Koster Endorses Carnahan For Senate Run

Democratic Attorney General-Elect Chris Koster says Democrats need not look any farther than Robin Carnahan as a candidate for U.S. Senate.

IMMEDIATELY KNOCKS DOWN AN ATLANTIC MONTHLY REPORT THAT HE'S A POTENTIAL CANDIDATE.

KOSTER'S FULL STATEMENT:

"Senator Bond has served with distinction for nearly four decades. His love for Missouri and public service is evident in all that he has done," Koster said. "As talk turns to 2010 and who may replace Senator Bond during these challenging economic times, I am confident that the Democratic Party will nominate a strong candidate, and we don’t have to look any farther than Robin Carnahan. As Attorney General, I look forward to supporting her, if she chooses to run. Together, we will work to make our state a safer, stronger place to live, work and raise a family."

New Year's Eve Potpourri

After a few days back east, I'm back in the Show-Me State to clean up a few items before we ring in the New Year:

• SOUR PURPLE POWER: Northwestern came oh-so-close to knocking off big ole' once-national-title-bound (psych!) Mizzou in the Alamo Bowl. It was gut-wrenching to watch them fall short. An explanation why: The Wildcats let in smarter kids. (Disclosure: I went to journalism school at NU.)
• KOSTER TAPS JUDGE: Attorney General-elect Chris Koster has selected Cass County Judge Joe Dandurand as his Deputy A.G. "Naturally, in our roles as judge and prosecutor, we have not always agreed on all issues. Through the years, however, we have developed a strong mutual professional and personal respect," Dandurand said in a statement.
• AMENDMENT HAPPY: State Sen. John Loudon held a press conference earlier this week to announce a ballot initiative for a constitutional amendment to protect "the secret ballot." If at first you don't succeed . . .
• BOND BACKS ISRAEL: Fresh back from his trip from Israel, Sen. Kit Bond is defending the country's recent relentless assault on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. He wants the U.S. to provide Israel with an anti-missile defense system. "Israel has every right to defend its borders, and protect its people," said Bond. "With their unprovoked attacks on Israel, Hamas is demonstrating their true commitment is violence, not peace."
• KEY NIXON APPOINTMENT: Governor-elect Jay Nixon appointed St. Louis health care official Ronald Levy to be his Director of Social Services. Nixon said Levy would begin transforming Missouri's health care system by helping to increase access for children. The 58-year-old Levy was the chief executive of SSM Health Care in St. Louis before retiring last year. Levy's appointment requires Senate approval.
• SPEAKING OF HEALTH CARE: The Missouri Foundation for Health is urging lawmakers not to help make up a projected $340 million dollars shortfall by cutting Medicaid reimbursements. The group says it will be tempting to make up money there, but that lawmakers should resist. "They would be strongly cautioned against doing so, as it will reduce access to health care services for lower-income Missourians, increase inefficiencies in the delivery of care . . ." said MFH president Dr. James Kimmey.
• BLUNT GETS (ANOTHER) JOB: The auto board thing just sounded odd to people. Downright strange. Now, outgoing Governor Matt Blunt says he'll be a senior adviser to a private equity firm in Massachusetts (A Romney connection?). Blunt is signing on with Solamere Capital on January 13th. The release says Blunt will "help evaluate opportunities for Solamere, while also helping to grow its investments and portfolio companies." The Notebook wishes the Gov. the best of luck in his new non-political endeavor. He'll need it to help "grow" anything in this economy.
• NIXON'S CHALLENGE: You may have noticed Nixon's Challenge hasn't been updated since I've been on holiday. We'll have a fresh batch of entries for you tomorrow on our political page at ky3.com.
• BLOG MOVE: Oh, and about that blog move we told you about a few weeks ago. It's still likely to happen, but after some smart suggestions and feedback from you, we're still working out the exact software to make our transition as blog-worthy as possible.
  

Happy New Year!

Koster Taps St. Louis Lawyer For Chief of Staff

Attorney General-Elect Chris Koster announced his selection of Robert Kenney to be his Chief of Staff Wednesday, marking the first time in Missouri history that an African American has been chosen to fill this position.

"Robert has the superior legal and interpersonal skills that will not only make him an outstanding leader in the Attorney General’s office but an effective ambassador to the political community throughout the state," said Koster in a statement. "His expertise in every phase of commercial and business litigation will prove to be an invaluable asset as our administration cracks down on Medicaid fraud, corporate polluters, and employers who refuse to provide a fair wage and decent working conditions," Koster added.

Kenney served as Assistant Attorney General under Jay Nixon, working in the Consumer Protection Division, handling all phases of civil enforcement of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. He also worked in the Labor Division, representing the State of Missouri in litigation matters including workers’ compensation and prevailing wage cases, a top priority for Koster.

Kenney is currently a partner with the St. Louis law firm, Polsinelli Shalton Flanigan Suelthaus.

More on Kenney can be found HERE.

Nixon Rallies Democratic Ticket in Springfield

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

"It is not accidental that 6 days before the election, this ticket is in Greene County."

Democratic candidate for Governor Jay Nixon rallied with the entire statewide ticket in Springfield Friday night. Dozens of supporters and workers attended the rally outside the Nixon field office. Team Nixon says 200 were in attendance. Watch a clip of the first part of Nixon's speech above.

***WATCH clips from other candidates BELOW***

"The Republicans have nominated a debt collector," said Democratic candidate for Attorney General Chris Koster, of his opponent Mike Gibbons, during Wednesday's rally.

Without much of a challenge in her own race, Democratic Secretary of State Robin Carnahan urged supporters to continue to work hard for the entire slate of candidates.

Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor Sam Page likened re-electing Peter Kinder to voting for Barack Obama while keeping Dick Cheney.

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?

NEA Endorses Koster for A.G.

KOSTER ALSO "WELCOMES" ELECTION CERTIFICATION

"Our campaign remains confident that we are on the path to victory in November . . ."

The Missouri National Education Association endorsed Senator Chris Koster for Attorney General Thursday.

"As Attorney General, I will be a fierce advocate for Missouri’s public education system," Koster said. "Our shared purpose is that our teachers have the resources they need to teach, and our children learn in an environment that is conducive to their diverse needs given the changing world in which we live. I am honored by MNEA’s support and look forward to a productive partnership," he said.

Missouri NEA recommends candidates who work to strengthen public education, maximize students learning, ensure our children’s health and safety and respect public school employees,” said MNEA President Chris Guinther. "We look forward to working with Attorney General Koster to benefit our children, their public schools and their future," said Missouri NEA President Chris Guinther.

The Missouri National Education Association represents over 34,000 teachers and education professionals in Missouri’s public education system.

Koster also issued this statement in response to the certification of the election results:

"Our campaign welcomes the certification of the results of the primary election. We are confident that the election was administered fairly, and appreciate the competence and timeliness with which the certification was handled. Our thanks go out to the many county clerks and election officials who worked so hard to make this such a well-run election. It is out belief that they and Secretary of State Carnahan got the results right. As we’ve said before, it is within Representative Donnelly’s rights to verify the election's results. If she chooses to do so, we look forward to having the results verified quickly. Our campaign remains confident that we are on the path to victory in November, and will continue to make the affirmative argument that there is only one candidate for Attorney General with the law enforcement experience required to be Missouri’s next chief law enforcement officer," said Koster.

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.

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.

"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 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.

Sens. Rupp & Coleman File Ethics Complaint Against Koster

UPDATED: KOSTER RESPONDS; QUESTIONS MOTIVES

State Senators Scott Rupp and Maida Coleman have filed an ethics complaint against fellow Sen. Chris Koster's campaign for Attorney General.

The bipartisan complaint alleges that Koster illegally coordinated the funneling of contributions in excess of campaign finance limits into his own campaign fund.

"Creating the Economic Growth Council, whose sole purpose was to redirect contributions in excess of the legal limits. First to legislative party committees and ultimately into his campaign violates the law" said Senator Scott Rupp. "Candidates for Attorney General should be held to highest legal and ethical standard and the questions raised in last week's Associated Press report suggest that Mr. Koster violated the people's trust" said Senator Coleman.

UPDATED . . . Sen. Chris Koster's campaign responded Tuesday afternoon.

"This is yet another political gimmick drummed up by Republicans afraid of running against Koster in the fall and desperate Democratic politicians who know their law enforcement credentials just don't stack up," said spokesperson Danny Kanner. "Maida Coleman is a public Harris supporter, Marion Eisen is a public Donnelly supporter, and in one of the great acts of hypocrisy in Missouri Senate history, Scott Rupp raised nearly $200,000 through 40 separate legislative committees in the final days of his 2006 special election campaign. To consider this anything more than a political stunt is laughable," Kanner added.

"A thorough and timely investigation is warranted here so the people of Missouri know whether a candidate for the States top law enforcement position violated the law and cheated Missourians out of a fair primary election," added Democratic attorney Marion Eisen.

The Missouri Ethics Commission does not comment on complaints. It has until Aug. 6 - the day after the primary election - to rule on the complaint.

The complaint also calls on the Missouri Ethics Commission to freeze the use of the funds received by the Koster for Missouri campaign from the Economic Growth Council.

Koster Camp: $329 K in Quarter 2

UPDATED: HARRIS FINISHES 3rd in Q2

DEM A.G. Race Upside Down

Democratic candidate for Attorney General Chris Koster announced raising more than $300,000 over the last three months. His exact number raised is $329,919.

The Koster campaign announced it has $853,926 on hand to spend, in addition to more than $300,000 of television advertising time already purchased for the closing days of the campaign.

Koster's $853,926 on hand is $319,380 more than rival Margaret Donnelly has to spend.

Poll-leader Rep. Jeff Harris reported raising $117,726 from April 1 through June 30, leaving him with $372,491 in cash on hand. Harris emphasized that his campaign is on target with its fundraising goals. But he fell to 3rd place in quarter fundraising and 3rd place in cash on hand.

"We remain precisely on target with where we expected to be as we head into the final weeks of this campaign," Harris said. "Throughout this race we have been outspent and underestimated, but we have responded with innovative ideas and creative strategies. The latest poll numbers clearly show that our message is resonating and that our belief in the power of everyday Missourians over wealthy special interests is proving successful."

Harris said while his opponents have both made significant loans to their campaigns and Senator Chris Koster "has skirted the campaign finance laws to pad his coffers," he has relied on more than 2,600 individual contributions, including 520 through his website.

Harris has raised more than $75,000 online, "a remarkably impressive figure for a down-ballot statewide campaign," according to the campaign.

Here's the summary

DEM A.G. RACE
Chris Koster $329,919 in 2nd quarter, $863,927 to spend
Margaret Donnelly $216,118 in 2nd quarter, $534,546 to spend
Jeff Harris $119,762 in 2nd quarter, $372,492 to spend

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?***

No Limits

GOV. BLUNT SIGNS REPEAL OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

The donation limits will be lifted Aug. 28th

Sets up no-holds-barred fundraising this fall

This is the 2nd time Blunt has signed a repeal

2006 law repealing the limits was struck down by State Supreme Court

In 1994, 74% of voters approved limits

(UPDATED: NIXON RESPONDS BELOW)

Blunt spokesperson Rich Chrismer:

“By signing this legislation, the governor is making Missouri’s campaign finance system more open and transparent. This legislation enhances disclosure and will help limit the amount of money funneled to politicians through political committees by making it easier for members of the press and the public to find abuses as we have seen with Jay Nixon funneling $19,100 from the target of his supposed criminal investigation and the money laundering scheme uncovered by The Associated Press involving Senator Chris Koster and Jay Nixon’s former Chief of Staff Chuck Hatfield.”

Dems Respond:

“Governor Blunt today told Missouri voters that their wishes don’t matter, especially when they prevent politicians from raking in huge amounts of special-interest cash,” said House Minority Leader Paul LeVota, D-Independence. “The will of nearly 1.2 million Missouri voters was undone by just 107 lawmakers and the governor. Lawmakers who supported repealing the state’s campaign contribution limits will have some explaining to do come November.”

“We will soon have the worst of both worlds,” said Assistant House Minority Leader J.C. Kuessner, D-Eminence. “Politicians can take unlimited amounts from deep-pocketed donors while still being able to hide money from sources they don’t want voters to know about.”

JAY NIXON Responds:

“This is a sad day for everyone who believes that regular Missourians, not wealthy special interests, should have the most powerful voice in electing our leaders. As Governor, I would have vetoed this bill the moment it hit my desk and protected the integrity of our campaign finance system. By signing this bill, Gov. Blunt has cleared the way for big corporations and wealthy interests to give millions to candidates. It’s a clear step in the wrong direction. Needless to say, Missourians are ready for change.”

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.

Koster Weighs in On Death Penalty Case

Democratic candidate for Attorney General Chris Koster weighed into the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling today against the death penalty for child rapists.

Here's his statement:

"In 2003, I prosecuted a rapist who drugged his pre-teen victims and then filmed their rapes. In my heart, I believed that he deserved the death penalty. Although I find myself on the other side of the Court's decision, I accept its ruling."