Donnelly Gets Health & Senior Services Post

4 TO GOFormer State Representative and Democratic candidate for Attorney General Margaret Donnelly is Governor-elect Jay Nixon's pick to direct the Department of Health & Senior Services.

"With her many years of experience as a social worker, an attorney and a state legislator, Margaret understands the key role the Department of Health and Senior Services plays in the lives of all Missourians," said Nixon in a statement.

In the position, Donnelly will oversee programs and divisions, including public and community health, senior and disability services, vital records and emergency preparedness.

ANTI-ABORTION GROUP ANNOUNCES OPPOSITION:

Donnelly will have conflicts of interest if state reverses course and funnels tax dollars to pro-abortion groups like Planned Parenthood," claims Ed Martin of Missourians United For Life.

"Governor-elect Jay Nixon today has picked as his health and senior services director a public official who has regularly received the endorsement and support of the abortion provider Planned Parenthood who has regularly sued the state to gain access to state tax dollars," said Martin in a statement e-mailed to The Notebook. "Nixon's own record of support for and by Planned Parenthood is well-documented but his appointment leaves Missourians wondering who will protect the state treasury when Planned Parenthood seeks money from it."

ALSO: STATE GOP RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT MARTINEZ ON IMMIGRATION
"When the federal government failed to enact a comprehensive immigration policy, a local municipality did something. Linda Martinez led the effort to overturn their effort to crack down on illegal immigrants arguing, "This is bad law and mean-spirited public policy," said G.O.P. spokeswoman Tina Hervey. "If Nixon’s choice to head DED views anti-illegal immigration laws as ‘mean-spirited’, what message is he sending to Missourians?”, added Hervey. "By selecting Martinez, it is clear that Nixon does not plan on continuing the strong policies enacted by Governor Blunt to curb illegal immigration activity in Missouri, and that’s a shame."

MEANWHILE, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, SPEAKER RON RICHARD CALLED MARTINEZ "A GREAT START" TO BOLSTERING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

***
4 NIXON CABINET APPOINTMENTS REMAIN: Director of Agriculture, Director of Insurance, Director of Natural Resources, Director of Public Safety

In an interview with KY3 News Wednesday in Jefferson City, Nixon said he would fill out his cabinet as early as this week or as late as next week.

InBox Dumping

"SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE"
5 Notable Items I'm Catching Up On Since Leaving For The DNC

1. DAKE WINS RTL . . . Democratic State Rep. candidate Charlie Dake has won the Missouri Right to Life Endorsement over #132nd Republican State Rep. Don Ruzicka. In a press release, Executive Director of Missouri Right to Life Patty Skain said, "Mr. Dake has committed to upholding all aspects of the sanctity of life in his legislative votes and activities. He is the only endorsed candidate in the race for the 132nd Missouri House seat." Ruzicka was endorsed by Missouri Right to Life in 2006, but clearly has not lived up to their ideals when casting his vote in Jefferson City, said Dake spokesperson James Withrow.

2. DONNELLY REQUESTS RECOUNT . . . The Democratic candidate for Attorney General is down by 780-votes, so Margaret Donnelly has formally requested a recount in her race against Sen. Chris Koster. That's a .2% margin out of more than 346,000 votes cast. How many will she make up?

3. STEELMAN STUMPS FOR GOODART . . . The former Republican candidate for Governor still hasn't endorsed Kenny Hulshof for Governor, but she will be "the guest of honor" a fundraiser for #138th Republican legislative candidate Michael Goodart on Saturday, Sept. 6th. Goodart is challenging Democrat Sara Lampe. The fundraiser is a Fish Fry and BBQ at Greene County Republican Headquarters (Club G.O.P.) from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 a person, $40 a couple. Contact the Goodart campaign if you are interested at electgoodart2008@gmail.com.

4. HULSHOF HEALTHCARE . . . We'll spend much more time on Kenny Hulshof's healthcare plan later. But I received eight e-mails within 24 hours from various Democratic campaign operatives dissing it, and picking it apart. Now some are wondering if Hulshof's roll-out was timed intentionally to coincide with the Democratic National Convention, when a significant portion of the Missouri political press corps was out of town and attention would be diverted to Denver.

5. NEW LEGACY-BUILDING BLUNT POLLS (?) . . . He's not running for re-election, but Matt Blunt's top communications staffer is relentless in his efforts to burnish the outgoing Governor's legacy. Rich Chrismer sent me the latest polling conducted by American Viewpoint. It shows that 50% of Missourians hold a "favorable impression" of Governor Blunt. The poll was taken of 800 likely voters between Aug. 18-21st. The margin of error is 3.5%. 41 percent have an unfavorable impression of Blunt. American Viewpoint's Randall Gutermuth writes, "Governor Blunt's perpetual ratings with his base remains extremely strong as well, with 79% of Republicans having a favorable opinion of him and only 15% having an unfavorable opinion." Gutermuth adds, "While the Governor's job approval may not be ideal, it is much better than some of the robo-polls have reported, with a plurality of Missourians approving of the job he is doing." "The difficult decisions Governor Blunt had to make to bring fiscal responsibility undoubtedly hurt his approval ratings somewhat, as have the constant attacks from Democrats. However, 47% of voters approve of the job he is doing and 46% disapprove in light of all that," writes Gutermuth. "Considering this survey was in the field on the heels of a primary where many of the Democrats spent their time focusing on attacks on the Governor rather than battling their own opponents, this is very good news for the long-term legacy of Governor Blunt," he concludes.

NEA Endorses Koster for A.G.

KOSTER ALSO "WELCOMES" ELECTION CERTIFICATION

"Our campaign remains confident that we are on the path to victory in November . . ."

The Missouri National Education Association endorsed Senator Chris Koster for Attorney General Thursday.

"As Attorney General, I will be a fierce advocate for Missouri’s public education system," Koster said. "Our shared purpose is that our teachers have the resources they need to teach, and our children learn in an environment that is conducive to their diverse needs given the changing world in which we live. I am honored by MNEA’s support and look forward to a productive partnership," he said.

Missouri NEA recommends candidates who work to strengthen public education, maximize students learning, ensure our children’s health and safety and respect public school employees,” said MNEA President Chris Guinther. "We look forward to working with Attorney General Koster to benefit our children, their public schools and their future," said Missouri NEA President Chris Guinther.

The Missouri National Education Association represents over 34,000 teachers and education professionals in Missouri’s public education system.

Koster also issued this statement in response to the certification of the election results:

"Our campaign welcomes the certification of the results of the primary election. We are confident that the election was administered fairly, and appreciate the competence and timeliness with which the certification was handled. Our thanks go out to the many county clerks and election officials who worked so hard to make this such a well-run election. It is out belief that they and Secretary of State Carnahan got the results right. As we’ve said before, it is within Representative Donnelly’s rights to verify the election's results. If she chooses to do so, we look forward to having the results verified quickly. Our campaign remains confident that we are on the path to victory in November, and will continue to make the affirmative argument that there is only one candidate for Attorney General with the law enforcement experience required to be Missouri’s next chief law enforcement officer," said Koster.

"We're Going To Be Successful"

WITH 48-HOURS TO GO, HARRIS MAKES FINAL PUSH
"There are great Democrats in Southwest Missouri, and I will take that message everywhere."

Jeff Harris is betting on a significant turnout in outstate Missouri and loyalty from those he's helped and championed in the past in order to win the Democratic nomination for Attorney General.

Harris made a late-evening stop in Springfield Sunday night at the IBEW union hall on Division Street, where he met with about 20 supporters. He is in the middle of a final 72-hour campaign swing through the state.

In his stump speech, Harris touted a recent endorsement from the 11,000-member United Food and Commerical Workers, as well as his fundraising prowess on the Internet. "It's probably the only time in my life I'll raise more money than Mark Warner," said Harris, referring to a recent survey of statewide candidates abilities to raise money online. (Harris was second on the nationwide survey; Warner was fourth.)

Harris is battling against State Representative Margaret Donnelly and State Senator Chris Koster for the Democratic nomination.

In an interview with the KY3 Political Notebook, Harris wouldn't pinpoint a certain geographic area he has to perform well in to win the race. "I think we'll do well all over the state. It's a down-ballot race in August, that means every vote counts," Harris said. "I'm going 24 places in 72 hours. I don't know anyone doing that."

On Saturday, Donnelly said she would be the strongest Democratic nominee because of her experience. Harris refuted that claim. "I've been a lawyer for 20 years. I'm not going to diminish anybody's legal work, but I'm ready to hit the ground running on day one. That's why Jay Nixon tapped me to defend Bob Holden over collective bargaining."

Harris also responded to television commercials being run by Koster, which tout his courtroom experience in criminal trials. "If he's running for Greene County or Jackson County prosecutor, it's probably relevant. If he's saying Jay Nixon's not been effective because he's tried one case in 16 years, I'd disagree with him on that."

With a spring in his step, Harris seemed confident going into Tuesday.

"We think if he can take second in St. Louis and second in Kansas City and then win in the rural areas, he can win it," said Lebanon Democratic supporter Bill Williams.

Harris made sure no matter what, he wouldn't forget southwest Missouri. "Make no mistake. There are great Democrats in southwest Missouri, and I will take that message everywhere," he said.

"Just Look At My Experience"

DONNELLY GOES DOOR-KNOCKING IN CENTRAL SPRINGFIELD
Searches for Edge in Unpredictable 3-way Democratic Primary for Attorney General

If Margaret Donnelly is reluctant to distinguish herself from her Democratic rivals for Attorney General, her top Springfield surrogate is not.

"Jeff was our leader and he did a great job. But when it came down to the budget and key legislative decisions and battles, Margaret was the one," chimes in Rep. Sara Lampe, referring to Rep. Jeff Harris, one of Donnelly's opponents in Tuesday's primary.

When the conversation in the #138th district living room turns to Senator Chris Koster's prosecutorial experience, Lampe is quick to discount it. "I don't think that's relevant," she says.

We are sitting in the heart of Lampe's central Springfield district, in the living room of Joyce and Bill Pyle, both longtime (now retired) Springfield educators. On a rare, and final swing through the Queen City, Donnelly is in the midst of explaining why her experience sets her apart from Harris and Koster.

"Look at what we've done in our lives, and ask who you would want in that office," Donnelly says, replying to my inquiry about how to crystallize the differences between the candidates.

She refutes the assumption that she might have an advantage in this primary just because she's a woman. "It's not just that I'm a woman. The issue is, it goes back to the profile. People care about education, they care about child advocacy, they care about mental health. That's my advantage over my two opponents," Donnelly says.

Donnelly has been a social worker, a lawyer and a school board member. But she seems most proud of her work on special boards and committees representing women and children in difficult situations. She was regularly appointed by judges to represent children in abuse cases and thorny domestic disputes.

Her trump card with voters, and women especially, is that real human experience.

But Lampe makes sure it's known Donnelly is no shrinking violet. She's competent and damn tough when she has to be. "It takes three guys to take her on from the other side," Lampe says, describing Donnelly on the House floor. "When she's asking the questions and they stumble, she catches them every time . . . I sooo wanna be like you," Lampe gushes.

Still, both Koster and Harris tout experience: Koster as a prosecutor and Harris as an assistant under Attorney General Jay Nixon.

"It's not to discount it, but in the 16 years Jay has been there, he's tried one case as Attorney General," she says, referring to Koster. "That's not the job. We all know that work is essentially handled at the local level."

"Jeff worked as an assistant at a business firm. His clients were corporate, not individuals. Then he worked just for a year as an assistant Attorney General. Just look at my experience," she offers once again. "All these obscure areas of the office that people don't know about. I've been through it. You have to know the agencies you represent. That's what I've done on budget, gotten into the policies and gotten to know the people at Corrections, Social Services . . ."

The lack of time these candidates have spent down here indicates that the Ozarks is no battleground in this race. Still, Donnelly is making the rounds, stopping at the Ozark Empire Fair, knocking on doors, sending out mailers and making calls. No robo calls. Just personal calls, she says. Her daughter has flown in from Chicago this weekend to help. And she thinks she's the only one in doing mailers in this area.

"Many people haven't distinguished the players," Donnelly says, referring to the undecideds left. "But when you are in front of them, you can make a difference."

Going door-to-door is hard in a Democratic primary in Springfield. It's not like there are rows and rows of houses of identifiable Democratic voters. "People are so spread out. You knock on one door, then you may have to go a few blocks," Donnelly explains.

Still, in a statewide primary that many politicos can't seem to get their hands around, even a few door-knocks are worthwhile.

"I think since no one is (based) here in Springfield, I think the three of us will divide it fairly evenly," she says. "I take my other two opponents very seriously, but I think we've done everything we can to do this right."

Donnelly Plans Springfield Stop Saturday

Democratic candidate for Attorney General Margaret Donnelly will campaign at Springs Park and the Ozark Empire Fair Saturday

***

She plans to be in Springfield from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Her itinerary begins at the Park Day Reunion Silver at Springs Park on 1119 North National at 3:30 p.m. She will then canvass a neighborhood with Springfield Rep. Sara Lampe and finally stop at the Greene County Democratic Booth at the Ozark Empire Fair.

Jeff Harris Meets The Press

DON'T CALL ME, I'LL CALL YOU

The Democratic candidate for Attorney General calls for banning robo-calls by political campaigns but won't rule out using them himself during this campaign

"IT'S NOTHING PERSONAL"

Harris details why he's been so tough on rival Sen. Chris Koster, who switched parties last summer. He calls his disagreement with Koster "philosophical," not personal. Harris then lists his differences on the Photo I.D. bill, local control of CAFOs and the Medicaid cuts. "There wasn't a single Democrat in the House under my leadership who voted for those cuts. If we can't stand up against the Medicaid cuts, then shame on us," Harris said.

In addition, Harris won't touch rival Rep. Margaret Donnelly. When asked about differences with her, he quickly points to experience and leadership, but steers clear of specifics.

WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER?

When asked about fundraising and polls, Harris doesn't put too much stock in either. He makes it clear he is aiming to play well in southwest Missouri, because he's been here, and he'll be back.

OVERALL:

Harris was focused and forceful. While visibly a bit road-weary when he arrived, he quickly proved he was ready for a fight and armed with answers. He gets points just for just showing up to an area that's been mostly overlooked by the candidates for Attorney General. Neither Donnelly nor Koster have held similar press availabilities here yet, and Harris did indeed lay out a host of specifics. Southwest Missouri may not have a real impact on this primary, but if it does, Harris looks to have an edge down in the Ozarks.

Koster Camp: $329 K in Quarter 2

UPDATED: HARRIS FINISHES 3rd in Q2

DEM A.G. Race Upside Down

Democratic candidate for Attorney General Chris Koster announced raising more than $300,000 over the last three months. His exact number raised is $329,919.

The Koster campaign announced it has $853,926 on hand to spend, in addition to more than $300,000 of television advertising time already purchased for the closing days of the campaign.

Koster's $853,926 on hand is $319,380 more than rival Margaret Donnelly has to spend.

Poll-leader Rep. Jeff Harris reported raising $117,726 from April 1 through June 30, leaving him with $372,491 in cash on hand. Harris emphasized that his campaign is on target with its fundraising goals. But he fell to 3rd place in quarter fundraising and 3rd place in cash on hand.

"We remain precisely on target with where we expected to be as we head into the final weeks of this campaign," Harris said. "Throughout this race we have been outspent and underestimated, but we have responded with innovative ideas and creative strategies. The latest poll numbers clearly show that our message is resonating and that our belief in the power of everyday Missourians over wealthy special interests is proving successful."

Harris said while his opponents have both made significant loans to their campaigns and Senator Chris Koster "has skirted the campaign finance laws to pad his coffers," he has relied on more than 2,600 individual contributions, including 520 through his website.

Harris has raised more than $75,000 online, "a remarkably impressive figure for a down-ballot statewide campaign," according to the campaign.

Here's the summary

DEM A.G. RACE
Chris Koster $329,919 in 2nd quarter, $863,927 to spend
Margaret Donnelly $216,118 in 2nd quarter, $534,546 to spend
Jeff Harris $119,762 in 2nd quarter, $372,492 to spend

Donnelly Raises $216,118 Over Past 3 Months

Democratic candidate for Attorney General Margaret Donnelly has raised $216,118 during the 2nd quarter fundraising period.

Donnelly has $534,546 on hand to spend.

Donnelly's two main rivals, Rep. Jeff Harris and Sen. Chris Koster, have not yet filed their 2nd quarter fundraising reports.

Pick a Number and Parse Your Poll

P-D POLL FALLOUT:

HARRIS SENDS OUT FUNDRAISING LETTER

"Our lead may well bring negative attacks"

NIXON EXPECTS RACE TO TIGHTEN

HULSHOF SAYS NUMBERS MATCH INTERNALS

STEELMAN CAMP BELIEVES THE TREND IS THEIR FRIEND

Plus: Did Missouri's paper of record lead with the wrong poll?

Turning numbers into momentum.

Fresh off a new St. Louis Post-Dispatch/Research 2000 poll, Rep. Jeff Harris is attempting to turn a 10-point lead into more money and momentum.

Harris leads the pack with 33% of likely Democratic primary voters -- 1o points ahead of Senator Chris Koster's 23% and 13-points in front of Representative Margaret Donnelly's 20%. That lead puts Harris ahead outside of the poll's 4.5% margin of error.

"The poll showed that Harris holds solid leads in both St. Louis City and the St. Louis suburbs, and he runs a very close second in Kansas City. Those areas were believed to be strongholds for his opponents," reads a Harris release Monday.

"These results affirm our strong belief that a campaign built on the support of everyday Missourians can compete and defeat the wealthy special interests," said Harris. "From day one, we have fought hard for every vote in every corner of the state. We will continue to fight all the way through August 5th."

In a separate fundraising letter to supporters, Harris offered caution. "This news is exciting, but it will bring its own challenges as well. Our lead may well bring negative attacks from my opponents, and we need to be prepared to answer them. We also have a great deal of important work to do to continue communicating our message over the final three weeks of the campaign," wrote Harris Monday.

GOVERNOR'S RACE

The Nixon campaign is feeling good about the lead the Post-Dispatch survey shows (+17 over Hulshof, +19 over Steelman), but fully expects a close-race in the end. "Although we ultimately expect the race to tighten, this poll reflects what we’re hearing from Missourians as we campaign across the state. Missouri families are hungry for change, and they know that Jay Nixon has the experience needed to bring about the kind of change we need," said Nixon spokesperson Oren Shur.

The Hulshof campaign believes the Post-Dispatch numbers "verifies" their own internal numbers. "Ours show Kenny up by 10, they have him up by eight," said Hulshof spokesperson Scott Baker. "That's statistically even."

Baker said that they don't believe Hulshof is losing southwest Missouri by a 2-to-1 margin.

When I asked Baker about the discrepancy between their own southwest Missouri polling and Research 2000's, he points to what the paper's pollster said. "They admit that their sample size was small and the number isn’t real reliable. That's not my spin, that's their explanation….that may explain some of the difference," said Baker. "The only poll that matters is the one taken on August 5th."

The Steelman campaign believes these numbers indicate momentum for Steelman. Hulshof's first internal showed him up by 13. Then it was 10. Now it's 8.

"I think these polls reinforce what we've been saying which is that this race is tight and that there are a lot of folks who haven't made their minds up yet," said spokesperson Spence Jackson. "Sarah can win this primary and she is by far the best candidate to face Jay Nixon in November. It's also very telling for Congressman Hulshof that some people can't even pronounce his last name after he's spent millions of dollars on advertising," added Jackson.

"Congressman Hulshof is anything but inevitable. His campaign is on a Bridge to Nowhere and deep down inside he knows it," Jackson tells the KY3 Political Notebook.

DID THE P-D BLOW THE LEAD?

Finally, why did the St. Louis Post Dispatch lead with the general election numbers when even Nixon's camp acknowledges they will change and the race will tighten. Aren't they less relevant without the Republican party behind a nominee. We ask this friendly question, just to provoke thought.

For instance, during the presidential campaign, newscasts and newspapers always lead their coverage with primary polls before discussing potential general election match-ups. With the G.O.P. primary just weeks away, should the lead have been instead focused on the Hulshof-Steelman battle royale. First things first, right? Again, not arguing the general numbers aren't part of the story --- but the lead? Is it news that Jay Nixon holds a double-digit lead, or would it only be news if he didn't?

We've asked our friend Tony Messenger for his thoughts and I'll let you know when we receive them.

Post-Dispatch Poll Shows Hulshof By 8

HULSHOF 32% STEELMAN 24%

St. Louis Post-Dispatch/Research 2000 Survey

Nixon Sitting on Large Lead in the General

Harris Up In Dem A.G. Race

"No clear favorite has emerged for the Republican nomination for governor," write Virginia Young and Tony Messenger

MSU Poli-Sci Professor: "Not Sure if Steelman can pull this off statewide"

"It's (Nixon's) to lose," concludes Research 2000 pollster

Republican Primary for Governor . . .500 voters/4.5%MOE . . . Hulshof leads by 8, 27% still undecided, Scott Long polls 12% overall (!?) and 22% (!!) in Kansas City (?), Steelman maintains large lead in the Ozarks (37%-18%), running contrary to a Hulshof campaign poll, but the writers warn the small sample could make those numbers less reliable than other numbers, Hulshof is romping in the St. Louis area, 43% see Hulshof favorably compared to 39% for Steelman.

General Election Match-Ups . . .

Nixon 52%, Hulshof 35%, 12% Undecided

Nixon 53%, Steelman 34%, 13% Undecided

Democratic Primary for Attorney General . . .500 voters/4.5%MOE . . . Jeff Harris leads the field by 10 points . . . Harris 33%, Koster 23%, Donnelly 20%, 23% remain undecided, Harris even leads Donnelly among women, Koster holds only a 2-point advantage over Harris in Kansas City, in southwest Missouri, it's Koster 31%, Harris 28%.

***MONDAY: Do the campaigns dismiss the polling or spin the numbers?***

Ad Wars: Harris Hits Koster

IN RESPONSE TO KOSTER, HARRIS LAUNCHES AD

(WATCH BELOW)

Airing in St. Louis & Kansas City, NOT Springfield

Harris Campaign Hopes To Raise Money to Begin Ad Campaign in the Ozarks

Koster's ad can be viewed HERE

DONNELLY Campaign Response: "Today the Republican attempt to buy our Democratic primary will begin in earnest in Kansas City and St. Louis. Koster and his expensive team will try to pull the wool over the eyes of voters. He will use his ads to avoid answering for his horrible record by saying that he is above politics. We must remind voters that it isn’t politics to ask him to be accountable for his record, it’s common sense. You don’t get “do-over’s” in politics, especially when we are talking about people’s lives," said Margaret Donnelly spokesperson Daniel Nava.

***ALSO: Rep. William Clay Endorses Koster for A.G.

“Chris Koster is the most prepared Democrat to effectively partner with local law enforcement to keep the streets of our communities safe and to stand up to corporate interests on behalf of the people of St. Louis and the entire state of Missouri as our next Attorney General,” Congressman Clay said.

Donelly's A.G. Platform Includes Texting

CONSUMER SCAMS, SEX CRIMES TOP PRIORITIES

Democratic candidate for Attorney General Margaret Donnelly said today that fighting consumer scams and busting sexual predators would be her top priorities if elected in November.

Donnelly spoke about the Children's Product Safety Act, which will require mandatory removal of all recalled children's toys and products and a ban on toxic chemicals in these products.

She also discussed the establishment of a Senior Citizen Consumer Fraud Hotline to provide an easy way for seniors to check on and report consumer and financial frauds.

The St. Louis-area representative announced she would create a variety of consumer alert options that fit different citizens, including text messages, special RSS feeds and e-mail alerts.

She also called for establishing a special fugitive unit within the Attorney General's office to work with local authorities to track sex offenders who violate parole or do not register.

“Scammers, sexual predators, and those who bring unsafe products to this state will find my administration standing guard to keep Missouri families safe,” said Donnelly.

Donnelly is vying with Rep. Jeff Harris and Senator Chris Koster for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General.

Known Unknowns

10 KNOWN UNKNOWNS


"There are known knowns. There are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns. That is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns, The ones we don't know we don't know."

---Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, in a Feb. 12, 2002 Pentagon briefing

1. The impact of the "negative/comparative/attack" ads being launched by the Steelman campaign on Kenny Hulshof's favorable ratings.

2. How much the Republican primary has benefited Jay Nixon over the last four months.

3. Two sources -- both Republican -- one locally, one not -- say they know F.B.I. agents were inside the state Capitol this week. When the F.B.I. launches an investigation, it's common practice that they interview the target of that investigation last. It's also protocol that they don't issue a charge 90 or 100 days before an election.

4. If/when the Hulshof campaign will launch a "negative/comparative/attack" ad in response to Steelman.

5. When Jay Nixon will air his first biographical ad.

6. Who funded the pro-Hulshof 527-ad being run by Americans for a Better America, Inc.

7. If Chris Koster will be able to hold onto a press contract through July 15th.

8. Who Democrats like more -- Jeff Harris or Margaret Donnelly.

9. Why Mike Gibbons didn't draw a primary opponent.

10. What we'll all be talking about Monday.

The Sound Of Web Ads

KOSTER'S "FAVORITE THINGS" WATCH IT HERE

PLUS: DONNELLY EXPRESSES WORRY ABOUT "STALKING HORSE"

Democratic candidate for Attorney General Jeff Harris has released a new campaign web video that parodies The Sound of Music's "Favorite Things."

The video features a few of rival Chris Koster's "favorite things," according to the Harris camp.

The new lyrics highlight portions of Koster's record, including his support for the "deep cuts to Medicaid that he helped push through" during his Republican tenure in the Missouri Senate.

"In this election, Democratic voters are being asked to believe that candidate who lined up for George W. Bush and John Ashcroft and Matt Blunt should now represent the Democratic Party as our candidate for Attorney General," said Harris Campaign Manager Christian Badger.

"Democrats aren't going to buy it, and they shouldn't. Chris Koster is a Republican who continues to side with wealthy special interests and against Missouri consumers who deserve a voice.

Meanwhile, another rival of Harris for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General, Rep. Margaret Donnelly has sent out a fundraising appeal to help stop the "dirty tricks" of Koster.

Donnelly points to an article by the Kansas City Star that speculates whether A.G. candidate Molly Williams (who hasn't been seen or heard from) was placed on the ballot to siphon votes from herself.

"If this is true, that in fact Koster had Molly Williams enter the race as a "stalking horse" candidate to steal votes from me, it does have a huge impact on my campaign. It is now more critical than ever that I have enough money to make sure there is no confusion between Margaret Donnelly and Molly Williams when casting a ballot on the August 5th primary election day," Donnelly writes in the fundraising appeal.

She then asks for campaign contributions of $45, $135 or $220 to help beat back "the stalking horse" candidate in the race.

Going to Kansas City . . .

Well, no we're not going but the Democratic candidates for Attorney General are apparently participating in their first debate Thursday in Kansas City.

According to a press release from Rep. Jeff Harris, the debate will be held at the University of Missouri Kansas City at 6 p.m.

Here are the debate details:

May 22 @ 6 p.m.

Debate panelists inlcude Kansas City Star's Steve Kraske, Hispanic News' Joe Arce, KMBC-TV's Mike Mahoney, and The Call's Erik Wesson. The debate will be followed by a meet and greet reception. Both events are free and open to the public.
Doors Open at 5:30 PM/Debate Begins at 6:00 PM
White Recital Hall, UMKC Campus, 4949 Cherry Street

Donnelly Hits Koster For Filibuster

SAYS RIVAL'S PRIORITIES ARE "SEX SHOPS & SPECIAL INTERESTS"

Rep. Margaret Donnelly is blasting Attorney General rival Sen. Chris Koster for his filibuster of the "Village Law" repeal in the Senate early this morning.

The legislation included the repeal of the law that allows one property owner to deem their land a village as well as tougher restrictions on sex shops and pornography. The filibuster eventually ended.

"It is outrageous that in the final days of session Senator Koster has made it a priority to filibuster a bill in order to help his friend Speaker Jetton. The repeal of the village law provision is essential to protecting the wishes of neighboring citizens from projects such as gaming or CAFOs. He must also be against putting regulations on sex shops, since his filibuster resulted in that portion being stripped from the bill. Although the repeal of the village law finally occurred, without the emergency clause it will be the "Wild West" for developers from now until August."I expect more from a candidate for Attorney General. He should be ashamed," said Donnelly in a statement.

"This shows once again that Koster values his special interests and Republican friends over the best interests of all Missourians," she added.

Harris Accuses Donnelly of Ducking Vote

AT ISSUE: PHONE COMPANY BILL

Donnelly Missed Final Vote, But Voted Against Its Adoption

On Harris: "I'm very disappointed he's taking this approach"

Rep. Jeff Harris criticized Attorney General rival Rep. Margaret Donnelly for missing a vote on a bill that Democrats believe will lead to higher rates for telephone customers.

But Donnelly tells the KY3 Political Notebook that she voted against the bill (HB 1779) during the adoption phase, and accidentally missed the final vote because she was absorbed in preparing for final budget negotiations.

"I'm surprised and very disappointed he's taking this approach," Donnelly said. "As the former Minority Leader, he knows the procedure. He knows that when you vote no on adoption, you are voting no for the bill not to become law," she added. "I stepped off the floor for a bit, and was distracted on the budget, and forgot they were bringing it back for the second vote," she explained.

Harris sent out a release Tuesday taking a rare swipe at Donnelly's missed vote. He accused her of ducking a vote on a bill that will raise phone rates. He also claimed to be the only candidate for Attorney General "willing to stand up for consumers."

"Representative Margaret Donnelly ducked the vote on final passage of the measure. The record shows that Donnelly cast votes immediately before and immediately after the final vote on HB 1779, and was inexplicably absent from the House floor when it came time to cast a vote on behalf of Missouri consumers," Harris' campaign said in a release.

Donnelly made clear that she opposed the bill and regrets not making it back to the floor -- yet she made clear "there's no difference between the first adopted vote, and second vote."

She wouldn't speculate on why Harris took aim at her for this but said she felt her integrity had been attacked.

"Donnelly was also missing for a previous vote on HB 1779 on March 6. She has taken $3,850 from the telecom industry since 2002, including $1,275 during her Attorney General campaign from AT&T, which is the primary beneficiary of HB 1779," Harris' release went on.

"In 2007, Donnelly voted for SB 284, which allowed a utility regulations bill that changed state law to allow cable providers to negotiate statewide video franchise contracts, instead of negotiating contracts with municipalities and counties. Consumer advocates said that bill would directly benefit large cable providers like AT&T," the Harris campaign added.

Donnelly said donations she's received has nothing to do with her voting record. "My vote is clearly not for sale," Donnelly said. "I'm really disappointed that he chose to question my integrity and bring up money from companies," she added.

On why she opposed the bill, Donnelly replied: "This is going to cause rate increases for consumers, it will cause a significant number of consumers to have rate increases, but we're not exactly sure where."

Last week, Sen. Chris Koster voted for this same bill in the Senate. According to Harris, "this vote is the latest in a rash of pro-corporate interest votes that Koster has cast this session."

Harris Claims Victory in First Cancelled Debate

BLAMES DONNELLY & KOSTER FOR GENERATION GAP

Rep. Jeff Harris is declaring victory in the first Democratic Attorney General debate that's been cancelled.

That's because he's the only one of the major three candidates who didn't back out. According to reports, the debate was cancelled because both Rep. Margaret Donnelly and Senator Chris Koster said they could not attend.

"With both Donnelly and Koster yielding the field, Harris’ campaign declared victory in the debate. Whether that victory gets recorded as a 9-0 win like Major League Baseball or 2-0 as in the NFL, the debate tally should clearly reflect that Jeff Harris was the only candidate prepared to face the tough questions and the voters in Northeast Missouri," reads the Harris campaign e-mail.

“All joking aside, the unfortunate losers in this are the Young Democrats and other students at Truman State who worked hard to put this event together, and I am truly disappointed for them. They demonstrated a commitment to democracy and public service that we, as candidates for public office, should honor," Rep. Harris said.

“Senator Koster and Representative Donnelly’s decision to skip this debate is an example of why we have often seen a generation gap within the Democratic Party in historically in voting. I can’t help but wonder if this event had been hosted by the Missouri Bar Association or some other similar organization, that my opponents then would have made the time on their schedules to attend. Since this event was put on by the Young Democrats, they for some reason felt it was OK to snub them," Harris went on.

Harris noted that both Koster and Donnelly had committed to the debate, and should have kept that commitment to all voters, "whether they are eighteen or eighty."

Match The Quote With The Candidate

***85th ANNUAL JACKSON DAYS***

(Hint: If you read earlier posts, you should be primed for this pop quiz)

1) "I am a Democrat who knows how to find Southwest Missouri on a map."

2) "I'm 43 years old, and I'm single."

3) We win when the differences between Democrats and Republicans is clear."

A) Margaret Donnelly B) Jeff Harris C) Chris Koster

Answer to be revealed after the first guess . . . or 24 hours . . .