Van Kelly Considering State Senate Run

Former State Representative Van Kelly is seriously considering a run for Sen. Dan Clemens' seat in 2010, according to a Republican close to Kelly.

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Kelly represented the #144th legislative district from 2000 to 2008, representing Douglas, Texas and Wright counties.

"I can definitely tell you that he is ramping up for a potential run," the source tells The Notebook.

Clemens is term-limited in 2010; Nixa State Rep. Jay Wasson says he's also planning to run for Sen. Clemens' seat.

Shields Names Senate Chairs

SHIELDS TAPS DEM LEADER TO CHAIR CMT.

State Senate Leader Charlie Shields appointed chairs to 18 Senate committees Wednesday, including Democratic Minority Leader Victor Callahan. Sen. Callahan of Independence will chair the Progress & Development Committee.

"I believe we – Republicans and Democrats – must work together to address the emerging issues that affect our everyday lives," Shields said. "That is why I named a committee to be chaired by the Democrat leader. By working across party lines, the committees and, more importantly, the chairmen and chairwomen I have named, will be able to successfully advance quality legislation that will benefit the people of Missouri," he added.

OZARKS CHAIRS INCLUDE:

Sen. Dan Clemens: Agriculture, Food Production, Outdoor Resources Cmt.

Sen. Gary Nodler: Appropriations Cmt.

Sen. Delbert Scott: Financial & Governmental Organizations and Elections Cmt.

Sen. Jack Goodman: General Laws Cmt.

Sen. Chuck Purgason: Governmental Accountability & Fiscal Oversight Cmt.

Sen. Norma Champion: Health, Mental Health, Seniors & Families Cmt.

Clemens also announced he was broadening the name of the Agriculture Committee to "better emphasize what agriculture means to the state." "By emphasizing what this industry means to Missouri—even through something as simple as a committee name change—we can clarify our vision for agriculture’s place in Missouri’s future," said Clemens in a statement.

Kill Bill

Sen. Clemens: Ag bill grew to "Barry-Bonds like proportions"

State Sen. Dan Clemens said he will try to kill his own legislation intended to benefit farmers because additions by his colleagues ballooned to "Barry-Bond like proportions."

Clemens is referring to Senate Bill 898, which received first-round approval from the Senate Wednesday. He said the idea was to put together tax exemptions for farm fencing, agriculture- related fuel and other items at a cost of about $500,000.

Then, Clemens said, his colleagues got out of control.

"While I attempted to stand strong to the original intentions of the bill, many other senators lined up with their Christmas wish lists of projects big and small and by the end of two days of debate, my little bill had ballooned to Barry Bonds-like proportions — and to more than an estimated $5 million in costs — a ten-fold jump," Clemens said in message to constituents Thursday.

"While some of the amended ideas were worthy of consideration, I have to stay true to my conservative roots by killing my own bill," he added.

Clemens said he would try to find other ways to achieve the original goals of his bill, and will do everything in his power as Agriculture Committee Chair to stop the legislation from becoming law.