Nixon Introduces Danner; Won't Detail Martinez Ouster

Gov. Jay Nixon hosted a business roundtable with his new interim director of Economic Development and made his first public comments on the resignation of Linda Martinez in Springfield Tuesday morning.

"She's had an outstanding first 17 hours," Nixon said to laughs.

*WATCH CLIPS ABOVE*

NO REAR-VIEW MIRRORS . . .

On Martinez, Nixon declined to detail the reason she resigned. "She did resign. We're moving forward," he said. "We appreciate the service she gave."

. . . BUT CITES RECENT MEETING

Nixon said he's in regular contact with cabinet officials and cited a recent meeting with Martinez. "I kept in contact, clearly with her . . . Even the entire cabinet, just 10 days before that."

More on the Roundtable . . .

Tonight on Ky3 News @ 5 & 6

PLUS: BONUS ROUND
The GUV Discloses He's A 'Curb' Fan
*Watch it*

'DOCTOR . . . PHARMACIST'

Watch The Curb clip the Governor's referring to HERE.

The new season premieres Sept. 20th

Insiders: Danner Looks To Be Favorite For Econ Director

Jefferson City insiders believe that Katie Steele Danner is well-positioned to become Gov. Jay Nixon's permanent choice to head the Department of Economic Development, despite a past arrest for driving while intoxicated.

Just hours after Linda Martinez's resignation and Danner's interim appointment, the always-reliably researched Turner Report noted that Danner refused to take breathalyzer tests on two occasions, both over a decade ago.

But state government insiders still view Danner, a former state House member, as the favorite to take over one of the most important positions in the Nixon administration.

"She's very smart, very poised, very connected and very respected as a savvy lady," said one insider with close connections to the Democratic establishment. "It's all Danner. The interim part is just interim. She will be the next director unless she just doesn't want it."

Another economic development official, agreeing to speak only on the condition of anonymity, signaled that while Danner's skills will be closely watched in the coming weeks, she has a strong advantage over other candidates because of her ties to Nixon and her political acumen.

"We'll see how she does beginning (Tuesday). I believe she'll be with Jay in Springfield for her debut," the official said.

Danner is married to Adjutant General Steve Danner, who was elected to the State Senate the same year as Nixon.

One insider said the implications of driving while intoxicated detailed by Turner aren't unique nor a disqualifier necessarily. "The 1997 thing was, well 1997," said the source. "Ten years between events isn't quite a pattern," he added, referring to the Taney County traffic stop, when Danner refused to take a breathalyzer after a stop for speeding and reportedly failed field sobriety tests.

"There's not much there, there," the insider argued.

This is not to say Nixon's team won't conduct a thorough search. Economic officials around the state have already been enlisted to help.

But Nixon is likely to keep a woman in the post for diversity's sake. Growing, yet not a political powerhouse, Missouri's Latino community has already voiced its disappointment with Martinez's dismissal. Still, Nixon has three years to reach out to that community.

The source also noted that whoever is chosen will need reach out much more than Martinez, who is described as a political neophyte who did not thrive in personal interactions or pay attention to gentle political egos.

While some economic officials were unimpressed by Martinez, others were rubbed the wrong way, the source said.

And Nixon allies seem more than willing to dump on Martinez if she tries to pin any more blame on the Governor. "There is plenty that can be drizzled out, I'm told. She ain't no Sotomayor," quipped a source.

Nixon will begin his political rebound with Danner Tuesday morning in Springfield as he holds a roundtable with business leaders to brainstorm ideas about economic development and ways to stifle the state's growing unemployment rate.

"I Think She Wasn't Happy"

Springfield Chamber of Commerce president Jim Anderson said he wasn't completely surprised by the resignation of Economic Development director Linda Martinez Monday because he didn't think she was happy in the job.

"She never said anything to me, but I just never thought she was as happy as she thought she was going to be," said Anderson, who met with Martinez numerous times over the past nine months.

"My sense is the Governor wanted enhanced performance, so this is probably the best result for both of them," Anderson said.

"She was always a great technician," Anderson said of Martinez's legal skills. "But that job requires a lot more than technical skills. I'm just not sure if it was a good fit."

Added that it's obviously a setback for the Nixon administration, but stressed it's not one the Governor can't recover from.

Also said he thought Martinez's comments in her letter to Nixon were "unfortunate." On her claim that she wasn't able to meet with the Governor, Anderson said, "She just didn't need to say that. It's unfortunate she burned a bridge."

***

ALSO: ON THE REBOUND

Gov. Nixon brings his "Show-Me Business" tour to Springfield Tuesday morning.

The Governor plans to tour the accounting firm BKD at 10 a.m. -- and then hold an economic roundtable with Springfield business leaders.

"I think he's seeking input from people on the ground about the issues that need to be addressed in his 2010 legislative agenda," Anderson said.

AND: KINDER SIDES WITH . . . MARTINEZ

LT. GOV. PETER KINDER STATEMENT:

"Despite unemployment approaching 10% in Missouri and hundreds of thousands of residents unable to find work, Governor Jay Nixon has refused to meet with the cabinet official he placed in charge of Missouri's economic development less than eight months ago," said Kinder.

"It is one thing for Governor Nixon not to meet with me; it is simply astounding for him to ignore his own Director of Economic Development. This behavior is unacceptable, and his refusal to put aside his petty political differences or halt the infighting among his staff has caused Missourians to suffer needlessly," Kinder concluded.

Martinez Resigns

"We Need To Take Our Effort . . . To The Next Level"

Gov. Jay Nixon's director of Economic Development has resigned after only a little more than eight months on the job.

The St. Louis Business Journal first reported the resignation HERE.

In a brief statement, Martinez reportedly wrote to Nixon, "I am sorry we have been unable to meet and therefore we have been unable to discuss and reconcile our different views on how to move the state that we both love forward."

Martinez, a St. Louis lawyer, was the first woman to hold the position of Economic Development director.

NIXON STATEMENT:

"Today, I accepted the resignation of Linda Martinez as director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. I appreciate the work Linda has done over the first eight months of this administration. Her efforts to create jobs and to give the department increased economic development tools, including the successful passage of a bi-partisan jobs bill, will continue to pay dividends to the people of Missouri. I wish her success in her return to private practice, where she will continue to be an asset to this state. It is clear that we need to take our effort to create jobs to the next level. To that end, I have started a Show-Me Business Tour to meet with business leaders across the state to hear about the opportunities and challenges facing their companies," Gov. Nixon said.

"There is much work to be done to attract more businesses to Missouri and put more of our citizens back to work. We will immediately begin a search for a new director. Until that time, Deputy Director Katie Steele Danner will be the interim director of the department," he added.

You Can Finally Call Her Director

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

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

There was no roll call vote.

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

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

Immigration Group Asks Nixon To Clarify His Position

"GOVERNOR NIXON . . .

PULL BACK MS. MARTINEZ."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Without Reassurances, Rupp Will Continue To Delay Martinez

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still Stalled

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sen. Champion: Martinez Will Be Confirmed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An excerpt from Lembke's letter:

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

Like, Seriously . . . She Can Call Me

STILL HELD UP

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

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

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

Rosenbaum has the video of Rupp's explanation.

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

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

Donnelly Goes To Committee Wednesday

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

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

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

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

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


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

Martin Targets Martinez In Letter

In a move designed to ramp up efforts to derail Governor Jay Nixon's most important cabinet nominee, Matt Blunt's former chief of staff is alerting thousands of conservatives around the state about the immigration views of Economic Development Director designee, Linda Martinez.

Ed Martin's letter, that began landing in mailboxes across the state Saturday, asks Missourians to support Republican Sens. Brad Lager and Jim Lembke's efforts to "seek answers" about Martinez's previous comments on illegal immigration.

Martin's letter from Missourians For Illegal Immigration Law Enforcement begins, "Linda Martinez is the most pro-illegal immigrant cabinet director ever appointed in Missouri's history."

"We are concerned that Linda Martinez might seek to use her position to promote special benefits for illegal immigrants or provide special economic incentives for businesses that hire illegal workers," Martin goes on. Janet Renner of Missourians Against Illegal Immigration also signed the letter.

In an interview on CNN in 2006, as an attorney, Martinez expressed her opposition to an ordinance designed to prevent landlords from renting to illegal immigrants. "The power to control immigration issues is addressed by the Constitution and delegated solely to the federal government. It's not to be administered on a local basis by cities and states. It's supposed to be mandated on a national basis -- a consistent national policy so there's not a patchwork of ordinances," Martinez said to Lou Dobbs.

Based on those comments, Martin believes that "we must assume" Martinez is against banning sanctuary cities for illegals, opposes E-verify to check legal employment status, and would not cancel state contracts for businesses who hire illegals, among other things.

Martin's letter asks supporters to send an e-mail with statements of support to MoforImmigrationLawEnforcement@gmail.com.

The Notebook has asked the Nixon administration for a response and will publish it as soon as we receive it.

Lager Blocks Martinez

HELD UP

As expected, Senate confirmation of Governor Jay Nixon's nominee to head the Department of Economic Development has been delayed.

But the surprise is that it is Sen. Brad Lager --- not Sen. Jim Lembke --- who is putting on the breaks.

FROM THE A.P: Linda Martinez, (far left-top above) previously worked as an attorney for clients who sought economic development incentives. Lager, the Republican nominee for State Treasurer last year, wants a list of the clients Martinez worked for during the past year to guard against potential conflicts of interest. Martinez says she would recuse herself from making decisions involving those clients. Senators postponed her confirmation Thursday but are expected to bring it back up next week.

Senators did confirm Nixon's appointees to direct the departments of Agriculture, Corrections, Labor and Industrial Relations, Public Safety and Social Services.

Lembke Wants Martinez To Answer Immigration Questions

New St. Louis State Senator Jim Lembke has sent a letter to Governor Jay Nixon's nominee to head Economic Development, asking her to outline her views on immigration before she's confirmed.

***

Lembke's letter to Economic Development nominee Linda Martinez states he has "a few questions regarding the correlation between job protection and illegal immigration."

These are the four listed in Lembke's letter:

• Over the last two years, the Legislature has worked on measures to curb the proliferation of illegal immigration in Missouri. How will you work with the legislature to see that illegal immigration is curbed in Missouri?
• Do you think Missouri has the constitutional authority to enact any laws regarding undocumented workers/illegal aliens? If so give an example.
• How would you protect the prevailing wage from being devalued by undocumented workers?
• Do you believe state-funded welfare benefits should be available to illegal immigrants?
  

Some conservatives are upset/energized over Martinez's previous comments about illegal immigration that she made during appearance on Lou Dobbs' CNN program back in 2006. At that time, Martinez, a St. Louis attorney, represented opponents of an ordinance designed to prevent landlords from renting to illegal immigrants.

During her CNN appearance, Martinez said local ordinances should not be able to address the issue. "The power to control immigration issues is addressed by the Constitution and delegated solely to the federal government. It's not to be administered on a local basis by cities and states. It's supposed to be mandated on a national basis -- a consistent national policy so there's not a patchwork of ordinances," Martinez said.

Read the rest of the transcript from her appearance HERE.

Nixon Appoints St. Louis Lawyer to Head Economic Development

Democratic Governor-Elect Jay Nixon has appointed St. Louis attorney Linda Martinez to head his administration's Economic Development department.

In a statement sent out after an announcement in St. Louis, Nixon said the 54-year-old Martinez would be a key advisor in helping implement a bipartisan jobs plan.

"After years of working closely with businesses of all sizes, Linda Martinez understands the challenges entrepreneurs face, and she is ready to lead the fight to keep and create jobs here in Missouri," Nixon said. "With her extensive experience in tax credits, bonds and financial strategy, Linda knows the economic development system inside and out. She will make an excellent Director of Economic Development, and I'm proud to have her on my team," Nixon added.

Martinez has been a member of the Bryan Cave law firm in St. Louis since 1982.

Martinez's biography on the Bryan Cave website lists her experience as developing major public-private partnerships, handling an array of development tax credits and dealing with bonds and financing.

Her appointment will require Senate approval.