Greene County Dems Call on Denison To File Contribution Report

The Greene County Democratic Party is calling on #135 House Rep. Charlie Denison to file his third quarter report with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

The filing period ended on September 30th and all candidates were required to file their report by October 15, 2008.

The most recent report filed by Denison was in August. As of Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. no October quarterly report has been filed by Denison's committee.

"If Rep. Denison did not receive or spend more than $500 for the reporting period, he would still have to file a Statement of Limited Activity in Lieu of Disclosure," said Matt Patterson, executive director of the Greene County Democratic Party. "Here we are, two weeks out from the election, and Rep. Denison is not disclosing his list of contributions. We hope that this is just an oversight by the Representative and not a way to cover-up any unpopular campaign contributions." said Patterson.

Denison faces Democrat Nancy Hagan on November 4th.

Hagan: Give Missourians the Healthcare Program Lawmakers Have; Denison: Springfield Needs Nuclear Power For Water Needs

THE 135th REMATCH: DENSION VS. HAGAN
The two candidates for Springfield's #135th House District seat squared off on a variety of issues at a League of Women Voters Forum Monday.
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FINAL GRADES:
HAGAN: B
DENISON: C
Summary: Denison had some good real moments (when he noted his heating bill), some bold statements ("I will not vote for vouchers), and an eye-popping proposal (build a nuclear plant in Springfield) but he lacked specifics on issues he said he's championed, like education and transportation funding. Used "time limitations" as an excuse too often, and failed to list a specific legislative accomplishment. Hagan showed passion on what she cared about, railed against tax credits and vouchers, but could have been clearer on why Republican voters in her historically red district should take a chance on her over Denison.
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Here's a synopsis of how they answered the questions posed, in the order they were asked:

OPENING STATEMENTS
Denison -- Listed transportation and education as his top issues, said "we've done quite well in the last four years in Springfield," on those issues. Seemed distracted by the two-minute time limit, so he halted his statement there.
Hagan -- Cited education and healthcare as her priorities, said Missouri is in a "crisis regarding healthcare." Pinned current economic crisis partly on the lack of will to address healthcare.

TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Denison -- Said he attended a "very interesting meeting" today, one of 4 recent meetings on the issue, but acknowledged there's still no "concrete way" of financing Missouri's transportation future. Talked about working hard with the city, county and state. Again said it was something he couldn't address the issue in two minutes -- without using his two minutes (?).
Hagan -- Noted that Arkansas has better roads than Missouri, adding that's "a sad state." "I don't have the answer," she acknowledged. "You the taxpayer are going to help us with that." Neither Hagan or Denison had a real answer on this issue -- and to be fair, most politicians running for office everywhere don't.

HEALTHCARE
Hagan -- Called for giving Missouri residents the same type of healthcare plan that state lawmakers and employees are allowed to have. Said she knows that healthcare costs are driving the problem. Suggested creating "employee pools" so more people could be covered.
Denison -- Accessibility is necessary, he said. Then gave props to the Jordan Vally Clinic. "Need to continue that time of thing." Made blanket but vague statement about doing "whatever we can to get insurance to people we can."

CHILDREN'S NEEDS
Hagan -- Should put a big focus on universal pre-K and college affordability. Said if a child wants to go to college, he or she would be able to go. Didn't explain how she'd pay for that. Said the state should give incentives for students to go into sectors that are experiencing workforce shortages. Cited middle school as a "crisis age" for students that needs more attention.
Denison -- Cited growing enrollment at OTC. 20-thousand plus at MSU. "What we have been doing is correct," he said, defending his votes on education funding. Wants more emphasis "to push for the A+" program. How? That was left unclear.

ENERGY
Hagan -- Made a simple but great point. "What is wrong with this state? There's no recycling." That's how friends react when they come to Missouri. "You guys are so far behind," she said, they said. (I can relate. I'm from Jersey and growing up we had like 8 garbage cans to separate plastics, paper, cans, etc.)
Denison -- I do recycle, he proclaimed. Said his utility bill was just $65 dollars last month, because he and his wife have been conserving more, making less trips to the grocery store. Seemed alarmed about a coming water problem in southwest Missouri. Proposed building a new reservoir and putting a nuclear plant on top. A bold, but perhaps, eye-raising position. Still, this was one of the best moments of the forum, because both candidates seemed to simplify an issue and relate it to the real world.

BIPARTISANSHIP
Hagan -- As an educator, said she always had someone to team up with. Recalled that in her door-to-door campaigning, she's found "really good people" from the other side. Said it's time to drop the Republican/Democratic labels. Promised to work with both parties.
Denison -- Called it "exciting" to work across the aisle. Said the General Assembly has done a great deal of bipartisan work. "We've had so many votes over 140 . . . voting together," he said.

SCHOOL VOUCHERS
Hagan -- Would never vote for vouchers, tax credits for private schools. Said private education should be provided by private funds, because there's no restrictions or mandates that private schools are required to live up to.
Denison -- Said he voted against HB 808, known as "the voucher bill," despite pressure from Republican leaders and Gov. Matt Blunt. "I will not vote for vouchers," Denison said flatly. Seemed to imply that vouchers should only be considered to help "special children," in certain areas that are "not getting help."

ONE ITEM THEY'D CUT FROM THE BUDGET
Hagan -- Stop tax credits. Said Missouri spends millions of dollars on companies that don't truly invest in the state.
Denison - Amtrak. Said the $3 Billion (think he meant million) given to Amtrak "is killing us." He called it a subsidy that's "not right."

BIGGEST LAW ENFORCEMENT PROBLEM
Hagan -- Drug trafficking. Called it a major issue that's eating many kids and families alive. Blamed schools for "dropping the ball" on drug prevention programs.
Denison -- Drugs. Said lawmakers should work with school more to quickly identify trouble spots. Also said there needs to be more of a focus on mental health.

(Note: Candidates in the 136th and 138th also attended the forum. Complete reviews on their performances will be posted in the coming days as time allows.)

The 135th: Hagan Says Denison Refuses To Debate

DENISON CALLS GLENDALE DEBATE "ALL BASH THE REPUBLICANS"

. . . "I don't go to bashes."

The Democratic candidate for House in Springfield's #135th legislative district is calling on Rep. Charlie Denison to accept a debate invitation at Glendale High School.

But Denison, a Republican, said that he doesn't plan to accept the debate because the high school is not in his district.

Democrat Nancy Hagan said she was contacted by Mike Snodgrass to participate in an October 15th debate at Glendale High School. "I think that these forums are not only helpful in assisting voters in making their decision, but also allow our young people a chance to participate in the democratic process. This goes against Denison's stated interest in educating our young people," she said.

"That's not in our district," Denison said in an interview with the KY3 Political Notebook. "I've already got something else planned. I didn't need to be there when I need to do other things in my district."

Hagan said she's disappointed that Denison would spend his time doing other "political activities" rather than "discussing the issues important to the voters of the 135th district." "Perhaps that is what Charlie really meant (in a recent profile on KSMU) when he said that he wanted to keep his constituents at arm's length," Hagan said.

Denison also said he wouldn't participate in the Glendale debate because "it's a set-up deal." "I've been to one of these before, it was involving the same teacher, and it was all bash the Republicans. I don't go to bashes," Denison said, referring to the 2006 Senate debate held between Doug Harpool and Sen. Norma Champion.

Hagan said Denison doesn't want to debate because of several "questionable votes" on issues. "Charlie has made several poor choices during his time in the legislature," Hagan said. "Whether it was voting for the Village Law without bothering to read the bill, or cutting health care -- he demonstrated that he lacks the initiative and intellectual curiosity necessary for the job."

When asked if Denison would consider agreeing to debate held in his district, he replied, "I'd give it some thought."

LeVota Chats Up Local House Candidates

"We've out-recruited the Republicans."

135th, 136th, 141st Seem To Be Priorities

WATCH CLIPS WITH THE DEMOCRATIC HOUSE MINORITY LEADER ABOVE

The top-ranking House Democrat in Missouri said that his party has a better chance to pick up seats in the Ozarks this November because fewer voters will be toeing the party line.

At a meeting with Southwest Missouri candidates Thursday, Rep. Paul LeVota identified #136th district candidate Nick Beatty, #135th candidate Nancy Hagan and #141st candidate Ron Shawgo as strong contenders who have a shot at upending their Republican opponents this fall.

"We've out-recruited the Republicans and we have great candidates that really fit the district," LeVota said in an interview.

Asked how repeat candidate Hagan can win a district that's one of the most Republican leaning seats in the state, LeVota replied, "we can win this one." "People are tired of the partisan politics. They're not going to go in and vote Democrat or Republican. They're going to look at each candidate," he said. LeVota pointed out that last cycle Democrats won a seat in Northeast Missouri, an area that's only about 39% Democratic. "You get a strong candidate in a district that works hard, you can win," he said.

#135th Republican Rep. Charlie Denison defeated Hagan 56%-44% in 2006. The vote margin between them was 1,975 votes out of 17,755 cast. Riper territory for the Dems may lie in the #136th, where Rep. B.J. Marsh is term-limited. In 2006, Marsh beat Democrat James Owen by the same margin -- 56% to 44%. But with Marsh unable to run, it's Republican Eric Burlison versus Democrat Nick Beatty.

LeVota also pinpointed the 141st as a potential target. Ron Shawgo is the Democratic candidate there. Republican Jay Wasson holds that seat currently. But the numbers there show that could be a longshot. Wasson defeated his 2006 opponent easily 69% to 31%. Wasson is also one of the most respected lawmaker in southwest Missouri.

LeVota also said he does not think a weaker performance by Barack Obama in southwest Missouri would hurt his candidates. He said close coordination with Jay Nixon's campaign for Governor will help his candidates identify voters and boost turnout in key areas.

Hagan Tries Again in the #135th

Lost in our flurry of reporting over Sen. Chris Koster's glad-handing in Springfield was Nancy Hagan's official announcement that she will run against #135th district Rep. Charlie Denison again in 2008.

The longtime educator made her announcement to union workers at the Labor Day picnic. Later, we asked Rep. Sara Lampe (#138th) if Hagan really had a shot against Denison.

"I think she absolutely does because the quality of the quality of job Charlie Denison has done," Lampe said. When you look at his votes, people in his district ought to be screaming for a new candidate. I believe Nancy is that candidate."

In 2006, Dension beat Hagan 56%-44%, a solid 12-point victory for an embattled Republican. So does Hagan really have a better shot the second-time around? My bet is that Denison gets another primary challenge from the right. But a nasty primary didn't seem to divide the G.O.P. in 2006.

"It is a tough district in terms of numbers, you bet it is, but all the Republicans have to do who live in that district, is look at his voting record and they'll see they don't have a guy up there that works for them," Lampe added.

Funny, because conservatives have grumbled the same thing about Denison. That couldn't have been Lampe's point, could it?

Lampe said she just wants more Dems to sit next to in Jefferson City. "I need more folks on y side of the aisle, to be able to win some votes," she said. "Playing defense is a good game strategy, but you can't win a game on defense."

In Springfield's 135th, the game already seems to be on.

(Hagan is in the center pictured above, between Rep. Charlie Norr, and Lampe.)