Kinder Opposes Property Tax Subsidy

Republican Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder was the lone "no" vote on a Missouri Housing Development Commission proposal that would use state dollars to pay the property taxes of income-eligible homebuyers next year.

The vote on the $35 million dollar plan was 7 to 1.

The MHDC approved using $15 million dollars from the federal stimulus package and $20 million from a reserve fund to spurt home buying and construction. Officials estimate that 9,000 households could qualify for a $1,250 subsidy to go towards their property taxes next year.

Supporters, including Gov. Jay Nixon and Treasurer Clint Zweifel are touting it as a tax cut. But critics call it a unnecessary subsidy.

"This program will help thousands of Missouri families realize the dream of home ownership by relieving their property tax burden for one year and encourage fiscally sound, resource-saving practices. By offering this tax relief, working Missourians will be able to pump more money into our economy, and I applaud the MHDC for taking this important step today," said Nixon in a statement.

GREEN HOME INCENTIVE: Also part of the plan is a $500 stipend for those who purchase an energy-efficient home or items to make the home more energy efficient.

The total tax relief for any one family would be capped at $1,750.

Holden on Nixon

Former Gov. Bob Holden said he sees parallels between the budget problems Gov. Jay Nixon faces and the cuts that unraveled his own administration more than five years ago, but also warned that Nixon's ultimate success will primarily be driven by factors beyond his control.

In a wide-ranging interview Friday, Holden told The Notebook Nixon's political position won't matter much until July or August of 2012 and noted that Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder has done an "effective job" at rehabilitating his image to prepare for a potential challenge.

Q & A HIGHLIGHTS with HOLDEN:

On Nixon's Ability To Fulfill Campaign Promises:
"Like every candidate, there's what you say during the campaign and when you get to office, it's a sobering experience. I think you see the parallels with my administration. I made the decision to try to raise revenues and it wasn't popular. I don't see any indication (he'll take the same route)."

On Whether Nixon Will Be Able To Expand Medicaid:
"If Jay articulates why he's going to do what he's doing effectively, I hope he can. In the short run, it doesn't look pretty for the state of Missouri for the next few years."

On Whether Nixon Will Be Judged By Healthcare Expansion:
"No. That's just part of it. At the end of the day, it will be whether Missourians have jobs, or will have a job, or jobs are being created. That'll be primarily what he's judged on."

On Where He'd Like To See State Dollars Flow:
"This is self-serving, but I'd invest more dollars in plant and life sciences and, of course, education, with more accountability. I think sometimes Democrats are good at asking for more money for education, but not demanding results."

On The Impact of E.Coli-Gate:
"Time will tell. I haven't seen an administration yet that never had any problems. But I think people will look at the larger picture."

On Whether Nixon Can Control the State's Economic Climate:
"Not really. He can control it to an extent. But so much of it is dictated by national policy and global economics. You try to put as many pieces in place as you can. But many times the jobs don't come back until 6 to 12 months after the recovery. What Jay's got to hope is that early 2012, probably by July or August, people have the sense that things are starting to grow. I think there's a chance of that. I hope there's a good chance of that. He's going to be defined by what's happening in the economy at that time and how he's managed it."

On Nixon's Declining Poll Position:
"Part of that is built on the initial good feeling people have of a new Governor taking the job. The second part is having to deal with the budget situation they've been handed. When you are in turbulent economic times, you are going to see those numbers fluctuate. They will only begin to matter once your opponent is defined. Then, we'll see how solid the numbers are."

On Nixon's Potential 2012 Challenger:
"Peter (Kinder) has done a more effective job rehabilitating an image as I've seen in this state. He spends a lot of time in St. Louis. Just take a look at his record as a State Senator from Cape Girardeau. He's moved from a very conservative social agenda to a broader economic agenda. He's been every helpful to me on things. And give him credit for his positioning."

Kinder's Tour De Tweet

TWEETER KINDER

The Lieutenant Governor attempts to break news on TWITTER regarding a potential hostage situation in Jefferson City, but later deletes a bunch of his posts on what turned out to be a misunderstanding.

"Sharpshooters on roof of Jefferson bldg. Hostage situation unfolding in Governor Office bldg. Police locked down the block. Developing ..." Kinder posted on his Twitter page.

Kinder then appeared on KTVI-TV in St. Louis around midday to report the news in the live interview. But the link to the interview has been mysteriously removed from the station's website. The left-wing blog FiredUp linked to the interview, which was posted on YouTube.

In the interview, Kinder was careful to say reports of shots fired was a "third-party unconfirmed report." As FiredUp gleefully noted, the Lieutenant Governor said, "I was the first to Tweet it."

***

THEN: After reports of a hostage situation in Jefferson City proved to be untrue, Kinder retracted a Re-Tweet of a message posted Tuesday morning about President Obama saying jail time was appropriate for not buying health insurance.

The Kansas City Star's Steve Kraske noted Obama never said that.

"I apparently erred in a re-tweet of a message tweeted by Renee Hulshof this morning re: something Pres Obama said. I hereby retract item." Kinder wrote.

A little later, Kinder wrote: "There. I have just corrected a mis-communication faster than my friends @ the KC Star ever have one of theirs. :)"

One Jefferson City observer called Kinder's posting "reckless." "Imagine if he sat in the big chair?," one mused. Others on Twitter praised the Lt. Governor for Tweeting what he knew in real time.

***

Kinder is the top statewide elected official to hold a Twitter account. An @JayNixon account used earlier in the year was found not to be an official account of Gov. Jay Nixon.

Kinder: At Least 1 Missourian Injured In Shootings

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder said at least one Missourian has been injured in the shootings at Fort Hood, Texas Thursday.

"Today, our nation mourns for those who have lost their lives in this senseless act of violence. At this hour, we know at least one Missourian, Keara Bono, 21, of Independence, was injured in the shootings," Kinder said in a statement.

"I offer my thoughts and prayers to Keara and her family, and to families of those who are dead and wounded," he said.

***

The U.S. Army says at least 12 people have been killed and 31 wounded on the central Texas Army post. The shooter, Army Major Malik Nadal Hasan was killed. Reports say he was a mental health professional who recently received a poor review. Two other suspects have been apprehended.They also are U-S soldiers.

PLUS: Families in the Ozarks endure tense moments waiting to hear from soldiers stationed at Ft. Hood. For Ky3 News @ 10 coverage, click HERE.

Many Ozarks Schools Won't Show Obama Speech

PLUS: KINDER PILES ON

Parents across the country continue to call their local schools, complaining about President Obama's speech to students Tuesday.

But here in the Ozarks, it's likely that most students won't even see it.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

"Our administrators will look at it. At that point and time, we'll see where it fits into our curriculum," said Fair Grove superintendent John Link.

"We made the decision not to offer the president's speech to the school children during school time," said Nixa superintendent Stephen Kleinsmith.

WATCH WHY SOME PARENTS ARE PLANNING A BOYCOTT HERE

KINDER SAYS SPEECH INFRINGES ON RIGHTS:

"It may be the first time that the White House has distributed curricula directly to the teachers to accompany the president's speech," said Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder in a statement Thursday. "While I have the utmost respect for the office of the president, and for this president, this public relations tactic has gone too far. The distribution of teaching curricula from the White House to the classroom clearly usurps the authority of our local school boards and school administrators."

"We have seen the federal government intervene into our lives in ways that many of us thought we would never see. This is a clear infringement on the rights of our students and those of Missouri parents," he said.

"I believe that if parents choose to keep their children at home during this presentation, they should be able to do so without any consequences being imposed upon their children. And if local school districts across Missouri choose not to make this speech mandatory for students, they should not face any penalties for the state or federal government. Parents who are concerned by the president’s school programming should contact their local school administrators to make their voices heard. It is important to vindicate parental rights, as parents are primarily responsible for their children's education," Kinder said.

Most of Tour of Missouri Funding Yet to Be Released

SLOW CASH FLOW HOBBLING RELEASE

Just a third of state tourism funds dedicated to the 2009 Tour of Missouri have been released, a month before the bike race is set to begin, KY3 News has learned.

The state's tourism director said his agency received notice that $500,000 had been released Tuesday. But apparently the state doesn't have the cash flow to immediately provide the remaining $1 million dollars Gov. Jay Nixon promised -- all at once.

"It's authorized to be released, but the state is having a tremendous cash flow problem. The money's just not there," said tourism director Bob Smith.

When asked when he expected to get the remainder of the funds, Smith replied, "I can't answer that, I don't know."

Nixon spokesman Jack Cardetti said the remaining funds "will be released in installments in the coming weeks."

After initially freezing the $1.5 million dollars for the race and facing pressure from cyclist enthusiasts around the country, Nixon decided to ok the money for the cross-state bicycle race in mid-July. On July 14th, Nixon said, "the Office of Budget and Planning will immediately begin to provide state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri."

Reached Tuesday afternoon, the event's manager said he was unaware that some of the funding still had not been released.

"I thought we had cleared that hurdle," said Chris Aronhalt of Medalist Sports who is helping coordinate the Tour. "We respect the Governor's office in doing what it has to do, but it is crucial. The timing of the release is crucial to successfully plan and execute the event," Aronhalt said.

A spokesman for Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, who chairs the state Tourism Commission and heavily lobbied to keep state funding for the race, suggested the money is still being withheld.

"Based upon conversations with the Director of the Division of Tourism, it is our understanding that $1 million in funding for this year’s race is still being withheld. I believe this could present some serious challenges with the start of the race just one month away," said Kinder spokesman Gary McElyea.

Aronhalt said not having the money in hand can at times make it difficult to secure commitments with vendors. He did not say that the lack of funds prohibited agreements from being signed, but noted, "it doesn't make life easy." "Bills need to be paid, that's why cash is needed," Aronhalt said.

On top of the Tour funding, Smith said the Tourism division has yet to receive any of its first quarter funding for the 2010 fiscal year. He said the agency should have received around $5 million dollars shortly after July 1st, the start of the fiscal year.

"I'm sure (The Tour) would like to have it all now. I'd like to have it all now. But it's not there right now," Smith said. "We realize we're going to get the money eventually. We're just cautiously reviewing our invoices right now," he said.

The Tour of Missouri is scheduled to run Sept. 7-13 with circuit races in St. Louis and Kansas City. The nearest Ozarks stop is in Rolla.

Nixon: Not Worrying About Kinder

COUNT TO FIVE. THEN ANSWER

In the midst of the E.Coli controversy, Gov. Jay Nixon gets pelted with a question from KSMU about his relationship with Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.

"I don't spent a lot of my time worrying about that stuff . . .," Nixon replied, before pausing, seemingly trying to balance his answer.

"We're constitutional officers . . ."

"I don't spend time whining about Missouri, I certainly don't spend time complaining about other people."

*WATCH FULL CLIP ABOVE*

Nixon Travel Spat Exemplifies Growing Rift with Kinder

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder didn't know about Gov. Jay Nixon's overseas trip until two days after the Governor left to head to the Mideast.

Nixon left for Iraq to visit with Missouri troops on Friday, but Kinder, the state's second highest ranking official, had no idea he was gone until Sunday.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Nixon spokesperson Scott Holste: "He informed all the statewide officials at the same time. There was no reason to treat the Lieutenant Governor any different . . ."

Kinder spokesperson Gary McElyea: "The protocol with the previouis administration is that we would be notified anytime the Governor was leaving the country, regardless of whether there was a transition of power."

Nixon Communications Director Jack Cardetti: "The Department of Defense said we could not release the Governor's whereabouts until they authorized it."

MSU Political Science Professor George Connor: "The Governor and Lieutenant Governor don't get along. They don't get along politically and by all reports they don't get along that well personally."
***
***QUICK QUIZ: When was the last time Missouri had members of opposing political parties serving in the state's two top offices?

***16 years ago . . . in 1993: When Republican John Ashcroft was Governor and Democrat Mel Carnahan was Lieutenant Governor.

Connor: Odd That Nixon Didn't Tell Kinder About Trip

"ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A RIFT"

The head of the Missouri State University Political Science Department says it's "odd" that Governor Jay Nixon did not notify Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder about his Mideast trip before leaving the country.

But says -- when the Governor should formally transfer power is certainly debatable.

"I think it comes down to a courtesy issue that the Governor's office should have contacted the Lieutenant Governor's office. I'm going to be in Iraq, it's a warzone, just to be on alert," MSU political science professor George Connor said. "I think this would be another example of a rift between the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor."

*WATCH HIS FULL ANALYSIS ABOVE*

"If he didn't transfer power when he went to Iraq, I can't think that the next time he goes to a meeting of the Governor's office in Tulsa -- that he's going to transfer power."

Nixon's staff informed Kinder he was overseas around 11 a.m. Sunday -- when all statewide officials were informed. Nixon communications director Jack Cardetti told The Notebook Monday that the Department of Defense "asked us not to disclose the Governor's whereabouts until after he was out of Iraq." Nixon was in Iraq Saturday and Kuwait on Sunday.

Kinder to Canada

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder will head to Canada this week to discuss energy production.

Kinder leaves the country Tuesday and will dine with with Consul General Georges Rioux and Alberta Energy Minister Mel Knight. On Wednesday and Thursday, he'll tour the Foster Creek Energy Facility and attend meetings with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and the Energy Pipeline Association.

He'll take personal days on Friday and Saturday and return to Missouri on Sunday.

***

Meanwhile: Gov. Jay Nixon's office says the Governor has not yet returned from his overseas trip. A spokesman did not release his whereabouts Monday.

Kinder's trip to Canada and the uncertainty of Nixon's return date could leave both top state officials out of the country at the same time.

ALSO: Tonight on KY3 News @ 10:

Power Politics or Pettiness?

Why Nixon's Overseas Trip Lends Another Example of the Widening Kinder-Nixon Rift

Kinder Remembers Cronkite's Missouri Roots

"Most Trusted Man in America" Dead at 92

Walter Cronkite was the face of CBS News from 1962 to 1981 and became a journalistic icon during what was known as the golden age for television news.

Cronkite was born in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1916. He covered World War II in the 1930's for United Press in Kansas City.

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder was the first Missouri official out with a statement:

"This evening, America has lost a trusted voice and lifelong friend in Walter Cronkite. As a native son of Missouri, Mr. Cronkite brought our nation the days events with eloquence and poise across multiple generations. Tonight, I think back on memories of some of America's most historic events. Those events found life through the words of Walter Cronkite. On behalf of all Missourians, I send my deepest sympathies to the Cronkite family."

Kinder's office notes that Cronkite was inducted in the Hall of Famous Missourians in 1999 and that a bronze bust honors his life in the rotunda of the Missouri state capitol.

CBS is planning a one-hour special on Sunday to remember Cronkite. It will air in place of 60 Minutes.

Kinder Endorses Schweich

The highest level Republican in Jefferson City has endorsed Tom Schweich over Rep. Allen Icet in the GOP primary for state auditor.

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder announced his endorsement of Schweich in a morning press release sent out by the former U.S. ambassador.

Kinder's endorsement of Schweich is no surprise. He was one of the leaders who helped engineer the deal that pushed Schweich out of the U.S. Senate race against Roy Blunt and into the state auditor race. Schweich hinted he'd be receiving some high-level endorsements during his campaign kick-off last week.

"Tom is a patriot who has served the American people uncovering the truth in the Waco Investigation, rooting out waste and fraud at the United Nations, and fighting drug trafficking, money laundering, and corrupt regimes around the world," Kinder said in the endorsement statement. "He is fiscal conservative, respected author on financial responsibility and a rarity, in that he will be the impartial voice Missouri taxpayers deserve in the auditor’s office. I know Tom will be tenacious in rooting out waste, fraud and abuse, working everyday to protect taxpayers," Kinder went on.

On the same day Schweich announced his own candidacy, Icet released the names of more than 80 state lawmakers who have signed on to back him.

Kinder's endorsement confirms the divide within the elected Republican establishment over the race for state auditor.

"I am honored that the top ranking Republican in Missouri state government has chosen to endorse my campaign for state auditor," Schweich said. "The Lt. Governor is an accomplished patriot who has taken the time to speak with me about my qualifications and fiscal conservatism, and his vote of confidence is very encouraging," Schweich added.

Kinder "Thrilled" Nixon Now a Tour Supporter

"IT IS NOT MY VICTORY . . . IT IS YOUR VICTORY"

ALSO: Says "Dust-Up" Will Supercharge This Year's Race

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder said the "dust-up" over the possible cancellation of this year's Tour of Missouri will have a supercharge effect on the cycling race now less than three months away.

Kinder held a Tuesday afternoon conference call to thank the volunteers, supporters and media who helped rally to save the 2009 tour from a $1.5 million dollar cut that would have halted the race. Gov. Nixon announced Tuesday that he would release the state funds for the event, but called for more "transparency and accountability."

Kinder made sure to note that the race was "threatened by actions of the Nixon administration," but said he was thrilled to now be able to call the Governor a supporter of the Tour. "I am delighted by the news today that Governor Nixon . . . has released the funds," Kinder said, adding that he was "especially delighted" to welcome Nixon to the ranks of supporters.

Kinder also took note of video posted by The Notebook last week of then-candidate Nixon taking a shot at the race during a Chamber of Commerce meeting in Springfield last September.

Kinder said those comments showed Nixon "ridiculing and casting aspersions on the Tour of Missouri." He said today marks the first indication that Nixon is a supporter of the effort.

"It is not my victory. It is your victory," Kinder told supporters on the call.

Kinder did not directly address Nixon's remarks about greater accountability and transparency. He only said that an economic impact study would be included evaluating this year's race.
*UPDATE @5:23 PM: Kinder spokesman Gary McElyea notes that Kinder did address the transparency charge: "The organizers and planners of this race have always operated above the board, and been completely transparent with the state, cities and media…. That will continue," Kinder said.

Kinder also said the dust-up over the race would "supercharge" the event, possibly luring a half a million spectators to the state in September.

ALSO, according to the Lt. Gov's office:
*The Tour of Missouri website crashed this afternoon, due to a record amount of hits.
*836 e-mails were sent to Gov. Nixon through the Tour of Missouri website (that doesn't include emails transmitted other ways.)
*"It's not fair for the Governor to make the statement that the Tour is now willing to provide documents. Tour of Missouri Inc. has always said they're happy to provide any budget documents, and in many cases have provided them to the media," said McElyea, responding to Nixon's statement.
*Kinder's office first found out about Nixon's decision through another reporter. McElyea said Nixon told Kinder Friday that their staffs would communicate about his decision. Kinder and Nixon did not speak Tuesday.

*Kinder's call did not include a question and answer session*

And The Tour Will Go On

Gov. Jay Nixon said Tuesday he'll release the $1.5 million dollars in state funding to allow the 2009 Tour of Missouri to go on but wants more transparency and accountability in how taxpayer money is spent.

NIXON FULL STATEMENT:

"Missouri currently faces tremendous financial challenges, and the state must find ways to reduce spending. Even as my administration continues to tighten its belt, I believe that the 2009 Tour of Missouri should go forward. The race will go on this year, and Missourians deserve to know that state funds for the event are used transparently and accountably. They should know precisely how money for the Tour of Missouri is being spent, and that the event is being run in a way that minimizes the cost to taxpayers," Nixon said.

"To ensure transparency and accountability, I asked the Office of Administration to seek a full and fair explanation of all expenditures connected with the Tour of Missouri in 2007 and 2008, and of budgeted expenditures and contracts for 2009. A representative from the Office of Administration met today with representatives of the Department of Economic Development, the Division of Tourism and Tour of Missouri, Inc. Because of assurances from the Division of Tourism and the Tour of Missouri, Inc. that they are now willing to share records regarding spending on previous races and planned spending for this year’s race, the Office of Budget and Planning will immediately begin to provide state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri," Nixon concluded.

So -- does Lt. Gov. Kinder get any political credit for rallying the save --

--OR--

Is the 2010 race in more peril than ever before?

Kinder, Rove Compete For Card Check Audience

ROVE EVENT DESIGNED TO PRESSURE MCCASKILL

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and political strategist Karl Rove are holding separate meetings within hours of each other in Springfield Wednesday on the ramifications of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Kinder's meeting is part of a statewide tour to promote a ballot initiative designed to protect Missouri from passage of the legislation. The meeting is sponsored by Associated Industries of Missouri and the Southwest Area Manufacturers Association, and is slated for 4:30 p.m. at the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. There is no charge for the event, but pre-registration is required.

Karl Rove is speaking to an invitation only crowd at the Loren Cook Company at 2:30. That meeting is sponsored by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. "We will be using a number of methods to get the attention of members of Congress who are important swing votes on this matter -- and making our opinions ring as clear as a bell," wrote state Chamber president Dan Mehan. In a letter to invites, Mehan said a group of business organizations in the Midwest will be using a 527 to communicate their message through TV, radio and newspaper ads. "It is our intention to become the 'point of the spear' in the American business community's efforts to defeat these onerous new labor laws," Mehan wrote.

Former State Sen. John Loudon, who serves as chair of the "Save Our Secret Ballot" tour, said the two events are unrelated. Loudon told The Notebook that Kinder's event "is a Missouri ballot issue, theirs is designed to lobby (Sen. Claire) McCaskill to change her vote."

Loudon said that Rove's event was scheduled after the ballot initiative tour, and that "a lot of people are confused."

Budget Cut Could Cancel Tour of Missouri

Missouri's big bike race could be in peril due to a recommended cut by Governor Jay Nixon's administration.

The 3rd Annual Tour of Missouri is in danger of being cancelled just three months before the start date. Now tourism advocates are gearing up to save it.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

PLUS: The Lieutenant Governor's office told KY3 News late Friday that Gov. Nixon has indicated he's taking the weekend to think it over and should have a decision early next week.

Tourism Signals Support for Tour of Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri Tourism Commission has reaffirmed its support for the Tour of Missouri bicycle race in the face of a potential state budget cut.

Gov. Jay Nixon's administration has frozen $1.5 million of tourism funding intended for the race and is considering whether to eliminate the money to help balance the state budget.

Organizers say that would force the cancellation of the September bicycle race.

At a meeting Thursday, members of the state Tourism Commission questioned whether Nixon's administration has the legal authority to control how it spends its money. Commissioners voted to reaffirm their $1.5 million commitment to the race.

Nixon budget director Linda Luebbering said the potential Tour of Missouri cut remains under review.

Nixon Offers No Signal of Support for Tour of Missouri

As it's been widely reported Thursday, Gov. Jay Nixon is considering a $1.5 million cut to the Tour of Missouri that organizers say could force the cancellation of the September bicycle race.

The Department of Economic Development recommended the cut this week in response to Nixon's request for agencies to identify savings in the state budget. A decision on it will be made in several weeks, Nixon's spokesman Jack Cardetti told The Associated Press.

The News-Leader's Chad Livengood quotes the race organizer calling the "timing terrible."

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder took to the airwaves to urge people to call the Governor and tell him to preserve the race. @savethetour popped up as a TWITTER account.

During the Springfield signing, Livengood asked Nixon if he supported all the state funding that's gone towards the tour. Nixon was non-committal, dodging a inquiry about the future with a brush-off-the-shoulder response to issues decided in the past.

"It's just not something I spend a great deal of my time thinking about," the Governor responded.

*WATCH FULL RESPONSE ABOVE*

*THE TAKE BELOW:

But that seems like an odd answer for someone who carved out most of his initial campaign on a controversial decision (in the past) made by Gov. Matt Blunt (Medicaid cuts). Nixon's rationale for not rendering a public judgement on funding for the Tour is perplexing. He could've said he thought it was a bad decision to pour state money into event in place of other priorities. He could've said he supported the Tour concept but that in difficult economic times, sacrifices are necessary. But the first take of Nixon's answer seems to indicate he's got questions about using taxpayer money for the annual bike race. It seems that in the weeks ahead, Team Kinder's top priority will forcing Nixon's hand -- pushing him to pledge support and/or attempting to punish him politically if the ax falls.

Kinder Calls Nixon Bonding Plan "Another Bailout"

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder has come out staunchly against Gov. Jay Nixon's proposed bonding initiative, a plan designed to help finance capital projects around the state.

Nixon's bond proposal is seen as a way to pursue most of the construction projects he cut or withheld from the 2010 budget he signed last week.

"Our nation is facing the greatest economic recession since the Great Depression. The governor’s bonding plan is nothing more than another government bailout that will put our state in debt for nearly a quarter of a century," Kinder said in a statement. "The 2010 balanced budget that was passed by the legislature took into account all the realities of the current recession. The key focus of our past legislative session was job creation, and our budget reflected that priority. This bonding initiative is merely a debt plan that will fail to put any Missourians back to work in the near future. The risk of failure is too great," he added.

"I strongly urge the governor to utilize the one time funds available in the state's bank account and fund the construction projects that legislators authorized just a few months ago. That is a plan that will truly make a difference for hardworking Missourians," Kinder added.

The Kansas City Star's Jason Noble notes that while House Speaker Ron Richard also issued a statement critical of the bonding initiative Tuesday, he supported a similar plan which passed the House earlier this year.

Talent, Kinder to Endorse Blunt Saturday

ALL ABOARD!

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and former Sen. Jim Talent will endorse Congressman Roy Blunt for U.S. Senate Saturday in St. Louis, the KY3 Political Notebook has learned.

A source with knowledge of the event said Kinder and Talent will join Blunt in St. Louis Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac.

Endorsements from Kinder and Talent will cap off a laundry list of endorsements Blunt has received from top Republican officials across the state over the past two months.

Official spokesmen for Kinder and Talent would not comment.

ALSO:

The Busplunge Blog notes that former U.S. Attorney John Ashcroft will endorse Blunt Monday in Springfield.