Rep. LeVota Backs Koster for A.G.

The House Democratic Leader, who worked closely with Rep. Jeff Harris, says he's backing Republican-turned-Democrat Chris Koster for Attorney General.

***WATCH SHORT CLIP ABOVE***

Also: Declares that Koster "won" the primary

It's unclear if Rep. Margaret Donnelly will request a recount.

"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."

Jeff Harris Sets Out To "Give 'Em Hell"

THE 72-HOUR SWING

The Democratic candidate for Attorney General plans a non-stop campaign swing beginning Saturday and ending Monday

Harris will kick it off Saturday at 7 a.m. in Moberly

It ends Monday at 5 p.m. in St. Louis

The tour is being billed by the campaign as the "Give 'Em Hell" swing

***

Harris will stop in the Ozarks Sunday night. He will attend a 9 p.m. rally at the IBEW Hall at 2902 East Division. He will then head to Branson at 11 p.m. at a location TBD. He will then be back in Springfield from 1:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. His location for that time has not been determined yet.

Sunday Night T.V.

AD WATCH: WHO'S ON SUNDAY NIGHT?

Harris Hits Ozarks TV with Ad During First Break of 5 p.m. News; Also Runs @ 10 p.m.

Cites Favorable Quote From Attorney General Jay Nixon; NIXON Responds:

"We have three strong candidates in the Democratic primary race for Attorney General," said Attorney General Jay Nixon "I am not endorsing any one candidate over the others. I have known Margaret Donnelly since 1988. During those 20 years she has been a champion for Missouri families. Missouri would be lucky to have Margaret Donnelly as its next Attorney General. Chris Koster has served the people of Missouri for many years and has a long record as a prosecutor. This experience would serve him well as Attorney General."

NO COMPLIMENTS FOR HARRIS INCLUDED

DEMOCRATIC TREASURER CANDIDATE CLINT ZWEIFEL ALSO HITS OZARKS TV FOR THE FIRST TIME @ 5:16 PM . . . THEN AGAIN AT 10:16 PM . . . Hits Gov. Matt Blunt in 30-second spot

STATE G.O.P. RESPONDS TO ZWEIFEL:

"Zweifel prefers the old way of cutting and withholding education funding from our students, schools, colleges and universities. Like Jay Nixon, Clint Zweifel does not want to fix anything, he wants to break state government by returning to the failed policies of the past," said Tina Hervey, G.O.P. communications director.

STEELMAN & HULSHOF ALSO UP SUNDAY NIGHT WITH ADS . . .

But are they NEW?

It's Hit Your Non-Opponent Day . . . Carter Criticizes Harris

Democratic candidate for Governor Mike Carter is criticizing Rep. Jeff Harris' plan to ban political robo-calls.

Harris is running for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General.

Carter sent out a release Monday that said he would "truly and legally answer voters' complaints about robo-calls," by establishing a Missouri Political "Do Not Call List," legislatively.

In March, Carter created that type of list on his site. He claims nearly 10,000 voters have signed up.

"First Amendment scholars across the nation know that the outright banning of politically-focused robo-calling would be Constitutionally suspect on its face,” said Carter. While last week Harris said he would be open to pursuing a similar list with or without an "opt out" option, Carter said that could present Constitutional problems.

Carter believes an "opt out" is the only way to pursue such a political robo-calling ban.

"A legislatively enacted Missouri Political 'Do Not Call List' would speak to ‘political calls’ specifically and be somewhat analogous to a voter having the choice of which newspaper to purchase (or not) or to turn the channels on her radio and television – if not completely turn them off," said Carter. "Voters pay for their phones and phone-lines just as they do for cable television & newspapers and should be able to control what comes to them over the medium," said Carter.

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.

Harris: Trish Vincent Tried to Write Me A Check

Rep. Jeff Harris said accusations by Gov. Matt Blunt's administration that he has not complied with their Sunshine request for e-mails from his office going back five years are untrue.

Speaking to reporters during a campaign swing through Springfield Thursday morning, Harris offered specific details on exactly how he responded to the open-records request filed by Gov. Blunt's office back in May.

Harris said that after a back and forth with the Governor's office about what documents they were seeking, Blunt Chief of Staff Trish Vincent asked for all correspondence on February 20, 2008. The request involved about 275 pages.

Harris said Vincent wrote him a personal check to pay for the copies and labor to produce the correspondence -- which he said he could not accept. "I can't accept a check to the Office of Jeff Harris . . . It's got to go through the clerk, there's a process," Harris explained.

When asked by Springfield News-Leader reporter Chad Livengood whether it surprised him whether a Governor's Chief of Staff didn't understand the rules of the General Assembly, Harris replied, "Not this administration."

Harris is running for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General.

NEW VIDEO BELOW . . . WATCH HARRIS EXPLAIN IT

Jeff Harris Spreads The Love

HARRIS HITS SPRINGFIELD THURSDAY

The Democratic candidate for Attorney General will hold a morning presser to present "his comprehensive agenda to protect consumers"

10 a.m. @ Greene County HQ

We haven't seen much of the Dem A.G. candidates down here in Springpatch, so we feel "special."

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.

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.

Gov. Hearnes Endorses Harris for A.G.

Former Governor Warren Hearnes and his wife Betty Hearnes, herself the 1988 Democratic nominee for Governor, announced their endorsement of Representative Jeff Harris for Attorney General today.

"During this campaign season we have heard a lot of talk about change," said Betty Hearnes. "One thing Democrats don't want to change is our commitment to our values. Jeff Harris has long been a reliable voice for Democrats and Missouri families. We can count on him to stand up for what's right when he is Attorney General."

"Jeff Harris is the future of the Democratic Party," said Governor Hearnes. "He will bring energy and excitement, along with tremendous experience to the Attorney General's office. We've watched Jeff emerge as a strong leader for the party, and we look forward to seeing him continue serving our state as Attorney General."

Hearnes served as Missouri Governor from 1965 to 1973.

Harris to Gibbons: Gay Marriage Isn't The Issue Here

The first Democratic candidate for Attorney General has responded to Sen. Mike Gibbons' challenge to stand up for traditional marriage with a counterattack.

Gibbons is the presumptive Republican nominee for Attorney General while Harris is fighting in a 4-way primary for the Democratic nomination.

Rep. Jeff Harris issued a statement Friday saying that the recent court ruling in California regarding same-sex unions isn't an issue in Missouri.

"As Attorney General of the State of Missouri, I will consistently work to support and uphold the constitution that governs our state," Harris said. "However, the issue being raised by Senator Gibbons is not one that presently affects our state. Senator Gibbons is attempting to distract the voters – notably in the very first press release of his AG campaign – with rhetoric that is more about divisiveness than substance. These are actions I cannot and will not support. If I had Senator Gibbons' record of caving in to corporate interests instead of fighting to protect consumers, I think I would rather talk about a California court ruling, too."

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

Blunt Now Targets Harris' E-mails

DESPERATE MEASURES?

HARRIS: "This is an attempt to distract, bully and intimidate."

***UPDATE BELOW: UNCLEAR IF MORE ARE COMING?

Two days after a lawsuit accused the Blunt administration of breaking the open records law and a day after it requested back-up tapes from Attorney General Jay Nixon's office, the Governor's office now has a new Sunshine target: Rep. Jeff Harris.

Harris, former House Minority Leader and candidate for Attorney General, received an open records request from the Governor's Chief of Staff Trish Vincent this morning.

Vincent is requesting all e-mails, back-up tapes and documents sent to or from Harris' office since January 2003.

"Representative Harris has claimed to be a strong advocate for the Sunshine Act and open government so we hope and expect he will demonstrate this commitment by providing the information we have requested in this open records request,” said Vincent.

Harris said his office would comply, but added that he believes the request stems from comments he made during House floor debate on the Office of Administration's budget. "It's clearly politically motivated," Harris said. "I stood up and talked about the 2 OA employees who defied their supervisors and the Governor's office who apparently ordered them to destroy e-mails, according to this lawsuit. My point was that too often, state employees get beaten up and I wanted to commend them for doing the right thing," Harris explained.

"Next thing I know, we get a Sunshine request. This is a pretty clear attempt to distract, bully and intimidate me. But I've never been intimidated by this Governor. It's pretty clear who this Governor does not want to see as the next Attorney General. It's me. I consider that a badge of honor," Harris said.

As a taxpayer and candidate for Attorney General, Harris said he'll make it a priority to find out what happened inside the Governor's office with regards to alleged orders to destroy e-mails. He also said he'll continue to be an outspoken defender of the Sunshine Law and plans to comply with the Governor's request. "We just got it and have to review it. I don't know how much it will cost, but if this is how the Governor wants to spend taxpayer money, we intend to comply," Harris said.

***UPDATE . . . 3:47 P.M.

When asked why the Governor's office issued a Sunshine request for Harris specifically, spokesperson Jessica Robinson said the release spoke for itself. Robinson reiterated, Harris "is a purported to be a champion of Sunshine."

It's safe to assume that a good amount of lawmakers would pledge to be a champion of the Sunshine Law. Can we expect more requests of lawmakers? And which ones? Does party affiliation matter? What about Republicans who say they are supporters of the Sunshine Law? Will they get requests?

When I asked specifically what standard is being used by the Governor's office to issue the requests, Robinson said she would have to look into that.

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 Posts Video Featuring Supporters

LURIE, STEPP OUT IN FRONT FOR HARRIS

Rep. Jeff Harris is proving himself to be one of the most media-friendly and media-savvy candidates of the 2008 cycle.

Now he's taking advantage of the Internet, putting together clips of video showing why prominent Democrats are backing his candidacy for Attorney General. The interviews were compiled at Springfield's Jackson Days last weekend.

Watch it HERE.

"He's very sincere, you don't have to worry about what he tells you," says Laclede County Democratic Chair Elizabeth Greer.

"I know the kind of work he did in the state legislature," says former Greene County Party Chair Steve Stepp. "I know the fight that he put up against the Republican majority the last few years."

"He's smart, wonderful background, great family," says Bobbie Lurie, of the 7th Congressional District.