Third Time a Charm for District #30 Dems?

HOEMAN CONSIDERS STATE SENATE BID

With former Greene County library director Annie Busch likely opting against a candidacy, Springfield Democrats may pin their hopes on school board member Michael Hoeman to run for the District #30 State Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Norma Champion next year.

Hoeman tells The Notebook he's seriously considering a campaign for State Senate, and is talking about the idea with family, friends and potential supporters.

Hoeman has frequently been mentioned as a possible candidate in Democratic circles, but this cycle, the stars may have aligned -- partly by default.

State Rep. Sara Lampe has told party leaders she's not interested in State Senate run. She's likely to run for re-election to the House in 2010 and then feel out possible statewide options. Democratic party insiders then turned to Annie Busch, who many viewed as an attractive candidate with significant name recognition.

Busch was seen as someone who could mount a competitive challenge to Republican front runner Bob Dixon, a House member from the 139th District. But now, Democrats believe Busch is likely opting against taking the plunge, partly on the recommendation of her husband.

That leaves Hoeman, a 7-year school board member who has been active in the Chamber of Commerce and the Greene County Medical Society.

"I'm certainly aware of the history of the politics of the area. I'm not so certain the 30th District is not winnable by a Democrat if you have the right Democrat running," Hoeman said in an interview.

He said that means a candidate who is "fairly conservative" on fiscal issues, but takes "strong stands on leadership." "I think in local elections, personalities become much more important than political labels," he said.

Hoeman is not close to announcing his candidacy. That may not happen until the fall, but in his discussion with local Democratic leaders, he said he has been told Busch has decided not to run.

"No one I've talked to in the Democratic Party has mentioned any other candidate," Hoeman said.

While Dems were obviously hoping for a female to take on Dixon, Hoeman's strength is that he's known well among a bunch of key groups in the area.

"I think I could attract a lot of crossover votes among people I've known, known for years. I think I could have pretty broad support in the community," Hoeman said. "I think Bob's done a fine job in the legislature. I just don't agree with all the votes he's made," he added.

Hoeman may be encouraged to sharpen his rhetoric against Dixon if/when the time comes.

But for Greene County Democrats, who seem to struggle to cultivate and attract competitive candidates, there's some hope that the third time is the charm.

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."

House Clears Tax Cut With Stimulus Funds

UPDATED @ 5:51 PM: The House voted to reject a stimulus spending bill but passed a permanent half a percent state income tax cut as the Jefferson City budget battle rolled on Thursday.

***

The House voted 82-68 to reject the stimulus spending after some members described it as pork and suggested it should be saved for next year.

The story below outlines the battle:

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

It's being billed as the largest tax cut plan in Missouri history -- but Democrats call it a gimmick.

"This is the GOP's desperation plan," said House Minority Leader Paul LeVota. "They are scrambling at the last minute of the session, they're trying to come up with an absolutely fiscally irresponsible plan," LeVota added.

Democrats want to use the plan to stabilize other state programs to prevent future cuts.

But Republicans argue a tax cut is the best way to use the stimulus money without committing to ongoing spending.

"You can always have good projects and good ideas, but at the end of the day, there's no way you can fund all of them. So I think you try to be fair to everyone and that's where the tax cut idea comes in," said Willard State Rep. Shane Schoeller.

Lampe's Big Bold Stand

***ANALYSIS***

The look on Sara Lampe's face said it all.

Springfield's #138th District State Representative doesn't hide her emotions well.

She wears them on her sleeve, and face and throughout her body -- as she did when she walked off the House floor Tuesday after a brief but emotionally explosive debate on abortion.

A major portion of the legislation at hand was a provision to criminalize the act of coercing a woman to have an abortion. Lampe, who is in the process of weighing a State Senate run in 2010, didn't have to stand up and voice opposition. She knew, legislatively, it was a losing battle. She's also fully aware of abortion politics in Greene County. A consultant might have warned her to lay low and zip it. But she didn't sit on her hands.

Instead, she offered an amendment to make an exception for rape and incest, while raising the point that a significant number of those victims are children under the age of 12. "If this 12-year-old, 11-year-old, 10-year-old is pregnant, this child is now considered a woman," Lampe said on the floor. "Most parents, in dealing with 10, 11 or 12-year-old, are going to be, perceived as being coercive with their child."

Lampe's amendment predictably went down to defeat two days later.

In an interview immediately following her speech, Lampe was visibly shaking. She acknowledged she "had to stop getting so worked up about these things." But then immediately began doing just that in our interview.

Ed Martin of Missourians United for Life sent me a scathing statement that he wanted included in my story Tuesday night. It viciously ripped Lampe for not caring about women being coerced into abortions. After watching that debate, and seeing Lampe in person, I couldn't run that statement in my story. It seemed over-the-line and unfair -- in addition to avoiding the central point about particular cases of rape and incest. (When asked by The Notebook, Martin declined to offer further on-the-record comment.)

Debate on the merits of the position should be encouraged; labeling someone in favor of coercion seems like over-the-top demagoguery.

Anti-abortion advocates believe the rape and incest statistics are overblown just as much as abortion-rights supporters think partial-birth abortion numbers are inflated overemphasized. Some on the right willingly admit they're happy to have a fight over what "coercion" means, if it stops an abortion. Their position is pure and deep-rooted in fundamental beliefs.

But so is Lampe's.

If Lampe, who is in Hannibal this weekend for Democrat Days, does decide to seek Springfield's 30th District State Senate seat, her abortion amendment is likely to pop up in fliers, door hangers and robo-calls. (Sara Lampe voted to allow women to be forced into abortions . . . the voice will intone.)

She's full aware that she'll see and hear about this vote again. It would've been easier to skirt off the floor and claim a prior appointment.

But the fact that despite all of this, she still stood up and voiced her minority opinion is a bold stroke of political chutzpah.

Later in the week, Nora Cox, Lampe's closest political confidante, said that the State Representative had been deluged with messages from around the region from women thanking her for her stand.

One woman described a pregnancy while dealing with mental health issues. Others wrote about overcoming incest -- and worse.

"This is not about politics for her. It's too important for politics," Cox said, dismissing the possible fallout that may occur down the road.

It's hard for any Democrat to get elected in Greene County. Being vocally in favor of abortion rights won't likely help Lampe's chances in achieving that goal.

But any politician willing to stand their ground -- politics be damned -- deserves a hat tip.

Access Missouri Funding Pits Private Versus Public

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

***WATCH EXTRA CLIPS ABOVE***
Drury President Todd Parnell and Rep. Sara Lampe debate the merits of Governor Nixon's plan to shift some scholarship funding from private colleges to public institutions.

SPRINGFIELD -- A plan to cut state scholarships at private schools has students worried about their future.

Governor Jay Nixon is proposing to cut Access Missouri Scholarships at private colleges and independent universities in order to shift that money to public institutions.

Access Missouri is a $95 million dollar program that provides scholarships to tens of thousands of students at both public and private universities. Private schools complain that Nixon's plan is unfair.

Laura Gaska is a student working her way through the architecture program at Drury University, with the help of a $4600 Access Missouri Scholarship. That's the maximum amount a student can receive.

"It would really be a financial burden to have to go and get a private loan to subsidize what that isn't taking care of," Gaska said.

Nixon's plan would cut Gaska's private scholarship money. It would take the take the $4,600 dollar maximum scholarship for private school students down to $2,850 a year, and use the extra money to boost public scholarships to the same level.

Continue reading here . . .

Coercive Abortion Debate Begins in House

Springfield Rep. Sara Lampe faces off with Speaker Pro Tem Bryan Pratt on the House floor over the impact of a bill that would make it illegal to "coerce" a woman into having an abortion.

Read Pratt's bill HERE.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Rep. Lampe offers an amendment to exempt rape and incest victims from the bill.

"90 percent of the victims of rape and incest are children under 12. They are raped by someone who knows them and they need safe and legal options for families to decide the future of this child," Lampe argued.

"We want to say everyone else can be free of coercion, but if you are a victim of rape or incest, we want you as a state to be coerced to have an abortion. That is ridiculous," responded Pratt.

"We're talking about children who are raped by their fathers, by their boyfriends, by their stepfathers, by people within their family, so who's doing the coercing? We're making it a felony for parents to protect their children," Lampe went on.

House To Take Up Spanking Bill

Protecting teachers who use spanking to discipline their students is a major provision in the first education bill the House will take up Tuesday.

***

Rep. Maynard Wallace is the sponsor of HB 96.

It passed out of committee 13-0.

***

Supporters say that these measures will make it possible for school employees to focus on teaching without worrying about litigation. But Rep. Sara Lampe said there may be a move to add an amendment to not allow spanking or any type of corporal punishment.

That could spark a battle over "local control."

The bill "expands the reporting of acts of violence to all teachers."

And Also: "expands employee imunity from correctly following discipline policies, to following all policies."

In October 2007, the Texas County prosecutor said he could not charge a teacher for bruising an 11-year-old because current state law says spanking is not abuse.

House Dems Form Blue Dog Caucus

27 State House Democrats announced the formation of the Blue Dog Democratic Caucus Monday.

The Blue Dogs say they represent a group of fiscal conservatives that want to create a streamlined state government "that provides essential state services within existing budgetary constraints."

Springfield Rep. Charlie Norr is a member; Rep. Sara Lampe is not.

"The Blue Dog Caucus is committed to bridging the gap between the partisan and ideological extremes that have caused gridlock in Jefferson City," said Rep. Sam Komo. "We are conservative and moderate Democrats committed to protecting working families and small businesses. We believe that by being fiscally conservative we can make our tax dollars go further and do more without placing additional burdens on Missouri taxpayers."

The full list of Blue Dogs includes: Rep. Joe Aull of Marshall, Rep. Kenny Biermann of St. Charles, Rep. Rachel Bringer of Palmyra, Rep. Ron Casey of Crystal City, Rep. Vicky Englund of St. Louis, co-chair for national affairs, Rep. Joe Fallert of Ste. Genevieve, Rep. Linda Fishcer of Bonne Terre, co-chair for communication, Rep. Jason Grill of Parkville, Rep. Belinda Harris of Hillsboro, Rep. Steve Hodges of East Prairie, Rep. Jonas Hughes of Kansas City, co-chair for communication, Rep. Sam Komo of House Springs, co-chair for policy, Rep. Rebecca McClanahan of Kirksville, Rep. Michelle Kratky of St. Louis, Rep. J.C. Kuessner of Eminence, Rep. Tim Meadows of Imperial, Rep. Charlie Norr of Springfield, Rep. Paul Quinn of Monroe City, co-chair for administration, Rep. Martin Rucker of St. Joseph, Rep. Luke Scavuzzo of Harrisonville, Rep. Ed Schieffer of Troy, whip, Rep. Sue Schoemehl of St. Louis, Rep. Tom Shively of Shelbyville, Rep. Terry Swinger of Caruthersville, Rep. Tom Todd of Campbell, Rep. Ed Wildberger of St. Joseph, Rep. Pat Yaeger of St. Louis

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.

Deadline Day For Higher Ed

Thursday is the deadline set by Missouri's Department of Higher Education for colleges and universities across the state to submit their "impact statements" if funding is cut 15%, 20% or 25%.

A Missouri State University spokesperson says President Michael Nietzel plans to address media outlets tomorrow. MSU's Don Hendricks stresses, "no cuts have been made and no specific plans have been requested."

***

Ozarks Technical Community College President Hal Higdon predicts the "Access Missouri" program will be a hotly debated issue as money for education shrivels up. Read the rest of his thoughts in our latest installment of NIXON'S CHALLENGE.

Springfield House Democrat Sara Lampe, who expects to be the only southwest Missouri lawmaker back on the Budget Committee, also thinks state money that ends up going to private colleges and universities needs to be examined.

***WATCH MORE OF LAMPE BELOW***

"We always seem to withhold money from higher education on a balancing of budget, why wouldn't we do that on tax credits, why wouldn't we do that on ethanol subsidies,?" asks Rep. Lampe.

ALSO: REFERS TO "POWERHOUSE" COMING OUT OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI THIS SESSION

Lampe Lauches Butter Battle Over Unenforced Law

Selling Imitation Butter Is Illegal In Missouri

Sound Ridiculous?

Watch the KY3 News @ 10 Report HERE
***

"We were looking in indexes of one of the statute books and there was this definition for 'imitation butter' and we thought, no way!'" said Springfield State Rep. Sara Lampe in an interview Tuesday.

"We did find out that it started back when Missouri was wanting to be a big dairy state and they were really trying to protect the dairy market. There's no reason for that now," said Lampe. "As goofy as the law sounds, as silly as they sound today, the reality is they're laws. The reality is if someone said, we want to enforce this law, they could."

Right now the 1895 law carries a punishment of a $100 dollar fine and up to 30 days in jail.

Lampe said she knows it's "not likely to pass," but adds that "it's about awareness."

"This is kind of like cleaning out your closet so that you can make sure the laws that we have are appropriate for Missourians," she said.

You Can't Believe This Missouri Law

Under a state statute written in 1895, it's against Missouri law to manufacture or sell "imitation butter." Now, Rep. Sara Lampe has introduced legislation to repeal this arcane law.

***

"As goofy as the laws sound, as silly as they sound today, the reality is they're laws. The reality is is someone said we want to enforce this law, they could," says Lampe.

***

Tonight Why It's Hard To Believe Selling "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" Is Illegal In Missouri

DEVELOPING . . . FOR KY3 NEWS @ 10

Obama Rally Unlikely To Be Held At Plaster

A Missouri State University source tells the KY3 Political Notebook it's unlikely that Barack Obama will hold his Saturday night rally at Plaster Stadium because of a scheduled soccer game at 7 p.m.

Wednesday night at a Democratic rally in Springfield, Rep. Sara Lampe announced to the crowd that Barack Obama's visit would be held at that location at 9 p.m. A separate Democratic source quickly contacted the Notebook to say that Lampe spoke too soon, because the location has not been "locked down."

Other possible locations being mentioned include Hammons Field and the Fairgrounds, but there's no official word from the Obama campaign just yet.

Plaster Not Locked Down . . . (Just Yet)

At a Democratic rally in Springfield Wednesday night, Springfield Rep. Sara Lampe told the crowd that Barack Obama would hold his Springfield rally at 9 p.m. at Missouri State University's Plaster Field Saturday night.

***

But a Democratic source warns The Notebook that Lampe shouldn't have spoken, because the site isn't yet locked down. "They have not picked or locked down a site yet," says the source.

***

More solid details should emerge Thursday morning.

Keep checking ky3.com.

The 138th: Lampe Slams Corporate Tax Breaks; Goodart: Bigger Government Isn't Always Better

THE 138th: MICHAEL GOODART VS. SARA LAMPE
The two candidates for Springfield's #138th House District seat squared off on a variety of issues at a League of Women Voters Forum Monday.
***
FINAL GRADES:
LAMPE: A-
GOODART: B
Summary: Lampe's four years of experience as a legislator were on bright display during the 90-minute forum. She came armed with specific statistics, which bolstered her case on a bunch of issues (8,000 more students, $400 million in tax credits, Greene County's 59th ranking.) Lampe's passion also came through on education and on what she sees as a waste of money on corporate tax breaks. Her time in Jefferson City and the ability to navigate around the facts gave her a clear advantage over Goodart, who held his own. Goodart did the best job of a challenger in trying to paint a contrast with his opponent. His theme is a compelling one with many Republicans: bigger government isn't always better. He basically kept on that same theme that money isn't always the answer, but lacked more specifics on "the why" that could have helped his case. He tried to defend the Republican legislature in several instances. He made some solid points, but it's tough to be defending the party in power this year.

***

Here's a synopsis of how they answered the questions posed, in the order they were asked:

OPENING STATEMENTS
Goodart -- Standing up, talks about fair taxation and good government. Said a quality education is important to get students ready for the workforce. Called for government efficiency and the implementation of the "Fair Tax." Directly asks for your vote.
Lampe -- From prepared remarks, rattles off a host of things she's learned during her 4 years as a state legislator. A lot is not pretty. She learned about the influence of big business, how hard it is to be in the minority. Notes she voted against the Medicaid cuts. Said she's tired of a laundry list of "false choices." She said Dems aren't perfect, but at least don't "create false choices."

TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Goodart -- Notes Missouri went from 3rd worst to 9th best under Republican leadership. Favors a consumption tax rather than an income or property tax to deal with financing issues. Said lawmakers need to look at "all funding" possible to fund road projects.
Lampe -- Said Mo. is at a "falling off place." Suggests two financing options on the table: Public private partnerships for toll roads. Secondly, grouping together as communities to decide on projects. Municipalities would decide to raise their own taxes based on their own needs. But noted, she's not sure if locals would end up agreeing on that, because many outlying communities use Springfield roads but wouldn't have to pay the higher taxes for them.

HEALTHCARE
Goodart -- Said the priority should be helping people who can't help themselves. States that Mo. cut $70 million in 2005. Praises Hulshof's plan for Healthmax to provide Missourians with "access." Talks about how he doesn't have health insurance himself, and doesn't want the state to supply it to him. Hints Medicaid cuts were the correct thing to do, but never outright says it.
Lampe -- Medicaid cuts need to be restored. The clearest difference in philosophy between the two. Wants to cover all children ages 0 to 18. Said dental, mental health coverage should be included. Calls for focus on accessibility, affordability and portability.

CHILDREN'S NEEDS
Lampe -- Focus should be on pre-K for 3,4 and 5-yr olds. Then pivots to the funding issue. Said Mo. education is "drastically underfunded." Higher ed has been unfunded for years. Notes this example: University of Missouri has added 8,000 students since 2001, but has to operate with the same budget as 7 years ago. Cites Mo. Constitution that says education should be number one priority.
Goodart -- Defends G.O.P. for increasing education funds every year. Notes he is running his campaign on $10,000. Uses that to show he knows how to budget. Makes one of his strongest points: that we can't just be asking the state legislature for more money. Spending money doesn't mean results. Talks up parental responsibility and involvement on ways to help children achieve success in education.

ENERGY
Lampe -- Is prepared for and gets fired up about this question. Lays into ethanol subsidies. Expresses shock at the millions paid in ethanol subsidies for "economic development for farmers." Calls it a "ruse," because much of this money doesn't end up going to farmers. The real passion of Lampe is coming through here. States, "Ethanol is not the answer to our energy issues." Wants to focus on other renewables and cutting consumption. An example: retooling our auto plants so they can sell hybrids. One of her best answers. Direct and compelling.
Goodart -- Calls for the use of nuclear, solar and wind. Also: carpooling to work. Again, hits theme of less government. Said that we can't just pass this problem on for government to fix. Adds that we need to look at ourselves first to solve the energy problem.

BIPARTISANSHIP
Goodart -- Said people are sick of fighting between the two parties. Notes his door-walking in the 138th District and said that if he can get a person to talk to him, "they seem to like me." The warns: I might so some things you might not like, because my top interest will be the district.
Lampe -- Said she worked on the other side of the aisle with 7 different Republicans on different issues. Said lawmakers have more in common than differences, that diverse backgrounds can help educate each other. Notes that she worked with a state representative from St. Louis to help ask members to carry their paper to the side of the floor to be recycled.

SCHOOL VOUCHERS
Lampe -- Said when the government passes tax credits, that's money that comes out of the revenue stream. Notes that business tax credits doubled from $196 million to $400 million over the last 10 years in Missouri. Said private school is a choice, and if a private school receives government money, that private school usually doesn't want to adhere to the rules that are required of public schools. Pledges "the voucher debate will rage on," in Jefferson City. Said it's not always easy to defeat the pro-voucher bills, but makes clear it is something she will continue to fight.
Goodart -- Said he's "not a big proponent of vouchers," then quickly notes they had some success in Washington D.C., a more urban area. Said there needs to be more options for students in computer science and vo-tech schooling.

ONE ITEM THEY'D CUT FROM THE BUDGET
Lampe -- Corporate Tax Credits. Cited a stat that Missouri has lost more jobs since January than the surrounding 8 states combined (attempting to channel Jay Nixon's popular charge..)
Goodart -- Didn't list one item, because he said he couldn't. Talked about restructuring the tax system. Also defended corporate tax credits. Said that we pay corporate taxes when we buy something from the corporation, so that helps the company. Defended corporate tax credits because they help create jobs.

BIGGEST LAW ENFORCEMENT PROBLEM
Goodart -- Recalls story that earlier this year a 17 year old broke into his home and robbed him. Stressed there needs to be more community/parental involvement. Said we needed to look at the reasons people commit crime.
Lampe -- Crimes against children are the biggest problem. Greene is 59th of 115 counties regarding taking care of children. Notes that local lawmakers have tried to get Greene County another judge.

Lampe: Crack Down on Corporate Taxes, Cut Ethanol Subsidies

How to help pay for Medicaid?

Springfield Rep. Sara Lampe proposes cracking down on unpaid corporate taxes and cutting ethanol subsidies.

Watch more of our interview with Lampe above.

Team Obama in Missouri Targets Women

In conference call, Senior Obama adviser Anita Dunn tells reporters women are breaking for Barack Obama over John McCain.

***

She cites a recent Rasmussen poll of Missouri, showing women trust Obama to turn the economy around by a margin of 49% to 45%. Calling the race a "jump ball-dead heat" in Missouri, Dunn says: "We believe this is one of the closet races in the country, the closest states in the country." Dunn also notes a recent Bloomberg report, that said women voters are beginning to break towards Obama. The article, “Obama Makes Inroads Among White Working Class Women in Missouri,” quoted several Missouri women - previously undecided - who are now supporting Obama because of their deep concerns about how the faltering economy.

***

Springfield Rep. Sara Lampe cites Missouri job loss, and that women control 80% of the income of a family. Lampe also hits John McCain: "We don't need something that's erratic and unsure . . . like that ex-husband we aren't sure they're going to come home at night."

Lampe Talks Palin-tology

In the first clip, Springfield State Rep. Sara Lampe (#138th) purposefully dodges the question of whether Sarah Palin is qualified to be on the ticket, but then elaborates on why the issues should be the focal point in the campaign ahead.

In the second clip, Rep. Lampe says she agrees that motherhood brings "a lot to the table," and concludes that Palin's experience shouldn't be the issue. She notes that she had "a lot to learn" when she first got to Jefferson City. Lampe also talks about how Joe Biden should go about taking Palin on in the vice-presidential debate.

In the third clip, Lampe says that we should move past the four incredible life stories of Obama, McCain, Biden and Palin. We also discuss how much of the time "personality" plays a larger role in our politics than issues. Oh, and if you missed it, you can watch Lampe ride a Harley HERE.

Bikers For Obama Hit McCain on "Buying American"

BIKERS BACK OBAMA

AT ISSUE: Obama's support of requiring the government to purchase American-made motorcycles, like those produced by Harley-Davidson. Area bikers chastised John McCain for calling that "Buy American" policy "disgraceful."

***FACT CHECK***: McCain DID in fact call a requirement for the federal government to buy American products "disgraceful" . . . FROM POLITIFACT . . . "McCain has repeatedly voted and spoken against requiring the government to buy American-made products. He argues that such a requirement hurts trade and doesn’t guarantee the lowest prices for taxpayers."

***

Springfield State Representative Sara Lampe, join area Teamsters/bikers, Bryan Emory and John Cook in lambasting McCain's position.

**PLUS: MUST-SEE VIDEO**

LAMPE RIDES A HARLEY

**WATCH IT BELOW**

The 138th: Cady Reports $4,764, Outraising Lampe

#138th District Republican candidate Jeremy Cady reported raising $4,764 in contributions over the last three months in his campaign to take on Springfield Rep. Sara Lampe.

“Over half of Cady’s total contributions were processed online. 86% of his contributors gave online at an average just over $45 per contributor,” said William Wake, Jeremy Cady’s campaign treasurer.

Of those contributions processed online, more than $1,000 was raised in a single day money bomb fundraiser, according to the Cady campaign. “We have had success with our online campaign and we hope to grow stronger in this arena as the race continues,” Wake said.

“We have done well this quarter,” said Jeremy Cady. “We have had several small, individual contributions without any large money coming from special interests or PACs. I am sure the fundraising would have been even greater had so many people not been affected by the current economic crunch. Higher energy and food prices coupled with a tighter job market have impacted those people my candidacy most seeks to help. A removal of the ethanol mandate and ensuring the State of Missouri tightens its own belt, providing tax relief so our families can afford to eat and our parents can afford to drive to work should be high on our priority list," he added.

Cady, who has ties to the "Ron Paul Revolution" in Springfield, will face Michael Goodart in the G.O.P. primary. Goodart ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination against Steve Helms in 2006.

Over the past three months, Goodart has raised $1,131. He has just $302 on hand to spend, while Cady has $2,346.

Cady actually outraised incumbent Democrat Sara Lampe this quarter. Lampe reported $4,270 in contributions over the past three months. Still, she holds $9,351 on hand.

Lampe is unopposed in her primary.