Dixon Wants Longer Deer Season

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon called on the Missouri Department of Conservation Tuesday to extend its firearms deer season.

Dixon cited a significant overpopulation of deer in parts of the state, including the Springfield metropolitan area. Springfield City Council recently approved controlled archery deer hunts on public property.

Missouri's firearms deer season runs 10 days. This year it was between Nov. 14th and Nov. 24th.

"Deer season in parts of Arkansas lasts over a month," said Dixon, a candidate for State Senate. "Extending our own deer season would have several benefits: better managing the deer population, more opportunities to hunt over the holidays, and increased contributions to the Share the Harvest program. In these tough economic times, our food pantries are seeing a vastly increased demand. Sharing more of the harvest could address some very real needs."

Hoeman Touts "Real World" Healthcare Experience

BUT DOCTOR STEERS CLEAR OF SPECIFICS

Democratic State Senate candidate Michael Hoeman stressed his experience as a physician in being able to handle healthcare issues, but made no commitments to try to expand Medicaid and steered clear of endorsing federal healthcare legislation.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 6 REPORT HERE

"I have consoled patients in my office who have broken down in tears because their Medicaid had been taken away. Without it, healthcare was simply not possible for them," Hoeman said in his campaign kick-off Monday.

But when asked about new potential federal mandates that would force Medicaid expansion, Hoeman balked. "I think we need to look at what our priorities are for healthcare and not just address this piece-meal. I think we need to look at what our revenue situation is here," he said.

***WATCH Q & A ABOVE***

On House & Senate healthcare bills: "I think there are elements in each that are good and I think there are elements in each that are probably not workable.

Hoeman will likely face Republican Rep. Bob Dixon in a battle for Springfield's District 30 State Senate seat.

Last time a Democrat represented Springfield in the State Senate?

1942, Edward A. Barbour Jr., when it was the 20th District

It became the 30th Senate District in 1946.

Dixon Dodges Sales Tax Question At Firefighter Endorsement

FIREFIGHTERS UNION BACK DIXON IN THE 30th

***WATCH TAX Q & A ABOVE***

Republican State Senate candidate Bob Dixon declined to say whether he voted to raise Springfield's sales tax to help fund the pensions of firefighters, on the same day he received the endorsement of the city's local firefighter union.

Dixon, who scheduled an early Monday morning press conference with Springfield Firefighters Local 152 just hours before his Democratic opponent planned to kick off his campaign, said he did vote on the pension sales tax, which passed overwhelmingly earlier this month.

But three different times, he dodged questions about how he voted, saying it was a decision for the voters of Springfield. Watch the video ABOVE.

"I did vote in the privacy of the voting booth but I did not ask people to vote a certain way," said Dixon, who currently represents the #140th State House District. "I left that decision up to the voters, and I do respect their decision."

Dixon's decision to decline a public position on the sales tax allows him to avoid offending portions of his campaign coalition, which includes firefighters and anti-tax conservatives.

For instance, both firefighter union president Shawn Martin and vocal pension sales tax opponent Fred Ellison stood behind Dixon at his campaign announcement Monday. But Martin and Ellison were on opposite sides of the tax issue.

Martin said he did not know how Dixon voted on the pension tax.

"I have not asked him officially," Martin said in an interview.

"What is more important is where an individual stands as far as getting people to vote," he added. "If he had stood up there and advocated for the tax great. If he had stood up there and advocated against it, that's something else."

UPDATED 5:41 PM: The Greene County Democratic Party accused Dixon of having it both ways. "Rep. Dixon needs to answer this question. He’s trying to have it both ways. We do not need someone in Jefferson City who straddles the proverbial fence and politically calculates their every move, we need a decisive leader for Springfield," said Greene County Democratic Executive Director Matthew Patterson.

Martin said his union decided to endorse Dixon because he's a "longtime friend," who stood up to city leaders when some were reluctant to address the pension shortfall.

Dixon was one of the local lawmakers who helped champion state legislation that required the city address the pension funding problem. "It also offered them the ability to choose whether or not they wanted a tax, and the voters decided that they did," Martin said.

Dixon also won the backing of the Missouri State Council of Firefighters, and thanks both groups for their support in his campaign against Democrat Michael Hoeman.

"I cannot think of any other group that I'd rather have in there with me than the firefighters," Dixon said to cheers.

He said he hoped for a "friendly and respectful" dialogue about the issues with Hoeman, a Springfield school board member and local physician.

Hoeman To Take Plunge Against Dixon

Springfield physician and school board member Michael Hoeman will formally announce his candidacy for State Senate Monday, setting up a likely general election battle with Republican Rep. Bob Dixon.

District #30 incumbent Norma Champion is vacating her seat in 2010 due to term limits.

Hoeman, a Democrat, plans his announcement for 11:30 a.m. in the Frisco Room of the Library Station on 2535 North Kansas Expressway.

In a statement, Hoeman said "quality health care and a quality education are critical to the future success of the Springfield area and Missouri. These topics, along with working to secure a brighter economic future for Missourians were key motivators in making this decision to announce my candidacy."

By most accounts, Hoeman was not the Democratic Party's first choice to run for the open seat. The party had hoped to recruit State Rep. Sara Lampe. After Lampe signaled she was eyeing a future statewide candidacy, the party courted former Greene County Library Director Annie Busch. When Busch decided against a run by early summer, Democratic leaders turned to Hoeman.

***

Hoeman first told The Notebook he was seriously considering a candidacy on June 24th.

The 30th: Love For Labor Friendly Dixon?

Rep. Bob Dixon, a candidate for the 30th Senate District seat in 2010, was the only Republican official to attend Springfield's Labor Day parade and rally.

But Jim Kabell, the business manager for the Teamsters Local 245 union, cautioned that local labor is not necessarily endorsing Dixon in his state Senate bid.

"We've not made any endorsement," said Kabell in an interview. "Dixon has not been a solid labor vote, but there are things he has done."

"When people saw him there, they asked me, 'What are you going to do with him?' And I said, I'm going to introduce him, like we did the other state representatives. This was an ideal opportunity for others to twist his arm," Kabell explained.

VIDEO of Dixon's appearance posted on YouTube shows Kabell crediting Dixon for appearing before a group that usually supports Democrats. "But we need friends on both sides of the aisle folks," Kabell added.

"We need somebody in the Republican Party that will represent working men and women just as we need them in the Democratic Party," Kabell said.

Dixon was clear about why he was there -- to win their votes for his Senate bid.

"I stand before you as the grandson of Democrats and the son of a union member," Dixon said in a brief statement where he promised to campaign for economic opportunity, stronger schools and safe neighborhoods.

Kabell was vague when describing what Dixon has done for labor causes.

"He's kept some things locked up so it doesn't do us harm. He's blocked some things from hitting the floor, made sure some things don't get out of committee," Kabell explained.

When asked for specifics on what Dixon blocked, Kabell declined to say. "I don't want to do him harm, get him in trouble with some of his friends," Kabell added.

Kabell made clear that respect and having a relationship with Dixon does not qualify as an endorsement.

Springfield school board member Michael Hoeman first told The Notebook he was considering a bid for the District #30 Senate seat as a Democrat back in June. Kabell said he's only had a brief conversation with Hoeman that did not include "much substance."

Kabell doesn't know the chances of Dixon winning labor's blessing. They're likely slim.

The fact that Dixon is actively courting labor should be a warning to Greene County Democrats.

And the fact that Dixon is quietly maneuvering policy for labor might catch the antenna of some Republicans.

Next MIAC Meeting Monday, Aug. 31st

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon announced the next public meeting on the controversial MIAC report and state intelligence oversight will be held in Grandview Monday, August 31st.

The meeting is set for 11 a.m. at the Grandview Community Center on 13500 Bryars Road in Grandview.

Individuals wishing to testify should call 573-­751-9809 or e-mail eric.jennings@house.mo.gov

WATCH our first report on the 1st hearing in Jefferson City.

Dixon: E.Coli Report Investigation Could Lead to Firings

,
Springfield State Rep. Bob Dixon suggests that an investigation into why a report revealing high levels of E.coli was withheld from the public could lead to firings at the Department of Natural Resources.

Earlier this week, a Senate committee said it would investigate why the Lake of the Ozarks E.coli report was held back. DNR initially said The Kansas City Star that the report was withheld because of tourism concerns.

"A person who would do something like that in the private sector would lose their job, or if a business did it, what would happen? People would no longer patronize that business," Dixon told The Notebook. "I think we need, you got to have accountability."

*WATCH MORE OF DIXON'S RESPONSE ABOVE*

ALSO: The Missouri Republican Party says that Gov. Jay Nixon should have put DNR director Mark Templeton on administrative, leave pending the results of the Senate investigation.

Dixon is a Republican candidate for the 30th District State Senate seat in 2010.

"The Worst Law I Have Ever Seen"

WHAMMO WAMPLER

Top-notch criminal defense attorney Dee Wampler blasts the Child Witness Protection act as a law designed to thwart rigorous cross-examinations.

*WATCH HIM MAKE HIS CASE ABOVE*

Then read Rep. Bob Dixon's bill yourself HERE.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

KEY BYTES:

"The judges I've talked to about it, think, why are we passing something like this?"

"There are a lot of 15 and 16-year-old witnesses that need to be cross-examined and they need to be cross-examined stringently."

"This is an unconstitutional piece of legislation."

"Anyone that's ever walked a mile in the shoes of a person that's been falsely accused will say this is a bad piece of law."

ALSO: Doesn't like new DNA Law

"I just don't trust the government"

Wampler doesn't like the new law that requires police to collect DNA from suspects to help solve crimes either. He doesn't trust that authorities will get rid of DNA of suspects if they aren't charged with a crime within 90 days.

*WATCH WAMPLER ABOVE*

Acknowledges, "It may solve a few crimes."

But warns, "So many of the arrests are false . . . The government is a very fearful master."

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 5 REPORT HERE

MIAC Hearings Begin Wednesday

A special House committee will begin holding hearings on the "function and procedures" of the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) this Wednesday.

The first hearing will be held in the Capitol's House Hearing Room 3 at 2 p.m.

It's expected to focus on "an informational overview" of MIAC.

"This interim committee and the public hearings reflect our responsibility as legislators to examine how state agencies are operating within the parameters set for them," said Committee Chairman Bob Dixon. "Law enforcement needs the proper tools and information to prevent unlawful activity, but it's our duty to safeguard civil liberties and privacy and make sure sufficient public accountability exists."

The committee was created by Speaker Ron Richard in response to the controversial MIAC report that labeled some right wing groups as potential terrorists. Additional hearings are expected in St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield.

For more of KY3's coverage of the MIAC controversy, click HERE and HERE.

June 1st Bullets

A sleepy day in Missouri politics, a slow enough start to possibly take some vaca later this week?

Hmmm . . . Here's our bullets to catch-up:

• MIAC COMMITTEE -- Rep. Bob Dixon announces he'll chair an Interim Committee on "State Intelligence Analysis Oversight" to review the origins of the controversial Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) report that outraged conservatives earlier this year. Dixon, who is running for the 30th District State Senate seat in 2010, released a statement of high praise from Speaker Ron Richard. "Representative Dixon has been vocal in expressing his concerns about the report issued by MIAC and he is one of the driving forces behind the creation of this committee. I believe he is the ideal choice," Richard said. No timetable was mentioned for hearings.
  
• GM GOES BANKRUPT -- And Sen. Claire McCaskill released this statement: "I’m looking forward to GM coming out of bankruptcy a stronger, better company. Ultimately, I’m pleased that we’ve managed so far to save important middle class jobs like those at the Wentzville plant and just across the border at the Fairfax plant in Kansas. I’m also anxious for the U.S. automakers to no longer rely on the federal government and, in the end, for the taxpayers to get their money back."
• REAL HOUSEWIVES -- This is a bit preposterous, but Abigail Blunt has been mentioned as a potential candidate for BRAVO's Real Housewives of D.C. The wife of Congressman Roy Blunt is afterall, one of the "Top 50 Corporate Lobbyists in D.C., and known for her fashionable wardrobe," according to Politics Daily. I don't know what Team Blunt would like less, reading more about Abigail's lobbyist credentials or watching her on reality TV. Although I will say Real Housewives of New Jersey is worthwhile late-night wind down tube.
• REPORT: BLACKS STOPPED MORE -- Black motorists are significantly more likely than other drivers to be stopped by Missouri law enforcement officers - a disparity that has grown greater during the past decade, according to a study from the Attorney General's office. An annual demographic report on Missouri traffic stops released Monday shows black drivers were 67 percent more likely than white or Hispanic drivers to be stopped in 2008. Not shocking. Same report was released last year. Question is: Do policy makers or law enforcement think they need to do anything to address/fix this?
• WHAT'S CID STAND FOR? -- Community Improvement District. Springfield currently has seven of them. Click here to find out why critics are raising some red flags before Council approves two more.
  

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."

Dixon Raises $5,407 for 2010 State Senate Bid

The 1st QUARTER

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon raised $5,407 dollars over the past three months for his 2010 bid to win the Queen City's State Senate seat.

Dixon, who is so far the only announced candidate for Sen. Norma Champion's District #30 seat, took in $5,050 in individual contributions from January through March. He also received a $357 "in-kind" donation from Cady Online Media in Springfield. Campaign finance reports for state and federal office are due Wednesday.

Dixon is reporting $17,369 dollars on hand to spend.

Almost half of Dixon's contributions this quarter came from a single donor: Linda Jared, of Rogersville, who gave him $2,500.

Dixon also received $1,000 from Enterprise Park Lanes, $500 from Tom Fowler, $500 from Green County Auditor Cindy Stein, $500 from Penmac Personnel Services and $300 from a committee called, "Citizens for New Health Care Concepts."

District #138 State Rep. Sara Lampe, who is viewed as a potential opponent to Dixon but has not yet made an announcement about her intentions, did not report raising a single dollar during the first quarter. In her April disclosure form, Lampe reported receiving a $215 "in-kind" contribution from the Missouri AFL-CIO for registration.

Lampe's report is mostly full of expenditures for her 2008 re-election campaign to the House. She has $6,623 on hand to spend.

Dixon Calls For Hearings on MIAC

Springfield State Rep. Bob Dixon is calling on the House to hold hearings on how the Missouri Information Analysis Center forms its security reports.

The call comes after a controversial security document targeting some conservative groups ignited a political firestorm in Jefferson City that lead to elimination of the report and the replacement of the MIAC director.

Dixon said the hearings, the majority which could occur this summer, would help ensure that future reports produced by MIAC are "properly and adequately supervised."

"I think we can all agree safeguards need to be in place so that no one fears or suspects profiling by political affiliation or protected speech," Dixon said in a media availability at Missouri State University Tuesday. "Frankly, what better way to clear the air and combat misinformation than public hearings."

***

DIXON SAID HE WANTS HEARINGS TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• How did the process work?
• What are the sources that were used?
• How did they arrive at the "perceived threats?"
• What level of threat did this report merit?

*WATCH A CLIP OF DIXON ABOVE*

Due to time constraints in the legislature, Dixon said the ongoing committee could use the summer to study the issue and then make recommendations. "It might be a longer term study . . . because we've got a lot going on right now," Dixon said.

***

Asked to comment on the House's move to permit college students to carry concealed weapons on campus, Dixon told a KY3 photographer he "didn't have time" to answer the question.

Dixon is a 2010 candidate for Springfield's State Senate seat.

Dixon With Nixon on Quality Jobs, Not Healthcare

"I would echo the Governor's call that the Senate get that bill on his desk."

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon agrees with Governor Jay Nixon that the Senate should move quicker to pass the Quality Jobs Act. Some members of the Senate want to reign in the amount of tax credits doled out to developers each year. But Dixon said this legislation "is the wrong thing to be holding up."

BUT: In this interview, which occurred before final votes on the House budget, Dixon was reluctant to commit to Nixon's healthcare plan that would add thousands back to the rolls through higher hospital taxes.

"We've been very clear that we do not want to expand any kind of welfare program at this time," Dixon said, acknowledging he can see both sides of the issue.

The Missouri Hospital Association agreed to voluntarily raise its own taxes to provide the funding. But Dixon said he wanted assurances that the hospital money would not dry up down the road. "I'd have to know for sure it's going to be there," he said.

Ultimately, Democratic attempts to include Nixon's healthcare plan failed.

The Nixon administration is hoping that the Senate will include the plan in its version of the budget.

House Members to Attempt Amendment on Public Safety Dept. Budget Over MIAC

"It will be a unified response"

A bipartisan coalition of Missouri House members is planning to sign on to a budget amendment that would prohibit the Department of Public Safety from using any state or federal money for "political profiling."

***

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon tells The Notebook that the proposed amendment will be offered on the floor Wednesday in response to the political firestorm over the MIAC security report.

Dixon said several meetings were held at the state Capitol on Tuesday to discuss how best to respond to lawmakers problems with the language included. "It's just outrageous. The report is so sloppy. When you begin going into specific political candidates, it's really on the edge. Like Big Brother. It's got a lot of people upset," Dixon said in an interview.

Dixon said that there's strong bipartisan support for the amendment. "It will be a unified response," Dixon said.

Rep. Jim Guest will offer the amendment on the floor Wednesday during debate over HB 8. Rep. Chris Kelly will be the leading Democrat to sign on.

The amendment reads the following: AMEND House Committee Substitute for House Bill No. 8, Page 1, Sec. 8.005, Line 5, by adding immediately after the word "Equipment" the following . . . "and provided the Missouri Department of Public Safety shall not spend state or federal funds for political profiling."

There was some discussion within the coalition to try to draft an amendment that would reduce the Missouri Information Analysis Center's budget and move funds to a Cybercrime task force -- but Dixon said that approach was rejected after some discussion.

***

ALSO: NIXON STILL STANDS BY REPORT

In a follow-up with spokesman Jack Cardetti Tuesday, he said that Governor Nixon still stands by the report but agrees that "it could have been done better."

"The Governor believes that law enforcement officials have one of the most dangerous, difficult jobs in society . . . and should have more information, not less," Cardetti said. When pressed on specific characteristics, Cardetti responded, "He certainly believes portions could have been explained or worded better."

Cardetti said specific questions should be directed to the Department of Public Safety.

The Notebook asked the Department of Public Safety to elaborate on some of the specific characteristics listed in the report, including .”Christian Identity, Militant Abortion, Tax resistors, Anti-immigration.”

SPOKESMAN MIKE O'CONNELL E-MAILED THIS RESPONSE:

"I sent you the Director’s letter yesterday. As is mentioned in the letter, law enforcement officers "do the most dangerous job of anyone in our society and regularly put themselves in the path of great danger, bodily harm and death to protect innocent citizens. As such, it is our regular practice to provide as much information as we can to law enforcement agencies and their officers so they are fully cognizant of any situational hazard which they may encounter."

REPUBLICANS: APOLOGY DOESN'T GO FAR ENOUGH

"A tepid apology from the Director of the Department of Public Safety does not go far enough in assuring Missourians that they will not be targeted by law enforcement for holding mainstream views," said David Cole, Chairman of the Missouri Republican Party in a statement Tuesday. "Gov. Nixon unequivocally defended this report after its release. It is time for him to offer a public apology and unconditional retraction."

DEVELOPING . . .

House Passes Anti-FOCA Resolution

The Missouri House of Representatives has passed a resolution demonstrating their opposition to federal legislation that could potentially nullify some state restrictions on abortion.

The vote in opposition to the Freedom of Choice Act or FOCA was 116 to 40.

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon sponsored the measure that states that FOCA could endanger Missouri's bans on late-term abortions and mandatory parental consent for minors.

"While we are pleased the resolution passed, we are very troubled that x members of the Missouri House are so extreme in their support for abortion that they would even support the gruesome procedure of partial-birth abortion which involves killing the baby as he is or she is being born," said Ed Martin of Missourians United for Life. "If passed, FOCA would do away with state laws banning partial-birth abortion and other pro-life protection enacted in Missouri and others states. Missourians United for Life is urging the Missouri Senate to take up the anti-FOCA resolution and also seeking the support of Missouri’s Congressional delegation in stopping the FOCA bill in Congress," Martin added.

The Associated Press notes the House resolution does not go to the Senate or to the governor. A copy is to be sent to Obama, congressional leaders and Missouri's 11 members in Congress.

Dixon Disses Stimulus

The House and Senate have passed differing versions, so what's next?

• The President continues his p.r push with a Wednesday morning stop in Springfield, Virginia. V.P. Biden talks it up in Pennsylvania.
• The Conference committee goes at it, with Majority Leader Reid saying he hopes he gets the first cut Wednesday.
• Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, releases a statement saying the "trillion dollar borrow-and-spend package" gives him "grave concern." More from Dixon: "As chairman of the House Transportation Committee, my immediate focus has been the amount of funds actually dedicated to transportation and infrastructure, as compared to how the package is being sold. I echo the sentiment recently expressed by U.S. Senator Kit Bond, who pointed out that the 'spending bill shortchanges infrastructure.' Only six percent of the total funds are dedicated to highway surface transportation, and barely more than $45 billion are designated for transportation as a whole. Government should invest in those areas-like infrastructure and education-where future dividends will be greatest. Instead, we're increasing government spending to provide a temporary fix. In Missouri, Governor Nixon has proposed using one- time federal funds to expand annual spending programs, rather than balancing the state budget. We cannot build a solid foundation for prosperity by saddling our grandchildren with enormous debt."
• Sen. Claire McCaskill had this statement: “Everyone was invited to the table when it came to fixing the economic recovery bill – Republicans and Democrats. Several of us showed up and think we came up with a pretty strong alternative – it may not be perfect, but we cut some of the spending and produced a bill that will create jobs and cut taxes for working families."

Dixon Files Resolution Opposing FOCA

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon introduced a House Resolution that expresses strong opposition to the federal "Freedom of Choice Act," also known as FOCA.

***

FOCA would codify a woman's right to choose an abortion, and could override state restrictions. 110 members of the House have co-sponsored the legislation. A separate resolution has been filed in the Senate.

"The vast majority of Missourians will agree that any federal legislation that would encourage partial-birth abortion or invalidate any current state laws dealing with partial-birth abortion should never be given serious consideration," said Rep. Dixon. "We hope to send a message to our federal delegation that we are counting on them to do the right thing."

FOCA legislation has not yet been introduced in Congress, but President Obama has indicated his support for the measure.

If passed and signed into federal law, Dixon believes FOCA would invalidate such laws on parental consent and health and safety requirements for abortion clinics.

Dixon Preps To Take The Lead on Transportation

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon won the key chairmanship of the House Transportation Committee this legislative session. He said he requested a seat on the committee, but was "very happy" when Speaker Ron Richard asked him to head it up.

***

Dixon, of the 140th district, met with MoDOT leaders and the State Highway Commission have met and outlined the following priorities that will get a "fair hearing" before his committee:

• WRECKAGE REMOVAL -- MoDOT wants lawmakers to look at modifying the legislation on the time necessary to respond to clean up abandoned or wrecked automobiles on the highways. Right now, rural areas have 48 hours for so-called "wreckage removal," whereas urban areas have just 10 hours. MoDot says it should probably be consistent around the state.
• RED LIGHT CAMERAS -- Springfield has them. Arnold has them. But most towns don't. Dixon says implementing standards for red light cameras statewide could creep up in his committee.
• PRIMARY SEAT BELT LAW -- The bill that would allow police officers to pull someone over simply for not wearing a seatbelt is again on the table. "It's very controversial," says Dixon. He's promised it a fair hearing in his committee. "We'll have the discussion," says Dixon. But his position? "In general, I have a lot of respect for civil liberties and less government. I tend to think people can think for themselves." The bill has died the last few years.

While transportation funding will be the most pressing issue the state faces, Dixon said a special committee called Infrastructure & Transportation Funding will mostly deal with that.

The proposed federal economic stimulus is estimated to give $30 billion dollars to state transportation department, including about $500 million to Missouri.

Dixon also says the recent shuffle in Missouri politics hasn't changed his future political plans. He still says he's planning to run for the #30th District State Senate seat in 2010, but adds: "I really don't know what's going to happen next."

Patterson Thinks Lampe Will Run For State Senate

The Executive Director of the Greene County Democrats says he believes #138th District State Representative Sara Lampe will take the plunge into the #30 District State Senate race in 2010.

***

#140th District Republican State Rep. Bob Dixon has already said he's running. Lampe, widely considered the strongest Democratic candidate, has not disclosed her plans. Insiders say she's not yet settled on a decision.

***WATCH CLIPS ABOVE***

At Tuesday night's Ozarks Inaugural Party at the Union Hall in north Springfield, Matthew Patterson spoke to The Notebook about a variety of topics:

• He believes Democrats could pick up one or two more seats in Greene County if 2010 redistricting "went right."
• Acknowledges most Democrats would have a tough time winning the 7th District Congressional seat, if, as expected, it becomes open when Rep. Roy Blunt runs for U.S. Senate.
• Floats Virginia Sen. Jim Webb as a possible Jackson Days speaker to come to Springfield in April. Stresses the guest is usually someone who knows how to win in a Republican area. Adds that Sen. Claire McCaskill will be a big help in nabbing a top name.
• Stresses Rep. Sara Lampe is the Democrats best shot at the #30th District Senate seat that Sen. Norma Champion will vacate in 2010. Adds that Governor Nixon has already been calling her "The Next Senator from the 30th" at events.

If Lampe doesn't run for the 30th, another candidate Democrats mention is Springfield School Board member Dr. Michael Hoeman.