investigations into exactly what deputy chief of staff Dustin Allison said during his lobbying blitz was to be expected. But it's not what the Governor needed when more "gentle" arm-twisting will likely be required this week. Democrats, who have called the allegation "ridiculous," say the charges are designed to distract from the issue at hand: expanding healthcare coverage to low-income Missouri parents. Cutting deals for votes is as old as the union and quid pro quos are almost always murky and difficult to nail down. But Jason Rosenbaum's video of the freshmen Republicans who were allegedly offered something is probably the most damning public evidence to date. "He said, 'I'm prepared to make a deal right now,'" said Rep. Anne Zerr. Rep. Chris Molendorp said he was "on the fence." But when "faced with that type of proposition," Moldendorp said he had no choice to vote no because "it was clearly over the line." Springfield Rep. Eric Burlison told me this week that the allegations "were very real." With a 56% approval rating, Governor Nixon has the clout to line-item veto some of the GOP stimulus projects. But in the short term, the simple stink of arm-twisting won't help boost goodwill among Republicans, who Nixon will need as he tries to salvage his top priorities in the final week of the session.

Nixon To Tour Storm Damage Saturday

STATE OF EMERGENCY

Governor Jay Nixon will tour the storm damage at Fair Grove High School Saturday, one day after a swath of wind-whipping storms swept across Missouri, damaging property, causing injuries and taking at least three lives.
***
The roof was ripped off the Fair Grove High School as a result of what's being called by meteorologists as an "inland hurricane."

Nixon's tour is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m.
Willard Rep. Shane Schoeller says he'll also attend.
The Governor is slated to visit Joplin around 11 a.m.

Nixon declared a state of emergency earlier Friday:
"My primary concern is the safety of Missourians and this executive order makes state agency resources available to help communities respond to the storms," Gov. Nixon said.
***

CONGRESSMAN ROY BLUNT STATEMENT:
"My thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities . . . Our area has seen this type of destruction and much worse in the past but always come together to help friends and neighbors recover."

Moore Swears Off Earmarks

Newly minted Congressional candidate Darrell Moore called for a spending freeze and promised not to take earmarks if elected to the U.S. House.

ON WHY HE WON'T TAKE EARMARKS: "Because it was secretive - it gave too much power to a Congressman. We have a bridge to nowhere. If a project is a legitimate public expenditure it should go through a normal hearing like any other item in the budget so that everybody can see it and talk about it," Moore said.

*WATCH FULL GIVE & TAKE ABOVE*

Bond Endorses on Friday, Does Radio on Saturday

Senator Kit Bond will deliver the weekly Republican radio address on Saturday. He will talk about the dangers of the President’s plan to close Guantanamo Bay.

***

PLUS . . . ON FRIDAY: Bond joins Rep. Jo Ann Emerson during a statewide tour to endorse Congressman Roy Blunt for U.S. Senate. The trio will campaign in Cape Girardeau, Kansas City and Columbia.

Stimulus Helps Prop Up $23 Billion Dollar Budget

APPROVED

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri lawmakers have passed a $23 billion budget that relies on federal stimulus money to help fund schools, colleges and various other state services.

Missouri's operating budget for the 2010 fiscal year is propped up with about $785 million from the stimulus package.

The great majority of the federal funds would go toward Missouri's basic funding formula for K-12 schools, freeing up state money to be used elsewhere.

But the budget also uses stimulus money for a variety of smaller projects - to repair a state airplane, help pay college tuition of National Guard members and cover the rising cost of paper for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The budget also includes money for an expansion of health care, contingent upon lawmakers later working out the details.

GOVERNOR NIXON'S STATEMENT:

"From fully funding the foundation formula to establishing the Caring for Missourians program, this budget also gives us many of the tools we need to create a more educated and skilled workforce. On the issue of health care, however, the legislature’s work is far from done. I look forward to going through this budget line by line to ensure that in these challenging economic times, we have a state government that taxpayers can afford," Nixon said.

"The Horse Is Dead"

ENTER DARRELL MOORE

The Greene County Prosecutor never mentions gays, God or guns during his Congressional campaign kick-off -- and instead says he wants to focus on solutions for healthcare, Social Security and energy as well as reign in excessive spending.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 6 REPORT HERE

GET TWITTER UPDATES FROM HIS ANNOUNCEMENT HERE

Moore becomes the 4th Republican to officially enter the race to replace Roy Blunt.

71 GOP House Members Back Blunt For Senate

Most of the Republican members of the State House are endorsing Roy Blunt's campaign for U.S. Senate.

The campaign released a list of 71 names Thursday, including these local legislators: Rep. Eric Burlison, Rep. Mike Cunningham, Rep. Charlie Denison, Rep. Bob Dixon, Rep. Mike Parson, Rep. Darrell Pollock, Speaker Ron Richard, Rep. Don Ruzicka, Rep. David Sater, Rep. Shane Schoeller, Rep. Jim Viebrock, Rep. Maynard Wallace, Rep. Jay Wasson, Rep. Ray Weter, Rep. Dennis Wood.

In a prepared statement Majority Floor Leader Steve Tilley said: "You can tell by the large number of legislators who support Roy that they know him, admire him tremendously, and trust him to do an excellent job for Missouri. We all want a strong candidate at the top of the ticket, to keep the state House on a conservative course. Roy’s many accomplishments include one that is incredibly important to the people I represent, the largest tax cut for families in American history. We need him in the U.S. Senate, and a lot more just like him."

Notables not on the list include: Rep. Brian Yates, Rep. Rob Schaaf, Rep. Jim Guest, Rep. David Day, Rep. Tony Dugger and Rep. Cynthia Davis.

A Steelman fan e-mails The Notebook this four-word response: "Kenny Hulshof Part Deux"

More from the Mailbag: "I hear they have a 71 vote lead."

Steve Fenner Considers Run For Prosecutor

Springfield attorney and Iraqi veteran Steve Fenner is seriously considering a run for Greene County Prosecutor.

***

Fenner, an assistant prosecutor with the country from 1996 to 1999 is now runs his own private practice. Fenner tells The Notebook that he's carefully weighing a campaign, but has to look into "some practical considerations" before making a final decision.

"I am seriously considering a run for that office," Fenner said. "I am meeting with friends, family and potential supporters to get a feel for the level of support I would have. So far I have been pleasantly surprised," he said.

On his Facebook page, Fenner describes himself as a "moderate Republican." He served a tour in Iraq with the U.S Naval Reserve from 2007 to 2008.

Greene County prosecutor Darrell Moore is expected to enter the race for Congress Thursday afternoon.

Blunt Nails Down Mohan Day

Roll Call has learned that Roy Blunt has signed on Karen Mohan Day and Heather Grote to fundraise for his U.S. Senate campaign.

Hat tip: Johncombest.com

The founder of Capital Enhancement Inc., Mohan Day is a top GOP fundraiser in Missouri. She has raised money for former Sens. John Ashcroft and Jim Talent and former Gov. Matt Blunt, as well as former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s 2008 presidential campaign in Missouri. Grote is a longtime fundraiser for Bond.

In March, The Notebook reported that Mohan Day had not yet signed on with Blunt.

"She's worried that, following (Kenny) Hulshof, she can only leverage her donor relationships so many times on behalf of flawed candidates," a source said.

What To Ponder As Moore Jumps In

10 LEADING QUESTIONS ABOUT DARRELL MOORE'S ENTRANCE INTO THE RACE FOR CONGRESS:

1. What's Darrell Moore's name identification number among likely Republican primary voters in Southwest Missouri?

2. Has his tenure as Greene County prosecutor been viewed more favorably or unfavorably?

3. Does his brief mention of Billy Long mean that Long has been cemented as the big fish frontrunner in the 7th CD?

4. How many -- if any -- GOP consultants has he spoken with?

5. Who does Moore's entrance into the race hurt most?

6. Which staffers have already started Googling Moore's most controversial prosecutions?

7. In his kick-off speech, will he show his colors as a moderate and say what he believes -- that the conservative portion of the party has put too much emphasis on social issues?

8. Besides budget negotiations, what's Gary Nodler thinking now?

9. How many prominent Springfield attorneys will come out and back him financially?

10. How big is his fire in the belly?

Moore is expected to announce his candidacy for Roy Blunt's Congressional seat Thursday at The Library Center on South Campbell at 4 p.m.

Busch Feeling Out 30th Distict Senate Race

"If I had my druthers I'd run as an independent . . .
. . . But it would more than likely be as a Democrat."

***
Former Springfield-Greene County Library Director Annie Busch tells The Notebook she's considering running for the 30th District State Senate seat in 2010.

"I am considering it. I have not decided. It's a very big decision," said Busch in an interview Wednesday.

*BUT Busch adds that she'll make up her mind by next week.*

Busch showed up at Greene County's Jackson Day event and attendees say she was feeling out support. Busch said she's been approached by some area Democrats to run, but acknowledges she's still "testing the waters." "I'm very apolitical. If I run, it would be to offer myself as an option. It wouldn't be about running against anybody else," she said.

But Busch's moves is a clear indication that Rep. Sara Lampe will not throw her hat into the 30th District Senate race as many expected. Busch wouldn't comment on Lampe's intentions, but said: "She's the one encouraging me to run."

Republican Rep. Bob Dixon is the only announced candidate for the GOP, although some in the more moderate wing of the party have signaled they are looking for a candidate to oppose Dixon in the race to fill Sen. Norma Champion's seat.

"I do like Bob," Busch said. "I think Bob's a nice guy and done some good things," she added. When asked what party she would run under, if she runs, Busch paused . . . then said: "If I had my druthers, I'd run as an independent." When pressed, she replied, "It would more than likely be as a Democrat."

But chatter among Republicans indicate that some think Busch could be a formidable candidate because of her likability, name identification and personal ability to "self-fund" a campaign. She stressed she has not made up her mind. "It's a big commitment. Politics is a little rough and tumble. I have to make sure it's the best move for me, and that I have something to offer voters that they would want to support," she said.

Springfield's 30th District State Senate seat will be a targeted race for both Democrats and Republicans in 2010. Some believe it could become "a million dollar contest."

After Healthcare Defeat, Dems Explode

CAUSE FOR ALARM or COMPROMISE?

The Missouri House shot down Governor Jay Nixon's plan to expand healthcare to low-income parents Wednesday, reigniting a partisan firestorm and raising questions about whether lawmakers will meet a Friday deadline to pass a balanced budget.

The 85 to 75 House vote rejected a conference committee report, sending both chambers back to the negotiating table. Nixon's plan would be funded with $53 million from hospitals and $94 million from the federal government. Late Wednesday, there was no agreement on the specifics. But Missouri House and Senate negotiators said they would keep working on a proposed $147 million health care expansion. Republicans feared that changing eligibility standards could lead to higher costs down the road. In an interview with The Notebook Rep. Eric Burlison called the Democrats case "disingenuous." (MORE BELOW)

GOV. NIXON BLAMES GOP'S "FLAWED IDEOLOGY'

"By voting today against providing health care to 35,000 Missourians at no extra cost to the state, House Republicans rejected a plan that would have pumped $145 million in new money into our economy at no cost to taxpayers. While this proposal to spur economic growth through health care expansion enjoyed broad bipartisan support in the Missouri Senate, the Missouri House let flawed ideology stand in the way of progress. House Republicans should explain to Missourians immediately why they allowed politics to interfere with our state’s opportunity to make health care more affordable and accessible," Gov. Nixon said in a statement.

MINORITY LEADER LEVOTA: "The ridiculousness of the House Republican position is exceeded only by its cruelty," said House Minority Leader Paul LeVota.

MO. BUDGET PROJECT: "In the case of this bill, our legislators decided that health care coverage for struggling Missouri moms and dads was not even worth doing for free," said director Amy Blouin.

MO. DEM PARTY RELEASE HEADLINE: "Vulnerable House Republicans cast vote in favor of their own 2010 defeat. Legislators stick with GOP suicide pact." The release lists Springfield #136th District Rep. Eric Burlison as one of the "vulnerable House Republicans" who voted against healthcare expansion.

BURLISON'S RESPONSE: "At the end of the day, I felt the way this was being sold was disingenuous. The more that we inject federal dollars into healthcare costs, it does nothing to reduce actual costs so more people can afford it. The hospitals are more dependent on government under this plan. The hospitals will have to increase what other people pay, in order to pay for this," said Rep. Burlison, who works in healthcare.

"You're essentially expanding welfare to able-bodied individuals who are just not working full-time jobs. Instead we would like to cover people willing to pay for healthcare, but don't have an insurance company that's willing to cover them because of pre-existing conditions," Burlison said in an interview.

Gimme Gimme Moore

ANNOUNCEMENT SET

Greene County Prosecutor Darrell Moore sets a 4 p.m. press conference on Thursday at the Library Center to make "a special announcement."

Moore is expected to jump into the 7th District Congressional Race, as The Notebook first reported Sunday.

McCaskill: Obama's SCOTUS Nominee Won't Be Controversial

Sen. Claire McCaskill tells Slate she doesn't think President Obama's Supreme Court pick will be an ideologue.

***

"I know that judicial nominees can be controversial, but let me tell you why I don't think that this one will become controversial," she said Tuesday. "This president is not interested in appointing an ideologue. This is a pragmatic president who understands the role of a Supreme Court justice, and I'm confident his nominee will not be someone who lends themselves to this kind of a really high-pitched battle."

Asked if the White House has inquired about McCaskill's interest in a Supreme Court appointment, communications director Adrianne Marsh said they have not.

"Furthermore, she wouldn't be interested anyway because she's happy representing the great state of Missouri in the U.S. Senate," Marsh said.

$800 Million Dollar Bond Package Stalled

LOSING DAYLIGHT

A proposed $800 million dollar bond package for state construction projects is stalled in the Senate. Late Tuesday, Senators continued to filibuster the proposal. The Associated Press reports that critics stalled the legislation because they believe the state should not take on so much new debt in a recession.

If approved, the bond package, much of which focuses on college and university building, would most likely be placed on the November 2010 ballot for voter approval.

***

ALSO FROM THE WIRE: A Senate panel is proposing to use $50 million in federal stimulus funds to entice a pair of battery-makers to expand in Missouri. The Senate Appropriations Committee added the subsidies to a House bill that now is estimated to spend about $365 million from the stimulus package for projects around the state.

AND: Jason Noble of the K.C. Star writes up the Senate office costume party . . . and notes that the budget is due on the governor's desk in less than 72 hours.

Fmr. Bush Speechwriter Picks Claire for Supreme Court

A former White House speechwriter for President H.W. Bush says Sen. Claire McCaskill is her favorite pick to become the next Supreme Court Justice.

***
In a blog for U.S. News & World Report, Mary Kate Cary says her vote goes to McCaskill because of her work experience "both as a waitress and a prosecutor, her life as a single mom, and her family responsibilities taking care of both young children and an aging parent."

Cary narrowed her choices to "three liberal women with law degrees," but lauded McCaskill with this description:

"And my personal favorite, Claire McCaskill: University of Missouri Law graduate, 55, single mom for seven years, then remarried and now has a blended family of nine kids. Put herself through law school as a waitress; according to her official bio, she worked in a fabric store as a teenager in order to sew her own clothes. Later, she ran the state's largest prosecutor's office (in Kansas City) and began its first domestic violence unit. Elected as a state legislator and Missouri State Auditor, now serving as senator from Missouri. Returns to St. Louis every weekend, where her 79-year-old mother, Betty Anne, lives with the family."

MEANWHILE . . . THE GOP CONTINUES TO BELIEVE MCCASKILL HAS A BERMUDA-BASED TAX SHELTER:

"Once again, Senator McCaskill is dodging questions, avoiding responsibility, and clouding the issue of her family’s Bermuda-based tax shelter. Despite previously claiming that she and her husband ‘share everything,’ McCaskill is now distancing herself from the business," said Lloyd Smith, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party.

The GOP is pouncing on this explanation given by McCaskill's spokesperson yesterday: "Like Warren Buffet, Claire's husband has an investment in a reinsurance company in a foreign country that has never been a tax benefit to him nor will there ever be a tax benefit for this investment."

But in March, The Notebook asked McCaskill specifically about the tax shelter charge. She said Rural Reinsurance Company International has "absolutely nothing to do with a tax shelter."

*WATCH THAT VIDEO HERE*

Champion: Jobs Bill Not Important If "Not Done Right"

Springfield Sen. Norma Champion said she supports a ceiling on state historic tax credits but not a complete sunset, and isn't sure the Senate will even approve a jobs bill before the session is over.

***

"I would not be surprised if that doesn't get held up, and, or separated," Sen. Champion said when asked about the status of legislation that would expand tax credits for businesses in Missouri. The legislation has languished in the Senate for weeks because of a debate over whether to reign in different types of tax credits.

"If we vote on a Fair Tax, that would do away with it all, now wouldn't it," Champion said. Asked for her position on tax credits, she added, "I support a ceiling, but I don't support a sunset per say. I think we need a plan to look statewide and appropriate them so they are equitably distributed in the state. We have to look very, very hard at what these tax credits are doing. I think we have to get a handle on them, tighten the perimeters of them."

Champion downplayed the importance of passing some type of jobs legislation by next week. "It's important if we can get it settled, but it's not important if it's not done right. This doesn't have to be done," she said.

Champion said she has not been lobbied by the Governor's office for her support.

"The Governor hasn't lobbied me on anything," she said.

ON THE TAX CUT PASSED BY THE HOUSE:

"I can see the logic of it, doing it one-time," Champion said. But she isn't convinced that making it permanent is a good idea. "That I don't know whether we can sustain. We don't know what our revenue will be like," she said.

Mo. Tax Revenue Continues Decline

State tax revenues continued to decline during the month of April, dropping a half a percentage point compared to last year.

***

Corporate and franchise taxes took the biggest hit, falling 19 percent for the month. Sales and income taxes were down 7 percent and individual incomes taxes dropped 4 percent.

State Budget Director Linda Luebbering noted that the individual income tax collections fell short of the already dire forecast. "It is likely that revenues will decline even more than the four percent decline anticipated in the consensus revenue estimate for Fiscal Year 2009," Luebbering said.

Skelton: Obama May Need To Use Veto Threat

Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton suggested Monday that President Obama may have to use a veto threat to preserve his plan to use one Air Force tanker supplier -- as opposed to multiple, which some House Democrats support.

"That is probably where we'll start and end," Rep. Ike Skelton, a Missouri Democrat, said in reply to a question about moves in Congress that would guarantee Air Force purchases from both rival tanker suppliers -- Boeing Co and a team of Northrop Grumman Corp and Europe's EADS, reports REUTERS.

The powerful Pennsylvania Rep. Jack Murtha has already signaled he favors a dual-source strategy in dealing with the purchase of new tankers. But Defense Secretary Robert Gates favors a winner-take-all competition to award the contract.

Skelton declined to discuss his personal stance on dividing the tanker buy.

But the veteran mid-Missouri Congressman dispensed this advice: "Very seldom is a veto overridden," he said, referring to whether the dual-source idea gains further traction in Congress. "I think that's what you should look for."

City of Compton

The Springfield City Council has tapped Planning Commissioner Jerry Compton to fill the vacancy left by Ralph Manley.

Compton beat out web designer Jeremy Cady and architect Dan Scott for the position, after all three finalists answered the same four questions from Mayor Jim O'Neal. Manley's departure left the Mayor in the position to appoint the new member with council's confirmation.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Compton's experience in planning and knowledge of the economic tools in city government clearly helped carry his case. Compton, who is expected to be sworn in next week, won the votes of six of the eight council members. Five votes were necessary for Compton's confirmation.

Doug Burlison and Nick Ibarra voted for Cady.

Compton said his first move as a councilman will be to reach out to the wide demographic of people who make up Zone 3. He'll stand for his first election in 2011. Mayor O'Neal encouraged both Cady and Scott to run for the Zone 3 council seat when it comes open.

Compton is the brother-in-law of Greene County GOP activist Ann Compton.

Replacing Ralph Manley

Springfield City Council convenes at 6 p.m. tonight to choose a new council member to replace Ralph Manley.

***

Manley abruptly resigned on April 20th after failing to win enough votes to become Mayor Pro Tem. He said he was planning to resign at month's end because he was moving outside the city.

The three finalists for Manley's Zone 3 slot are web manager Jeremy Cady, architect Jerry Compton and architect Dan Scott. Each candidate will be asked the same set of questions tonight.

According to the City Attorney, it's Mayor Jim O'Neal's pick -- with the approval of Council.

GET TWITTER UPDATES FROM THE MEETING HERE

56% Approve of Nixon; 57% Approve of Obama

Governor Jay Nixon and President Barack Obama continue to post solid approval ratings from the voters of Missouri, according to the latest SurveyUSA poll.

*But Obama trails Nixon's pace by 18 points in Southwest Missouri*

Nixon's approve/disapprove is 56%-32%.

In the Ozarks, 55% approve

Obama's approve/disapprove is 57%-40%

In the Ozarks, 37% approve

***

U.S. SENATE NUMBERS: BOND & McCASKILL FLIP

48% approve of Sen. Kit Bond (down 5 points from March)

In the Ozarks, 47% approve

51% approve of Sen. Claire McCaskill (up 2 points from March)

In the Ozarks, 32% approve

"You Can't Have Everything That You Want"

House Armed Services Committee Chair Ike Skelton defended the Obama administration's proposed weapons cuts, saying "every weapons system needs to be scrutinized."

Skelton made the comments in an interview with the Capitol Hill publication Roll Call.

"Every weapons system needs to be scrutinized," said Skelton. "As time goes on, some things get outdated. And it’s a constant research and development on one hand, and constant procurement on the other. And it’s all guided on the budget process. You can’t have everything that you want. That’s why you have to pick and choose," he added.

Some Republicans have argued that cutting the F-22 and the Army's Future Combat systems would hurt national security.

"We are putting $13 billion to increase the personnel system. That $13 billion has to come from somewhere. We need to take care of the troops and the Members have to know that," Skelton replied.

ALSO: Ike doesn't like the phrase "global war on terror."

"I’m not sure what it means. We are engaged in a conflict with Islamic extremists. And we should handle it as such, and we are. The genesis of those who attacked us was in Afghanistan," Skelton said.

McCaskill Complains to Pentagon About Bad Contracts

Sen. Claire McCaskill says the Pentagon has done little to collect at least $100 million dollars in overcharges paid to a corrupt defense contractor.

***

McCaskill and Maine Senator Susan Collins have sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, according to the New York Times.

The letter also complains that the Army "had almost completely failed to move away from the monopolistic nature of the logistics contract that has paid the contractor."

Read the entire story HERE.

McCaskill chairs a contracting oversight subcommittee, under the Homeland Security Committee.

One Moore

Greene County Prosecutor Darrell Moore says he'll announce this Thursday whether he'll run for Roy Blunt's Congressional seat in 2010.
***
Another GOP source tells The Notebook that Moore is likely to make the leap, becoming the fourth official candidate in the race

Greene County Prosecutor Darrell Moore will announce later this week whether he'll run for Roy Blunt's Congressional seat in 2010.

Moore tells The Notebook he is planning on holding a press conference Thursday afternoon to make an official announcement, which is a strong indication in itself that he's settled on a campaign for U.S. House.

"I've been considering it, thinking about it for two and a half months and on Thursday, there will be an announcement of some kind," Moore said, adding that he's "pretty-well decided."

When asked flatly if that means he'll become a candidate, Moore replied, "I'm not going to say."

Moore, who's served as Greene County's prosecutor since 1998, could become a significant force in an already crowded and splintered race for the Republican nomination. His name identification would be strong in the Springfield metropolitan area, and a separate Republican source said that Moore has already taken steps towards putting together a political operation in Joplin.

"Darrell's hungry for a new challenge. He has been for a long time, and this is an opportunity," said one neutral Republican who asked for anonymity.

Moore said if he does run, part of his mission would be to try to redefine the Republican party. He said he could relate with some centrist Republicans who were uncomfortable with some of the messages being sent at the recent Tea Parties across the country.

"We don't need to be trashing or attacking the President with signs calling him a socialist and a communist. We need our own solutions," Moore said. "We can do that, and still be consistent on issues like pro-life," he added.

Moore signaled he would bring a more moderate agenda to the race, that's not necessarily filled with red meat. "If I run it will be about what I stand for as a Republican, and what I believe the Republican Party should be," Moore said.

He acknowledged that other candidates have a head start, but said he's been spending his time identifying issues that he could make progress on as a prosecutor versus things he could help change as a Congressman. "It's a major step," Moore said of the decision. "I never have had any desire to be a Congressman. Washington D.C. is not really a good place to live. The interesting thing is that both offices are up, so you have to choose. The easy thing is to just stay where I'm at," he added, referring to the 2010 election cycle.

But Moore also gently began carving some distance between himself and auctioneer Billy Long, one top candidate who's already announced his candidacy. "I know Billy's saying we need a fresh start, but I'm not sure that's exactly true. I think we need to think outside the box . . . and we need someone that will stand for something when it gets hot. These are things I've done as a prosecutor," Moore said.

Moore said he would not have to give up his job as prosecutor if he runs for Congress.

Long, State Senator Jack Goodman and college professor Jeff Wisdom have already officially announced their candidacies for 7th Congressional District race. Nixa alderman Kevin Elmer is likely to announce soon. Convoy of Hope president Hal Donaldson is also exploring a run, as are several other unannounced candidates like State Sen. Gary Nodler and Jasper County GOP chair John Putnam.

Bond Remembers Kemp As GOP "Role Model"

Sen. Kit Bond said part of former Congressman Jack Kemp's legacy will be bringing national attention to lead paint poisoning in ubran areas.

Kemp died Saturday of cancer at the age of 73.

BOND'S FULL STATEMENT:

"Jack Kemp is a role model for the future of the Republican party. A self described ‘bleeding-heart’ conservative, Jack worked across the aisle on some of the most important issues of our time, from civil rights to safe housing for all families. It was Jack who, along with the esteemed Dr. Benjamin Hooks, brought to the national stage the scourge of lead paint poisoning children in our cities. This initiative has brought great progress to St. Louis and other cities where families were affected with this avoidable tragedy. Countless initiatives to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and needy in our nation were made possible because of Jack's tireless advocacy. Jack was always a positive, forward-looking force for effective solutions. Linda and I are saddened by the loss of a gifted public servant and a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joanne and the rest of the Kemp family."

Week 16: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 16 GRADE: C -

A member of the State Tourism Commission said the Governor broke a promise. A St. Louis Democrat accused him of "ignoring the plight of blacks." And Senator Brad Lager declared that Jay Nixon's top legislative priority is now "on life support." It all added up to one of the most difficult weeks Nixon has navigated since taking office. We've been hearing about a supposed deal on a job creation bill for weeks. But it clearly hasn't come to fruition. He still has two weeks to get it over the goal line, but there's also the budget to contend with. But there's also lots left to be hashed out on that topic. After signaling they were ok with a budget bill using stimulus funds, the House turned around and rejected it. Accusations surfaced that the Governor leaned on Democrats to help kill the bill. And this did not sit well with some St. Louis Dems, who were counting on a $12 million dollar amendment to help prop up the struggling METRO system. Rep. Jamilah Nasheed sent a scathing letter to Nixon's office Thursday, accusing him "ignoring the plight of blacks." That's tough language from a member of your own party. All politics remains local -- and the Governor learned that in St. Louis as well as Branson this week. A month after Nixon announced he was restoring $1 million dollars to help benefit tourism "immediately" -- most of that money still hasn't trickled down. Now, many in Branson believe the Governor, at best exaggerated and at worst mislead, about the timing and impact of tourism money. The high profile announcement seemed like good politics at the time, but it's certainly lost Nixon some goodwill.

A Look Inside Roy Blunt's "Alter Ego"

"Most of what people deride in politics is because people don't understand it."

There may be no single person who's been more important to Roy Blunt's political rise than Gregg Hartley.

In his new instructive book, So Damn Much Money, about the rise of money and lobbying in Washington, Robert Kaiser describes Hartley as Blunt's most important personal aide and friend for around three decades.

The two have been close since the 1970s, when Blunt served as Greene County Clerk.

One lobbyist is quoted calling Hartley "Blunt's alter ego."

Hartley is one of the featured players in Kaiser's book in order to provide an example of the continuous and to some, troubling, revolving door between Capitol Hill and K Street.

Kaiser depicts Hartley as a conservative, friendly, unpretentious but outgoing Republican who followed Blunt to Washington and eventually ran his whip organization. It was April 2003 when Hartley decided it was time to "go downtown -- to become a lobbyist."

Hartley's story is not only important to understanding the way Washington works, but likely gives readers a window into Blunt's thinking, at the very time Republicans are contemplating his candidacy for U.S. Senate.

Below are excerpts of Kaiser's reporting on Hartley and his relationship with Blunt, beginning with Hartley's decision to go work for one of the top lobbying groups in Washington, Cassidy & Associates. Italics represent text and direct quotes from So Damn Much Money. (And if you're interested in the rise of money in politics and how the earmark originated, the entire book is well worth the read.)

"Blunt and I both concluded that I could still be a valuable part of his team, and there was no reason for us not to continue our personal relationship and our political relationship," Hartley is quoted. "I was fortunate in the sense that, being fifty years old instead of thirty-five, having spent seven years on the Hill . . . virtually all of it on leadership staff, having worked for a guy who had build a pretty good reputation in this town and moved up rather quickly, gave me lots of opportunities that the average staffer leaving the Hill doesn't have," Hartley went on.

Because he was a Republican with ties to the leadership entering a predominately Democratic firm, Hartley's skills were considered a top commodity for the legendary lobbyist Gerry Cassidy. Hartley was able to bring in scores of new climates, and reorganized the firm from top to bottom. He was at the top of hit game. Life was good.

Hartley liked his new life. "I enjoy 80 percent of the work" and the hours were delightful. "When I worked for Roy I worked 70 hours a week," he said, but at Cassidy it was 9 a.m. to 6 p.m . . . And he stayed close to Roy Blunt, raising money for him, donating $47,000 himself (with his wife) to Blunt, his leadership PAC and the House Republican campaign committee."

Hartley also enjoyed the era of the permanent campaign.

"I didn't grow up wanting to run government, I came from the political side of the equation. I like campaigns, I like politics. I only worked in government because that's what paid your way to do the political side." Hartley grew up as a Democrat, started his professional life as an administrator of legal aid programs in southwestern Missouri and fell in love with politics. "I quickly learned there wasn't much potential in Democratic politics in southwestern Missouri," he said, so he became a Republican. That decision was "as much practical as philosophical. It's hard to be impactful when you're in a minority - I learned that lesson early."

Hartley made no secret his love of fundraising. "I think it's an important part of the political process. I think a measure of a good campaign and how successful it's going to be is its ability to raise money." What about reformers who complain the system is corrupt . . .? What about Fred Wertheimer, the former president of Common Cause and founder of a group called Democracy 21, an advocate of reform who had criticized DeLay's tactics for years? "Fred is full of shit," Hartley replied, softening the message with his friendly grin. Raising money was part of the game, part of the helter-skelter of it . . . the rough-and-tumble of it . . . The American public is intrigued by politics and campaigning and the routes to power," he said. "They want to know about it, and on the other hand they go, 'Ohmigod, isn't this distasteful . . . I think politics works. I think most of what people deride in politics is because people don't understand it."

"Hartley is not troubled by the relationship between lobbyists and members of Congress, and he won't accept the formulation that the Hill now depends on downtown, and downtown depends on the Hill. Instead he sees more complicated interactions: "A lot of people on the Hill are a new breed . . . they understand there's lots of things you do that interrelate with government." In other words, you can help people who need something from the government, and you can accept their help in return, and that's fine."

"Most people in the lobbying business contribute [money] so that they're seen as active participants in the process. And if you're seen as an active participant, does that sort of move you into a different realm than people who aren't? Yeah . . . I would presume that lobbyists who participate heavily in the political process are probably more successful by and large" But giving money "is not compulsory," he emphasizes. "I can't possibly give money to everybody I know on the Hill. It's impossible. But people I don't give money to still see me and talk to me and work with me on my clients."

To open his book, Kaiser outlines the relationship cultivated between Cassidy's firm and disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. He includes a telling quote from Hartley "not over-worrying" the deal he had help strike with Abramoff.

"Washington is a town full of controversies," Hartley was quoted in The Washington Post. "If you over-worry about controversies, you'd end up doing nothing."

Helmet Law Repeal Heads to Nixon

Legislation that would repeal much of Missouri's motorcycle helmet law is on its way to Governor Jay Nixon.

This is legislation that's repeatedly been debated, but hasn't gotten this far since 1999. But even some who believe motorcyclists should have the right to choose, aren't sure that 21 is the right age to begin allowing them to do it.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

A spokesman for Governor Nixon has not said whether he will sign the bill into law.

The Ayes Have It

HOW JEFF WORKS

This is just a tidbit about Jefferson City process -- that will be no news to lawmakers or the Capitol regulars. But it just might just raise an eyebrow with Joe Public.

***

During one of the rolling debates this week on how best to use federal stimulus money, St. Louis Rep. Rachel Storch introduced an amendment to take around $12 million dollars and plug it into the financially strapped METRO system. The debate over the merits of that proposal is really beside the point. The procedure is what is at issue here. After a hearty amount of inquiries from Republican lawmakers, a voice vote was called on the Storch amendment. There were lots of loud "AYES" -- and just as many, or possibly even more "NOs." No question it was close. But Speaker Pro Tem Bryan Pratt called it for the AYES, without a flinch. No second-guessing. No roll call. The "AYES" had it . . . or did they? You see, we'll never know. Because on this vote, there was no way any one in the chamber could know for sure which side had more votes. But this, I was told, was nothing new. It's common. "The Chair calls the vote however he wants it called -- no matter what the voice is," explained Rep. Sara Lampe. That's why lawmakers usually ask for "roll call" votes, to get people on the record and to mark down an actual tally. Voice votes seem fine on non-controversial items, but this was not one of them. Can you imagine if we elected our lawmakers via voice vote rather than a tally? Just show up at the American Legion and your supporters can shout as loud as they can. The "Chair" calls it. That's the power of the majority. As Lampe put it, "when you're in the majority, you can do anything you want."

*WATCH LAMPE'S EXPLANATION ABOVE*