Shortfall Fallout

REACTION TO A PROJECTED $342 MILLION DOLLAR SHORTFALL

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

"We prepared for what we knew would be a downturn economy."

#139th District Rep. Shane Schoeller (R) says a budget shortfall will present tough decisions, but notes that other states are in much worse shape. He thinks Gov.-elect Jay Nixon will definitely have to scale back his campaign promises, but cautions that projections are often wrong. Schoeller says that historically the budget does better during the first half of the year, and seems hopeful that a slow recovery could lift revenues higher than expected by June.

"The first thing I think they will try to cut is higher ed, that's where they always go."

#135th District Rep. Charlie Denison (R) says higher education will be the first area likely to see a funding cut. Denison also seemed to support Nixon's call to evaluate state tax credits given to businesses. "I think at this particular time, it's something we have to take a look at," he said. When asked if he thought the Medicaid cuts would be restored this session, he replied, "Not this time, not this year. "It's going to be a very tough year, no doubt about it," Denison said.

***

"They'll lose faculty because they won't be able to hire."

Reached by phone, #138th District Rep. Sara Lampe (D) says that she hopes no decisions about the budget will be made too quickly. "I hope we're deliberate, purposeful and won't make any quick decisions. We will have to make cuts, it will be painful. The scary part about that is the cost of higher education remains, whether the state money comes in or not," Lampe said. "They'll lose faculty because they won't be able to hire," she added, referring to the impact the cuts will have on public universities. "They'll have to cut core programs, core experiences for students." Lampe also said that when lawmakers reconvene, they should look at programs that "for years have looked ok, when we've had the money." Her primary target: Tax Credits. "We need to ask, are they necessary? Are they bringing jobs in or are they part of the problem?"

"Give Congress time to act on a stimulus measure."

Amy Blouin, of the nonprofit Missouri Budget Project wants Nixon to hold off on any proposed cuts until Congress considers a federal stimulus package for the states in January. She said some estimates show Missouri could get $250 million dollars from that type of a package. She also acknowledged it will be "more difficult" for Nixon to fulfill his campaign pledge to restore all of the 2005 Medicaid cuts, but added that healthcare coverage is needed now more than ever. Blouin said that during a recession period, unemployment rises, and therefore more people depend on public assistance for their healthcare needs. She also noted that without drastic changes, Missouri could face a $900 million dollar shortfall for fiscal year 2010.

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.

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."

Just 13?

LOCAL REPS. DENISON, VIEBROCK SIGN ON TO ETHICS REFORM

Lt. Governor Peter Kinder announced today that 13 state lawmakers have signed on to an ethics reform proposal that would prevent elected officials from working as political or fundraising consultants.

Springfield Reps. Charlie Denison, B.J. Marsh as well as Reps. Jim Viebrock and Dennis Wood are included on the list.

"I am extremely pleased that these lawmakers have embraced the idea of ethics reform, and we have all pledged to work together to restore the people’s confidence and trust in their state government,” Kinder said. “The individual use of personal power for political and financial gain at taxpayer expense is unacceptable, and this brave group has come together to fight for the kind of government the people of Missouri demand and deserve.”

The state lawmakers on Kinder's list include:

Rep. Brian Baker, R-Belton
Rep. Jason Brown, R-Platte City
Rep. Charlie Denison, R-Springfield
Rep. Gary Dusenberg, R-Blue Springs
Rep. Doug Ervin, R-Kearney
Sen. John Griesheimer, R-Washington
Rep. Scott Lipke, R-Jackson
Rep. B.J. Marsh, R-Springfield
Rep. Mike McGhee, R-Odessa
Rep. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown
Rep. Jim Viebrock, R-Republic
Rep. Dennis Wood, R-Kimberling City
Rep. Brian Yates, R-Lee’s Summit

The 5% Solution?

DEBATE OVER MANDATING BIODIESEL
AG, OIL INTERESTS FACE OFF

House Transportation Cmt. Proceeds With Caution
Petroleum Pipeline Company: "Don't force us to make a bad investment."
Soybean Association: "We add to fuel supply, while reducing the cost of feed for famers, as well as food for consumers."
Rep. Charlie Denison: "I'm not sure this bill will get us a lower price in diesel fuel."
MINNESOTA THE ONLY OTHER STATE WITH SIMILAR MANDATE . . .
. . . and Diesel Has Proven to be Cheaper Than Biodiesel Every Day, according to Magellan Midstream Partners
WATCH MY KY3 NEWS @ 6 REPORT HERE

The arguments FOR the 5% biodiesel mandate: Reducing the carbon footprint, biofuels lower the price of gas by 15% according to Merill Lynch, crushing soybeans will help make farmer feed more economical, mandate only kicks in if price of biodiesel blend is lower than diesel, mandate would bring uniform standards to biofuel and improve quality, boon to soybean industry struggling with new trans-fat standard in foods, would open the market to challege oil companies hold on market.

The arguments AGAINST the 5% mandate: Mandates distort the free-marketplace, costs too high to put infastructure in place to handle biodiesel blend, biodiesel proven to be very expensive, and therefore never may be used, private companies may decide to forgo costs and stop shipping or selling diesel altogether, if a terminal runs out of biodiesel - what do you do?, too much is still unknown about the price of biodiesel and its stability, companies forced to comply with mandate may pass cost on to the consumer.

Boon or Doggle?

SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT ETHANOL

Ozarks Lawmakers Sign on to Repeal Mandate

Reps. Wallace, Pollock, Denison Agree

Cite Rising Food, Farm Prices

HULSHOF SUPPORTS KEEPING MANDATE

Hulshof Campaign: "If you look at everything that goes into the price of corn, ethanol is but a small part."

DEVELOPING . . .

20 Questions (minus the answers)

SPECULATE, CONTEMPLATE, PONTIFICATE

Whispers, Gossip & Chatter Dancing In Heads

1. Is Molly Williams' candidacy for Attorney General a stealth campaign meant to siphon female votes from Margaret Donnelly in the Democratic primary? (And is Chris Koster smiling?)

2. Is Sara Lampe more electable in a purplish statewide contest or a red State Senate Springfield district?

3. If the answer is the former, why didn't she jump at a shot at State Treasurer in what's expected to be a Democratic year?

4. Will Jeff Harris say a negative word about Margaret Donnelly before June? Or vice versa?

5. Where will the majority of Matt Blunt's donors go? Kenny Hulshof, Sarah Steelman, or will there be a split?

6. If in June, polls show Hulshof down to Steelman, does Gov. Blunt endorse his heir apparent? Will that endorsement backfire?

7. How many of the 9 candidates for Governor should be included in debates? By what measure does the media decide Hulshof and Steelman are the only viable Republicans that deserve the platform?

8. Will anyone in the Ozarks care about the State Treasurer race?

9. When does Mike Gibbons begin to benefit from a crowded, competitive and increasingly testy Democratic A.G. primary?

10. Late at night in bed, or in the morning in the shower, does Chris Koster ever wish he was still a Republican . . . as either a candidate for Attorney General . . . or Governor?

11. Which Ozarks-area state representative wins the label of "most endangered incumbent?"

12. Can veterinarian Charlie Dake win his old Lawrence County seat back against Rep. Don Ruzicka . . . and how dirty is he willing to get (robo-calls ? . . . ahem) to do it?

13. If the conservative Republican establishment is so disgruntled with Rep. Charlie Denison, why didn't he draw a primary opponent other than a vigorous Ron Paul supporter?

14. Can Nancy Hagan really top her '06 vote total against Denison, in one of the reddest districts in Springfield?

15. Why couldn't Hagan convince her husband to move a few blocks out of the ultra-red #135th and into the more purple and open seat #136th?

16. Will the race for the #136th to replace Rep. B.J. Marsh be all that its cracked up to be? Or will the Democratic Party decide to throw its money elsewhere in a year where the ballot is super crowded?

17. Who is a better door-to-door, retail campaigner, Eric Burlison or Nick Beatty?

18. Will the unpredictable B.J. Marsh endorse in the #136th? And will anyone care?

19. Eight months from now, who will be the candidate that surprises us the most?

20. Does anyone have a convincing or credible answer to the following questions?

Not Telling: Why Local Pols Aren't Endorsing

"As an elected official, it's somewhat risky."

None of Springfield's Republican state representatives are publicly endorsing a candidate for president, now just over a month before Missouri's February 5th primary.

Rep. Jim Viebrock of the #134th legislative district puts it this way: "As an elected official it's somewhat risky to publicly endorse, because you don't know. The next thing out of their mouth might be really, really bad," he said.

Viebrock said he has a personal policy not to endorse, even in local races. "I've very cautious about endorsing in any primary." But he acknowledged that part of the problem in the Republican race for president is that there is no clear frontrunner to get behind.

"Among friends we talk about it, but I'm not ready to make a public commitment. It's pretty scattered really. I'm kind of curious to watch and see who comes through," Viebrock said.

Rep. Charlie Denison (#135th) said he has not yet made up his mind on an endorsement. In a brief phone interview, Denison said, "I'm going to kind of wait and see what the fallout of it all is."

In an interview Friday, Rep. Shane Schoeller (#139th) said he is privately leaning towards a candidate, but is not ready to say who. "I've decided in this particular race that you are not going to get a candidate that has every quality that you would look for," he said.

Rep. Bob Dixon's (#140th) office said Dixon was unavailable for comment due to a family emergency. A spokeswoman for Senator Norma Champion said the senator was unreachable and taking time off until after the holiday.

Rep. B.J. Marsh has been the most open about his choices -- favoring Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani -- but even the blunt Marsh said he hasn't settled.

On the Democratic side, Rep. Sara Lampe talks glowingly about the top three Democrats, but offers no hint of a preference. Rep. Charlie Norr has told the KY3 Political Notebook he favors John Edwards.

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.)