B.J. Marsh Considering The 7th

Former Springfield State House member B.J. Marsh says he'll look at a run for Congress if Roy Blunt opts for a U.S. Senate run.

"I'm going to take a look at it. I have so many customers from my travel business from Joplin to Carthage to all over this area, I think my name I.D. would be pretty good," Marsh told The Notebook Wednesday.

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Marsh had previously been eyeing a possible run for the #30th District State Senate seat, and even flirted with an independent candidacy. He said that's still on the table, but that Sen. Kit Bond's announcement changes his options, and will most likely open up the 7th Congressional District.

"I'm not a very cocky person," Marsh said. "But you just got to look at name I.D. I was raised in the Greenfield, Miller area, ran around in Joplin for awhile. Almost half of my customers come from Joplin and Mt. Vernon. I have probably between 6 and 8 thousand customers there."

When asked about a potential rival candidacy of Sen. Gary Nodler, Marsh said: "I think the candidate that comes out of the east is going to win because of the large population. Now if you get 2 people from here, then Nodler probably gets it."

Also mentions he's heard Sen. Jack Goodman is seriously considering a run, but continued to emphasize the name identification advantage he would bring to the race.

Asked about his weaknesses, Marsh replied: Age. He's 68 and has battled health problems. "My age would probably be a negative, even though it shouldn't be. I really don't think my health is an issue, David. Doctors have given me a clear run. You never know at my age, but my health is controlled with a Pacemaker. I don't have a heart problem. It's controlled."

Marsh also said he's waiting to hear if there might be an opportunity for him in the Nixon administration doing something in economic development or tourism. "There's a possibility. I was asked if there was anything I might be interested in, and I might be. If it's something I like doing, I might not run for anything."

On Nixon's job so far: "I sure think he's doing a good job. He's keeping his promises and following through with what he campaigned on. There seems to be a lot more bipartisanship up there than I've seen in a long time, even among Republicans. I think we need that and I really think he's going to do good."

B.J. Marsh Backs Nixon for Governor

The outgoing and unpredictable Republican House lawmaker from Springfield throws his support behind the Democratic candidate.

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HERE'S B.J. MARSH'S FULL STATEMENT:

"Times are tough, and families in Missouri are hurting. Now more than ever before, we need a Governor who can bring this state together and get us moving forward again. I’ve known Jay Nixon for 20 years, and I know that he’ll roll up his sleeves and get the job done, like he always has. I’m supporting Jay Nixon for Governor because I know, without a doubt, that he will bring about the change our state needs. As someone who is heavily involved at Missouri State University, I am particularly concerned about the ability of Missouri families to afford a college education. Tuition is skyrocketing, and too many students are graduating with tens of thousands of dollars of debt. Jay Nixon has put forward a plan, called the Missouri Promise, to create a pathway for middle-class students to get a four-year degree and graduate debt free. Jay Nixon knows we must help prepare our young people to compete in the new economy."
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"Jay Nixon also understands that in order to turn this economy around, we must get serious about embracing science and technology. From life science to plant science to new energy solutions, Jay will fight to bring next generation jobs here to Missouri. That’s the kind of leadership we need right now."
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"For me, this election isn’t about whether someone is a Democrat or a Republican. It’s about electing the best candidate to move Missouri forward, and that’s Jay Nixon. People know that I tell it like it is. Here’s the deal: Jay Nixon will work across the aisle to get things done for Missouri families. Enough said."

Can Beatty Turn The #136th Blue?

THE BATTLE FOR SPRINGFIELD'S OPEN HOUSE SEAT

WATCH THE KY3 News @ 10 REPORT HERE

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Missouri State University Professor Nick Beatty is trying to upend conventional wisdom in central and western Springfield by flipping a traditionally Republican House seat being vacated by B.J. Marsh. But Republican Eric Burlison is also working the district hard, and should have some natural demographic advantages.

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In 2006, B.J. Marsh was re-elected 56% to 44% over Democratic challenger James Owen . . . Can Beatty make-up 12 points in an open seat?

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Kellie Freeman Rohrbaugh, who's working for Beatty, tells The Notebook: "We're seeing the McNixican trend in this district, and those voters are more open to listening to Nick."

Just 13?

LOCAL REPS. DENISON, VIEBROCK SIGN ON TO ETHICS REFORM

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

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

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

The state lawmakers on Kinder's list include:

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

A Marsh With A Village

The best comic relief out of Jefferson City is once again provided by outgoing Springfield Rep. B.J. Marsh.

After making a round of calls to the Capitol Tuesday, two separate sources told me that during the "Village Law" debate, Rep. Marsh drafted an amendment to designate his own property on the corner of Sunshine and National in Springfield "a village."

While I was unable to reach Marsh directly, I'm told that Marsh's intention was to make a point to supporters of the current law. It allows a single developer or property owner to control land without government oversight. Southwest Missouri lawmakers are vigorously pushing for a repeal, but with time running down on the session, frustration is running high.

Marsh's "village" on National and Sunshine has raised eyebrows before -- usually during election time when it boasts numerous Marsh campaign signs (or more recently McCain campaign paraphernalia).

"You can never really tell if B.J. is kidding or not," said Springfield lobbyist Scott Marrs. "You know B.J. You just can't predict him. That's why we're going to miss him," he said, with a laugh.

The #136th: Burlison Goes Door-To Door . . . Early

The Republican candidate for Rep. B.J. Marsh's open seat in 2008 is already pounding the pavement going door-to-door in his quest for the #136th legislative district seat.

Eric Burlison tells the KY3 Political Notebook most people are shocked to hear he is campaigning so soon. "Most people say to me, 'I haven't even thought about it,'" Burlison said.

Burlison said the top issue he is hearing about in the field is the economy. "We've got a good economy, the numbers look good, but people don't seem to be feeling it. When talking to people, they seem crunched. Older people think their money used to go further," he said.

Burlison expects to have an opponent in the #136th but said getting out early is part of his strategy. "I want to work hard, and I don't want anyone to say, he didn't try," he said.

Burlison is undecided on his pick in the 2008 race for president. He said he's surprised that a lot of local Democrats in his district seem to like Republican Mike Huckabee. "He seems to be getting a good amount of attention here locally," Burlison said.

Not Telling: Why Local Pols Aren't Endorsing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

B.J. Marsh UNLEASHED

PLANS 2010 STATE SENATE RUN

"I'll jump in and spoil things"

ON BLUNT'S RE-ELECTION CHANCES:

"50% and under"

HOPING FOR HUCKABEE WIN

"Because Blunt and Jetton are for Romney"

There's probably no juicier political interview in the Ozarks than Rep. B.J. Marsh. The maverick moderate Republican, who has been saddled with health problems and missed countless important votes in Jefferson City, likes to say he "tells it like it is."

The fact that he's term-limited in the House after 2008, means his loose lips seem even a bit looser these days.

In a wide-ranging interview Wednesday, Rep. Marsh told the KY3 Political Notebook he's almost certain he'll run for Sen. Norma Champion's District 30 Senate seat when it opens up in 2010. He has already filed official campaign papers for the run, but isn't yet settled on if he'll run as a Republican or independent.

"I'll jump in and spoil things," Marsh said with a laugh via telephone, as he makes his annual trek out to the Rose Bowl in California. "If they put up 5 ultra-conservative pro-life candidates, I'll jump in as a moderate and win the thing. If not, I'll run as an independent. Just depends what things look like."

Marsh also predicted he could see lawmakers take up the touchy issue of term-limits this year. He said there may be some movement to do away with them altogether or extend them to 18 years.

The #136th district representative also questioned the time his Republican Governor has left in office. Marsh said Matt Blunt's re-election chances are "50% and under." He cited the Medicaid cuts and the recent Scott Eckersley scandal as the main reasons.

"When I'm on a tour bus, he's not carrying over 30% of my bus," said Marsh, who runs a travel business that specializes in bus tours for seniors. "These are voters 50 and older, and he's just not very popular. They think he's hurt a lot of people."

On the 2008 presidential field, Marsh said he likes Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton. In that order. He said he likes Giuliani's moderation but also admires Huckabee's candor with the media. "He just says it like it is," Marsh said.

He said he certainly would not vote for Mitt Romney, because he doesn't trust him. "In the general, I'm not passed going with Hillary. I'd vote for Hillary over Romney," Marsh said.

Still, he said he's probably vote for Giuliani or Huckabee over Clinton.

He's especially rooting for Huckabee to knock off Romney in Iowa. Why?

"Because (Matt) Blunt and (Rod) Jetton are for Romney," he replied.

The Republican establishment must despise Marsh, or maybe they roll their eyes and don't take him seriously. Marsh has been labeled as ego-centric, lazy . . . and worse by his critics. But you can bet they start to take him a bit more seriously if he follows through with his promise to shake-up the 2010 State Senate race in District 30. Independent candidacies are longshots everywhere -- but a rift in the G.O.P. slice of the pie has the potential to transform a reliably Republican district into a barnburner.