Zweifel Touts Low-Interest Loan Program

State Treasurer Clint Zweifel was in Springfield Tuesday to tout passage of a program that's designed to help more small businesses and farmers secure low-interest loans.

The expanded linked deposit program allows applicants to borrow loans at lower interest rates.

"Folks, it passed unanimously, which doesn't happen very often in our business," said Zweifel in at Great Southern Bank in Springfield.

*WATCH ZWEIFEL DESCRIBE THE PROGRAM ABOVE*

The Treasurer's office noted that Davis Excavating Company in Rogersville used the program to purchase machines and equipment and Billings & Associates Fine Woodworking in Springfield used the program to expand its cabinet-making business.

Zweifel's expansion includes reinvesting $1 billion dollars an ensuring a 2-3% discount "regardless of what the interest rate is." Says he's helped speed up process for approval from 6 weeks to just one.

Zweifel also said the Treasurer's office would unleash a new marketing push over the next few weeks to make sure the linked deposit program is "touching more parts of the state."

Zweifel Opens It Up

State Treasurer Clint Zweifel has launched a new website that's meant to make it easier to track down government records.

The site includes new documents that haven't ever before been published online.

"The Open Government site provides several documents, such as the MOST 529 Annual Report, which have not previously been available online, and we are continuing to identify similar documents to post online for easier access by the public," Zweifel said.

Zweifel's site now features records of investment results, state fund balances, the Missouri Linked Deposits Review Committee, the Missouri Investment Trust and the Missouri Higher Education Savings Program Board, which oversees the MOST 529 College Savings Plan.

Zweifel: Remove Interest Cap On State Bank Investments

State Treasurer Clint Zweifel is calling on lawmakers to increase eligibility in the state's Linked Deposit Program, to reinvest $1 billion dollars statewide.

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Zweifel's plan would increase eligibility in Linked Deposit and increase the amount of state funds invested in Missouri community banks.

"I am looking forward to talking about Invest in Missouri with all legislative leaders, so that we can start putting investments back into Missouri as soon as possible," Zweifel said Tuesday.

The Linked Deposit Program is designed to place State funds with community banks at below-market rates so the community bank can issue loans to borrowers at a reduced rate. Loan savings are usually 2 to 3 percent to the borrower, according to the Treasurer's office. The program, which has a statutory $720 million cap on it, is about 30-percent utilized currently.

Zweifel's plan would streamline the application process and reduce obstacles for program eligibility.

Current state law actually includes a disincentive, discouraging the state from placing deposits in community banks, according to Zweifel. "Missouri is one of two states in the nation, and the State Government is the only government entity in Missouri, which caps the interest rate taxpayers receive when their funds are invested in community banks," Zweifel said. "By removing the cap, and combining with the Missouri Linked Deposit Program, our office can reinvest $1 billion in Missouri communities."

Zweifel said a changing the interest-rate cap would result in an additional $10 million dollars coming back to taxpayers.

Zweifel Names Key Advisors

Treasurer-elect Clint Zweifel announced Monday his intention to appoint Mark Mathers to the position of Deputy State Treasurer, Angie Heffner Robyn to the position of General Counsel/Director of Policy and Ken Kuster to the temporary position of Special Advisor to the Treasurer.

"Mathers will oversee the administrative, banking and investment functions of the office. Robyn will be responsible for legal, legislative and policy issues in the office. Ken Kuster will join the office for a short term to complete a comprehensive review of the treasurer's office to ensure it is operating efficiently and providing taxpayers the best return on their money," reads the release from Zweifel.

Former Kreider Staffer Part of Zweifel Transition Team

Democratic Treasurer-elect Clint Zweifel named four people to head his transition efforts Tuesday.

One served as the Chief of Staff to Former House Speaker Jim Kreider.

"In these tough economic times, it's imperative that Missourians know that their tax dollars will be handled in the most transparent and prudent manner possible," said Zweifel in a statement Tuesday. "This transition team will help me assemble the most qualified and professional staff to implement important reforms that bring increased accountability and transparency to the Treasurer's Office."

Damon Shelby Porter will serve as Transition Chairman. Porter was both legislative director to former Missouri Speaker Steve Gaw and counsel and Chief of Staff to Speaker Kreider. He was one of the youngest and only African American to serve as a principal advisor to a state legislative presiding officer in the country.

Other members of Zweifel's transition team include:

• Connie Burkhardt, Former Curator, University of Missouri Board of Curators
• Thomas M. Noonan, Former Chairman of the Missouri Bankers Association & Former Vice Chairman of Commerce Bank of St. Louis
• Ken Kuster, Former Director of Audits, State Auditor's Office

Zweifel also praised outgoing Treasurer Sarah Steelman and her staff for a smooth transition process. "Treasurer Steelman and her staff have gone out of their way to make this transition as seamless as possible," Zweifel said. "I appreciate her dedication to the office and look forward to continuing to work with her over the next couple months."

Zweifel Ad Zaps Lager

But Lager Sacks Zweifel With "Big Government Charge"

POOF!

"While I can't make all your problems disappear, I can do something about this guy."

Democratic candidate for State Treasurer Clint Zweifel zaps his Republican opponent --- literally --- in a new ad on Southwest Missouri television right now. Zweifel's ad hits Brad Lager for supporting the 2005 Medicaid cuts and voting to raid "our student loan program," also known as MOHELA.

In a recent interview with KY3 News, we addressed the issue of MOHELA with Lager. He defended his vote as a State Senator, saying that MOHELA still meets it's fundamental mission.

"As the Democrats typically do, they scream and yell and the world's going to come to an end . . . and it hasn't," Lager said to us.

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Lager also said Zweifel lacks "real-world" budget experience and has a history of "bigger government is always better."

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So is Lager a Matt Blunt Republican a Kenny Hulshof Republican or a Sarah Steelman Republican? Click ABOVE to find out.

The Future Face of the Missouri G.O.P.

Republican candidate for Treasurer Brad Lager rallied Springfield Republicans Monday with the help of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

WATCH CLIPS OF LAGER'S COMMENTS ABOVE

"The budget should drive government, not allowing the government to drive the budget," said Lager, after being introduced by State Sen. Delbert Scott.

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Mike Huckabee said Lager got into government for the right reasons, and praised Missouri Republicans, including Gov. Matt Blunt, for transforming a huge deficit into a surplus. Huckabee also teased Lager, calling him "the most cautious man" he's ever met, because Lager dated his wife 13 years before marrying her.

WATCH CLIPS OF HUCKABEE'S COMMENTS BELOW

Lager and Huckabee Stump Monday

In addition to a midday fundraiser Monday, former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee will hold a rally for Republican candidate for Treasurer Brad Lager at Greene County Headquarters.

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The rally will take place at 12:45 p.m.at 2951 East Sunshine (Club G.O.P.)

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Also, Lager goes up on TV in the Ozarks

VIDEO DEVELOPING . . .

Huck To Stump For Lager

Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee will hold a fundraiser for the Republican nominee for Treasurer Brad Lager next Monday, Oct. 20th.
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The V.I.P. Lunch Fundraiser costs $500 and will be held at Noon on 1620 East Republic Road.
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Betty & Neal Ethridge, JoDee & Peter Hershend, Debby & Jim Penn, Debby & Tom Sutherland, Noel Boyd, Jeff Layman, Thelma Neff and Mavis Busiek are all listed as "hosts," on the invitation.
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Zweifel To Blunt: Pay The Guard Faster

The Democratic candidate for State Treasurer is calling on the Blunt administration to fix the 30-day pay lag for activated National Guard members when the respond to emergencies.

The Associated Press reported on the problem last week.

"The Blunt Administration needs to stop putting bureaucratic convenience before the financial security of guard members," Rep. Clint Zweifel said in a statement Monday. "There is no reason with our current technology that a system cannot be created to pay activated guard members in a timely manner," Zweifel added.

"The men and women of the guard are willing to leave their families and civilian jobs at a moments notice when called upon to assist their neighbors in state emergencies," Zweifel said. "The least the state can do is ensure that guard members and their families do not suffer financially because of their sacrifice," he added.
According to the A.P.:

When the governor activates the Guard to help with disasters in Missouri, those soldiers are paid through the state payroll system. The state payroll is done in two-week increments with the paycheck covering one cycle behind for accounting purposes. So work done for the first two weeks of the month is paid at the end of that month. And work done in the second half of the month is paid in the middle of the following month.

Zweifel Slaps Lager on College Tuition

Democratic nominee for State Treasurer Clint Zweifel is taking aim at his Republican opponent for comments he made recently about higher education.

Zweifel said his views on how to help Missourians with college affordability are in "stark contrast" to how Republican Brad Lager views the Treasurer's office.

"Lager told Missourians they were on their own," Zweifel said in a statement Monday. "I believe saving for college is as important as saving for retirement," Lager said to the St. Joseph News-Press. "We cannot continue to have a mentality that government can do everything for everyone ... That’s just a creation of bigger government," Lager reportedly added, when asked about his higher education platform.

Zweifel notes that The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education gives Missouri an "F" for affordability and cited the state for not making any progress on student costs in more than a decade.

"Missouri has the highest public tuition of any state in the Big 12 Conference," Zweifel said. "When we increase cost barriers to higher education, we hold Missouri back.

"At the same time the state is underfunding higher education in Missouri, it is also eliminating opportunities for students and families to reasonably finance their education," Zweifel said, referring to Gov. Matt Blunt's restructuring of the state's higher education loan authority. "As private lenders pull out of the student loan market, students can only look to a crippled MOHELA for loans," Zweifel added.

Part of Zweifel's education plan includes "returning the board to focusing on its original propose of providing low-interest loans." Zweifel also wants to improve MOST, Missouri's college savings program.

"Under Treasurer Steelman, broker and fund manager fees increased for many of the products," reads a Zweifel release. "Clint will ensure it is clear to investors what the costs are for each product so they can make the best investment decision for their family."

Powell Backs Zweifel for Treasurer

Mark Powell proved once again you can pull a heck of a lot of votes without much money or media.

In the Democratic primary for State Treasurer, Powell pulled 92,852 votes against the establishment-favorite and winner Clint Zweifel. Zweifel beat Powell 32%-29%.

Early Thursday, Powell announced he was throwing his support behind the Democratic nominee.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage you to give your full support to Clint in his efforts to become the next state treasurer. I will do whatever I can to help. He is a tremendous young man with unlimited potential," Powell said in an e-mail.

"In addition, Andrea (Simckes) and Charles (Wheeler) are to be commended for their hard work. Running a statewide campaign is not easy, but they made the sacrifice of their time to try to make Missouri a better place for all of us. They are to be commended. I will help them in any future political ventures they should undertake," Powell added.

Zweifel Response to G.O.P. Hits Steelman

WATCH THE ZWEIFEL AD ABOVE

The Democrat is in a 4-way primary

(He's the only one on TV in Southwest Missouri)

Zweifel faces Andria Simckes, Charles Wheeler and Mark Powell on Aug. 5th

Republican Brad Lager is unopposed in his primary

THE ZWEIFEL CAMPAIGN RESPONDS TO THIS PREVIOUS G.O.P. STATEMENT:

"For the last four years, Missouri has had a state treasurer that failed to speak up when irresponsible financial decisions were made, like slashing health care and raiding MOHELA. The Republican establishment is clearly nervous about the possibility of Clint Zweifel bringing needed reforms to the State Treasurer’s Office," said Patrick Lynn, Zweifel’s campaign manager, in a statement to the KY3 Political Notebook.

Zweifel Goes First

LOCAL DONORS LISTED BELOW

In they come . . .

Brace for lots of numbers shooting your way over the next 24-hours. It's moneyball time . . . a completely insider-dog-and pony show that meant to flex political and financial muscle.

State Rep. Clint Zweifel, a Democratic candidate for Treasurer, is the first statewide horse out of the gate. Which, being a numbers guy, probably isn't shocking.

Zweifel reports raising $233,444 between April 1 and June 30th, also known as the 2nd quarter. That's a total of $393,836 for his primary campaign. The most important number right now: He has $281,980 dollars on hand to spend going forward.

"Democrats are responding to our message of fiscal competence and using the state treasurer's office to voice our values on the issues of the day," Zweifel said. "In just four months we have raised upwards of $400,000 from 609 contributors."

The Zweifel campaign claims that during Q2, 42 percent of contributions came from people giving under $100.

Springfield contributions include $500 from Sam Hanra, $20 from Planned Parenthood coordinator Kellie Freeman Rohrbaugh, $100 from Bobbie Lurie, $100 from Teamsters 245 representative Jim Kabell, $50 from Pro-Vote's Kay Mills, $25 from Greene County Sheriff candidate Mike Ramon, $250 from the Law office of Kris Barefield.

Zweifel also netted big contributions from the followingcommittees/groups: $1,350 from 2005 Historic Credit Investors, $1,350 from 2005 Historic Credit Investors I, $1,350 from 2004 Historic Credit Investors, $10,300 from the 135th Democratic committee and $13,000 from the 7th Congressional District.

Pro-Vote Names Zweifel Outstanding Legislator

Missouri's Pro-Vote coalition has named Rep. Clint Zweifel the outstanding legislator of the year.

Zweifel, who represents Hazelwood and Florissant in St. Louis County, is running for the Democratic nomination for State Treasurer.

"Clint has helped lead Democratic policy strategy in Jefferson City on important issues like early childhood education, privacy rights and helping seniors cope with property taxes. During his three terms in Jefferson City, Clint has emerged as a leader on state finances where he serves as the ranking member on the Ways and Means Committee and the Special Committee on Tax Reform. Since being elected, Clint has received a 100% on Pro-Vote's annual Legislative Scorecard every year," reads the Pro-Vote release.

"Clint has been a true champion for hard-working Missouri families on the issues that matter to all of us," said Greg Shufeldt, Political Director for Missouri Progressive Vote Coalition. "We are proud to recognize the great work and accomplishments of Representative Zweifel."

Zweifel will be formally recognized at the annual Pro-Vote Awards Dinner this fall on September 27th in St. Louis

"Tell Me How I'm Supposed To Breathe With No Air"

Clint Zweifel's campaign office doesn't have an air conditioner --- and his Democratic campaign for Treasurer is now trying to use that inconvenience as a fundraising tool.

Zweifel's campaign sent out a fundraising e-mail to supporters today noting that a contribution of $325 can buy an air conditioner.

"I wanted to thank everyone for all their financial support to date. In three short months we have gone from no campaign to an office, staff and even a microwave - but no air conditioning yet," said Zweifel campaign manager Patrick Lynn.

Then, of course, there's the plea to donate.

Other donation references for you to ponder:

• One 30-second campaign commercial during the evening news in Kansas City is $700.


• In St. Louis it can cost $1200.


• $25 buys 60 stamps.


• $50 buys a radio commercial


• $675 buys 1900 brochures


• $1350 buys 30 seconds of television

The second quarter fundraising deadline is June 30th.

Powell Zaps Steelman on Audit

Democratic candidate for State Treasurer Mark Powell is seizing on a state audit to criticize Sarah Steelman's management of the office she currently holds.

An audit released by Susan Montee revealed that leave taken by Deputy State Treasurer Doug Gaston to work on Steelman's campaign for Governor was not reported in a timely matter.

“This gross oversight by the current State Treasurer further indicates the need to have professional management of the treasurer’s office. The Deputy State Treasurer is paid more than $92,000 per year, is expected to be in the office working for the state, and is expected to be a financial professional, not a political campaign aide to the treasurer," said Powell in a statement.

Powell also criticized Steelman for making an "irresponsible" campaign promise in 2004 to bring "three billion dollars" back to Missouri. "[It] was an impossible promise to uphold and nothing more than political pandering to the banking industry and to the voters. It made for a good campaign line, and it got her votes, but there’s more to being the treasurer than talk and campaign promises. In all actuality, there was $2 billion invested in federal obligations in 2004, not $3 billion. Today there is $3.5 billion invested in those same federal securities, an increase of 75%, rather than the reduction promised by her," Powell said.

In other Treasurer's race news, Rep. Clint Zweifel is up with a new website for his candidacy for Treasurer. www.ClintforTreasurer.com features an interactive map allowing visitors to view endorsements Zweifel has received based on geographic region. Zweifel also offers a campaign blog. Zweifel is thought of as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for Treasurer.

Zweifel Snags Endorsements

***85th ANNUAL JACKSON DAYS***
LAMPE, NORR, KUESSNER PICK SIDES FOR TREASURER

Rep. Clint Zweifel announced three legislative endorsements at the Greene County Jackson Days event Saturday.

Rep. Sara Lampe, Rep. Charlie Norr and Rep. J.C. Kuessner all officially announced their support of Zweifel for State Treasurer. Zweifel is in a 4-way primary battle for the Democratic nomination.

"Clint and I have worked together through the Special Committee on Retirement. He will bring his strong commitment to protecting Missouri retirees and helping seniors cope with property taxes to the office of State Treaurer," Lampe said in a statement distributed at a candidate breakfast Saturday morning.

"I have been impressed by Clint's understanding of taxes, investing state funds and the state budget. He truly stands for Democratic values," Lampe added.

"Clint will use his experience and leadership to promote policy solutions to the growing cost of higher education in our state," Rep. Norr said. "Missouri's Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) faces its' first loss in a 28-year history and no one knows what that will mean for our young people who want to go to college," added Norr.

Rep. Kuessner called Zweifel a "leader in all areas of state finances" in the Missouri legislature.

"(He) will make an outstanding State Treasurer," Kuessner said.

Zweifel: Simckes "Still Hasn't Answered The Question"

Rep. Clint Zweifel, a Democratic candidate for Treaurer, still isn't sure whether one of his opponents for the nomination supports the Missouri "Civil Rights Initiative," a Ward Connerly-sponsored ballot initiative.

Andria Smickes recently told the KY3 Political Notebook she is a "supporter of the right to equal opportunity for all Americans."

"She still hasn't answered the question," said Rep. Zweifel in an interview. "It hasn't been answered," he added, but refused to speculate on why.

"She's had two ample opportunities to answer this question, and we haven't seen that yet. I think as candidates, it is important for us to make our policy positions clear. She hasn't done that," Zweifel added.

Another Democratic operative backing Zweifel put it this way: "There's only two reasons. She either doesn't want to admit she was ignorant about the initiative, or she doesn't want to admit she was supporting it," the Democrat said.

On the politics of the Democratic race for Treasurer, Zweifel said he would begin to spend more time in Southwest Missouri, and that while he's strong in the St. Louis region, he would not take the rest of the state for granted.

"There are still a lot of independent voters down there," Zweifel replied, when I asked him if it was worth spending time in the Ozarks for a Democratic primary. "We may not be talking to them as much in the primary, but looking to the general, Greene County is very important. It's growing and we have to make sure we connect with those independent voters," he said.

"The two or three county strategy may produce a victory sometimes, but it's not the best way to govern," Zweifel added.

Zweifel also said he would have "exciting news" to announce at this weekend's Jackson Days in Springfield. He would not elaborate.

Simckes: "I Am A Supporter of Equal Opportunity"

ALSO SAYS MCCASKILL, TEMPORITI CAN'T ENDORSE

In an e-mail to the KY3 Political Notebook Monday, Democratic candidate for Treasurer Andria Simckes said that she is a supporter of "the right to equal opportunity for all."

It's still unclear whether Simckes supports the Civil Rights Initiative, an issue that was thrown into the spotlight by rival Rep. Clint Zweifel earlier Monday.

Because we were unable to connect by phone, I sent Simckes the following two questions:

1) Do you support the Civil Rights Initiative? At the gathering last week, it appeared in answering a question about it, you replied, "I am a supporter." I'd just like to clarify that.

Simckes replied via e-mail: "The correct response is that I am a supporter of the right to equal opportunity for all Americans."

2) Also, on the endorsement comment. Do you still believe that Sen. McCaskill and John Temporiti are privately supporting you? And do you believe you received their endorsement?

Via e-mail, Simckes wrote, "I am in a contested primary. There are four qualified Democrats running for Missouri State Treasurer. Sen. McCaskill and John Temporiti can not endorse any candidate in contested primaries."

So does that solve any of it?

I'll let you be the judge.