Gettin' Dirty

GIBBONS PAINTS KOSTER AS A CRIMINAL IN NEW AD

A failure to pay income taxes, arrested for passing a bad check, taking money tied to the Gambino family, firing a whistleblower, illegally laundering campaign contributions.

These are the charges in Mike Gibbons' newest television ad against Democratic candidate for Attorney General Chris Koster.

"TOO OFTEN ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LAW"

In Koster's latest ad, he argues Gibbons opposed cracking down on Medicaid fraud.

"My opponent argued against locking them up . . . stating that Medicaid fraud is just a property crime."

Koster Responds: Gibbons Voted To Let Criminals Out

The Democratic campaign for Attorney General sends out an early morning e-mail Wednesday responding to Mike Gibbon's 2nd television ad.

***
"Behind in the polls and with no relevant experience for the job, professional politician Michael Gibbons is trying to deceive Missouri voters about Chris Koster's record with a stealth negative ad," says Koster spokesperson Danny Kanner. "It's impossible to compare Chris Koster's conviction rate with Michael Gibbons' because Gibbons has never prosecuted or convicted anyone. No one. Not a single one."
***
Kanner goes on: "In ten years as Prosecuting Attorney, Chris Koster amassed approximately 20 homicide convictions, two Supreme Court victories, and thousands of felony convictions. While Chris Koster was spending a decade putting criminals behind bars, Senator Gibbons was in Jefferson City voting to let them out."
***
The Notebook has asked the Koster campaign to explain how Gibbons voted to let criminals out through his votes in Jefferson City. UPDATE 11:48 A.M. "In 2003, Sen. Gibbons voted for SB 5 -- a bill that relaxed sentencing standards and resulted in 1,400 new criminals on the streets each year," Kanner tells The Notebook.

Tuesday Night T.V.

3 NEW ADS THAT ARE HITTING OZARKS T.V.

... WITH 3 WEEKS TO GO

The Ad: Mike Gibbons For Attorney General

The Theme: I'm Tough on Crime, He's A Political Opportunist.

Republican candidate for Attorney General Mike Gibbons goes 50-50 in his second T.V. ad in the Ozarks. The first portion of the ad, quickly rolls through his accomplishments, painting him as tough on crime. He cracked down on meth and sexual predators, who can be against that? The second half shines the light on Democratic opponent Chris Koster, claiming he "plea-bargained 90% of his cases." Notice how we go from color to shady black-and-white. Gibbons knows he's got to quickly shape a perception of Koster that didn't sell in the Democratic primary.

The Ad: Chris Koster for Attorney General

The Theme: I Fight For The Little Guy

I didn't think Chris Koster could win the Democratic primary for Attorney General. Boy, was I mistaken. A smart Democrat told me, who didn't back Koster previously, put it this way: "He go to these forums, and he'd tower over Harris and Donnelly. His booming voice, his boyish good looks. He won them over with his authority and his charm." That's what I think is conveyed in this ad. Cool, calm, collected . . . almost cocky, but compassion, for "the victim," not in the courtroom. Koster might be slick, but his ads are even slicker. They are some of the best in this cycle. He picks up the same exact theme from the primary, and it seems to work. The touchy music, the still shots of the faces of real people. I'm too moved to know if the guy is pulling one over on me.

The Ad: Sam Page for Lieutenant Governor

The Theme: I'm a Doctor Who Thinks You Deserve Health Insurance

A couple different themes are wrapped into this 30-second ad for the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor. First, it establishes Rep. Sam Page's credentials. He's a doctor. You never hear him mention he's a state lawmaker as well. It's not Rep. Page. It's Dr. Page. People love doctors. Can you imagine a politician running as an attorney. ("I'm a trial attorney, I sue companies for people who get injured on the job.") Of course not! The line that should get viewers' attention is when he calls Gov. Blunt and Lt. Gov. Kinder out on the health care cuts. He calls them "wrong," he links Kinder to Blunt, and notice he never says "Medicaid." It's a pretty basic ad when it comes down to it. Not to hard, not to soft. Just right? I dunno, maybe if you don't have health care?

Who's the Overachiever?

A smart Republican operative recently told me that no matter how bad things get for the statewide G.O.P. candidates this cycle, Missouri history shows that at least one will overperform and buck the trend. The elimination of straight-ticket voting in Missouri may also benefit Republicans in a year where Democrats are foaming at the mouth to vote. Out of pure skepticism and instinct, the independents that make Missouri interesting won't vote for EVERY Democrat down the line. So, someone is expected to break through.

We were wondering which Republican is most likely to overperform in a year that trends Democratic . . . Here are our nominees for G.O.P. overachiever (in order of mostly likely to overperform.)

1. Candidate for Treasurer Brad Lager -- He's raised lots of dough, the Treasurer position seems harmless enough and Zweifel (like Hulshof) is a really weird name for people to swallow.

2. Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder -- Kinder works really hard and is running like he's behind (whether he is or isn't), he has cross-over appeal with some urban Democrats, and many Southwest Missourians do not know who Sam Page is.

3. Candidate for Attorney General Mike Gibbons -- Gibbons is respected and viewed as competent (though not exciting) by the other side, Chris Koster may still have a lingering bitter-Democrat problem and his ex-wife likes to make news.

Ad Blitz

SOME SIGNS THE G.O.P. BRAND IS BATTERED

In Mike Gibbons' first television ad, the Republican candidate for Attorney General focuses on his tough-on-cyber crime plan, then closes with this: "That doesn't have anything to do with party affiliation. You do the right thing, for the right reasons." No mention of party in the language or the logo. In fact, the message: Party doesn't matter.

8th District Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson stands before the camera for her entire ad. Again -- no mention of Republican credentials or accomplishments. To be fair, Emerson does have some real bipartisan credentials to tout. And she's sure to highlight them this year: "We have to find a way to work together. In Congress, I bring members of both parties to the table," she says, in her first ad of the campaign.

Rep. Roy Blunt certainly isn't worrying about a backlash against the conservative-brand in the 7th District. Look at the contrast between Emerson's approach and Blunt's. While Emerson wants to hold hands with the liberals across the table, Blunt is signaling he wants to smack 'em. The Congressman is targeting "liberal extremists" on energy policy. "We put way too much per gallon, thanks to the liberal extremists in Congress," Blunt says. Still, he never mentions "Republican," in his third ad of the campaign.

Barack Obama's ad is notable -- simply because this is a 2-minute spot that has run on KY3 repeatedly over the past two days since the debate. Meanwhile, John McCain's ads on our station have been nonexistent. Obama is talking directly to the camera in a room that could look like the White House and it's all about taxes. And in local TV time, 2-minutes is a huge buy. But probably not THAT huge for the cash-flush Obama campaign.

Koster, Acting As Nominee, Meets Gibbons

MOVING ON: "Now that the Democratic primary is Behind Us . . ."

Rule number one: When an election is close, act like you are the undisputed victor.

It will be difficult for State Rep. Margaret Donnelly to overturn Tuesday's result in the Democratic primary for Governor through a recount. And it makes it a tad bit tougher when Koster is already acting the part.

The Koster campaign put out a release noting that the Democratic nominee debated "issues critical to Missouri's agricultural industry," with Republican nominee Mike Gibbons, before the Missouri Farm Bureau Thursday. Gibbons ran unopposed in the primary.

"Now that the Democratic primary is behind us, I intend to fulfill my promise of campaigning for every vote in every corner of Missouri, and speaking to the issues that affect rural, urban and suburban families from border to border,” said Koster.

"The people of this state are best served by a chief law enforcement officer who has authentic law enforcement experience, and I intend to present that message to every single Missourian," Koster added.

The forum with Gibbons covered issues from CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations), to the Missouri River to the meth problem.

And if there was any doubt, Koster's camp tagged out its release with these lines: "Koster won the Democratic primary for Attorney General on Tuesday, August 5th. He is the only candidate for Attorney General with any prosecutorial experience."

Donnelly's campaign is mulling a recount and an election official has said Koster's win is unofficial.

Gibbons Raises $227,460

Republican candidate for Attorney General Mike Gibbons raised $227,460 during the second quarter fundraising period, according to his campaign.

He has $379,909 on hand to spend.

This part, we don't get?

"Despite an aggressive campaign that has been embraced by thousands of Missourians, Gibbons reported $379,099 through the end of the quarterly reporting period," said spokesperson Caleb Jones.

Despite?

Does that mean they're unhappy with the $379,099 number? Alert me if I'm missing something here.

UPDATED . . . Spokesperson Caleb Jones called to clarify with a corrected statement . . . "Thanks to an aggressive campaign that has been embraced by thousands of Missourians, Gibbons reported $379,099 through the end of the quarterly reporting period," he amended.

Hey, we understand. It happens.

Blunt, Gibbons "Disappointed" By SCOTUS Ruling

Gov. Matt Blunt said he was disappointed by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling Wednesday that outlawed the death penalty for child rapists.

"I am extremely disappointed in the Court’s decision not to allow the most serious punishment, both as a matter of justice and deterrence to protect our children from vile sexual predators," Blunt said in a statement.

Blunt pushed for legislation that would have allowed a Missouri prosecutor to seek the death penalty in cases of forcible rape and forcible sodomy when the victim is younger than 12-years old.

The Governor and 28 members of the General Assembly filed an amici curiae, or “friends of the court” brief in March, asking the court to clarify previous rulings that the Eighth Amendment does not prohibit the death penalty for child rapists. The brief also argued that the court should not preclude a national debate on this issue and allow states to form a consensus.

"Violent sex crimes against children are among the worst crimes that any criminal could commit. Child predators attack the innocent and defenseless, and the pain they inflict is permanent - in many cases physically and in all cases emotionally," Blunt said.

Republican Attorney General candidate Mike Gibbons also expressed dismay at the 5-4 ruling on a Louisiana case.

Gibbons said he supported Justice Samuel Alito's dissent that in part stated: "The harm that is caused to the victims and to society at large by the worst child rapists is grave. It is the judgment of the Louisiana lawmakers and those in an increasing number of other states that these harms justify the death penalty."

"I am disappointed by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision but I will enforce the tough laws we passed to protect our children from sexual predators as the next attorney general of Missouri," Gibbons said in a statement. "We will lock the door and throw away the key on those vermin that prey on our children as well as focus on prevention to make sure our kids are never hurt in the first place."

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.

Gibbons To Hold Women's Event in Springfield Saturday

Republican Attorney General candidate Mike Gibbons will hold a "Women for Gibbons" event this Saturday at Sen. Norma Champion's home.

According to the release, the event will highlight Gibbons' "long history of success in writing and supporting laws protecting the interests and well-being of Missouri women and their families."

Gibbons will be accompanied by his wife Liz and daughter Meredith, 19, at events in Springfield, Columbia and St. Louis.

“I have long been a champion of supporting issues that protect the interests and well-being of Missouri women and their families, and as the next attorney general I pledge to build on those successes by fighting hard every day to uphold the laws that protect both our families and communities. Missouri’s women deserve an attorney general who will stand up for their interests and that’s what I will do," said Gibbons in a release.

Gibbons stop in Springfield will begin at 5 p.m. at Champion's home on 3609 South Broadway.

Gibbons Signs Sheriff Pay Bill

Missouri Senate leader Mike Gibbons signed legislation in Camdenton Wednesday that will boost pay for Deputy Sheriffs.

The legislation allows Sheriff offices around the state to receive an additional $10 fee for processing civil summonses, writs, subpoenas or other court orders. The money for
House Bill 2224 will go to the newly created “Deputy Sheriff Salary Supplementation Fund,” which will be used to bolster the pay of county deputy sheriffs.


As Senate President Pro Tem, Sen. Gibbons signs legislation passed by both houses of the General Assembly. The governor then considers whether to place these bills into effect.

Gibbons is the presumptive Republican nominee for Attorney General.

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."

Gibbons' First Release Targets Gay Marriage

Following Gov. Matt Blunt and Congressman Kenny Hulshof's lead, Republican Attorney General Candidate Mike Gibbons is now challenging the Democratic attorney general candidates to tell the people of Missouri where they stand on an effort to challenge a California court’s decision to allow same-sex marriages.

The issue might be moot now that California's top court rejected an appeal to stay its decision. But it still shows that Republicans at all levels are ready to use the gay marriage issue in what looks to be a tough year for the party.

“I am challenging all the Democrat attorney general candidates to publicly support Missouri’s decision to fight the California Supreme Court’s ruling that allows same-sex marriage. I am extremely disappointed that the California court rejected the request for a stay,” Gibbons said, in what looks to be the first press release of his campaign for Attorney General. “I have fought to protect the sanctity of marriage through law and the constitutional amendment overwhelmingly passed by Missourians in 2004, I believe it is important for the Democrat candidates to tell the people where they stand on this very important issue.”

A Double Endorsement From Deputies

Apparently, the Missouri Deputy Sheriffs' Association double-dips when it endorses candidates.

Like most major newspapers, the Deputy Sheriffs have endorsed Attorney General candidates from both parties.

Last month, the Deputies announced their endorsement of Democratic Sen. Chris Koster for Attorney General. Now, the announcement of new endorsement of Senate Leader Mike Gibbons on the Republican side. Gibbons is the only Republican candidate for Attorney General.

"The Senator has worked hard in legislation for law enforcement, especially in the area of child safety and protection," Dave Boehm, President of the Missouri Deputy Sheriffs' Association, said. "We appreciate his efforts, and concern for the children of Missouri."

“I am very humbled to have the support of so many hardworking and committed Deputy Sheriffs,” Koster said back on March 13th. “Deputy Sheriffs know first hand the law enforcement challenges we face across Missouri. As the men and women fighting to uphold the law on the frontlines, I will continue to heed their advice and work closely with them in the future," he added.

Who wins the ultimate endorsement?

A high-ranking Greene County law enforcement official tells the Notebook, "it better be Gibbons."

10 Quick Questions . . . With Mike Gibbons

An occasional series with Missouri pols

1. What’s on your Ipod?

Gibbons: I don't have an Ipod, but I'm listening to Toby Keith's Big Dog Daddy and Greatest Hits 2 CDs in my car.

2. What book are you currently reading?

Gibbons: I'm currently reading Younger Next Year and just finished reading Team of Rivals about Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

3. Your husband/wife/partner gets most annoyed at you when . . . . (fill in the blank)
Gibbons: I don't focus on my health and skip a workout.


4. What’s the speech you’ve given that you are most proud of?
Gibbons: My Senate Opening Day Speech in 2006 highlighting one of the most historic sessions in our state's history in 2005 and framing healthcare reform, protecting property owners from eminent domain abuse, and locking the door and throwing away the key on sexual predators as our session priorities.


5. Name a political figure that you idolize or highly respect.
Gibbons: Abraham Lincoln.


6. You’ve got a free weekend to do whatever you want in Missouri. Where do you go and what do you do?
Gibbons: I would spend the weekend at Table Rock Lake boating, fishing and swimming with my family.


7. Who's a friend in the political sphere you go to for advice and why?
Gibbons: Roy Blunt, because he is a friend who, like me, has served in the majority and the minority and has a wealth of experience to share.


8. What’s the worst thing about living in Missouri?
Gibbons: No ocean.


9. What’s a political issue you’d like to learn more about?
Gibbons: I want to learn more about the success of the "broken windows" theory by Wilson and Kelling that was used in New York City to combat crime by focusing on fixing problems when they are small.


10. What political blogs or news websites do you click on first in the morning?
Gibbons: johncombest.com.



ALSO: Read 10 Quick Questions with Rep. Jeff Harris by clicking HERE.

G.O.P. Pounces on Nixon's Claim to Property Tax Bill

It didn't take long for the e-mail box to fill up with agitated Republicans criticizing my decision to post Jay Nixon's claim he lined up with a property tax relief bill that cleared the Senate yesterday.

"You're unbelievable," wrote G.O.P. spokesperson Paul Sloca.

"I think it’s important to note that the bill Sen. (Mike) Gibbons introduced on Dec. 1, 2007, (before any of Nixon’s proposals) included the increase in the Circuit Breaker tax credit from $750 to $1100," added Farrah Fite, Senate G.O.P. spokesperson.

After the Senate cleared the bill Wednesday, Nixon campaign spokesperson Oren Shur claimed the bill the Senate passed adopted several provisions "nearly identical" to the proposal Attorney General unveiled in January.

Sloca called Nixon's position a conversion after a 20-year record of opposing property tax relief. Sloca dug up a 1986 article that reported Nixon "would support reduction of the vote necessary to pass bond issues and tax levies if the votes were limited to once a year.” Sloca said in 1989, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported "Nixon opposed reimbursing retirees $192 million for years of excessive tax payments made to the state."

Sloca also said Nixon opposed last year's Social Security tax cut for seniors -- even though that has nothing to do with property taxes.

Fite just wanted to clarify the specifics of Gibbons bill.

"Sen. Shoemyer introduced an amendment on the floor during debate to up the tax credit program to $30,000 for singles and $40,000 for married couples, but Sen. Gibbons made sure that amendment only applied to homeowners, not renters," she said.

The Non-News Endorsement

So why am I posting it?

Well, just in case another Republican decides to jump into the race out of the blue at the very last minute.

Gov. Matt Blunt endorsed Senator Michael Gibbons for Missouri Attorney General today.

“Senator Gibbons is an experienced leader with a strong record of fighting for the safety of our families,” Governor Blunt said. “His leadership was vital to the passage of Missouri's version of Jessica's Law to protect children from dangerous predators. He has been an energetic advocate for victims of rape and domestic violence. As the highest ranking member of the Missouri Senate, Senator Gibbons proved his tremendous leadership qualities again and again, working with legislators on both sides of the aisle. Senator Gibbons will be a tough and effective Attorney General for the people of Missouri who will always act with integrity," he said.